Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka That You Need to Know About

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka as a volunteer! Often called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, it’s not hard to see why. With spectacular beaches, thick jungles, and incredible biodiversity, Sri Lanka is one of the most distinctive locales in the world.

Nature lovers are drawn to the crystal clear blue waters of the south coast (home to the best scuba diving locations in the world) and delight at the largest natural gatherings of Asian elephants and leopards, while adventurers explore the towering rock-face of Adam’s peak.

The unique culture of the island nation can be seen in the ancient remains of the mountain fortresses and the diverse mix of languages and faiths in its cities and towns. Sri Lanka’s unique cuisine is a delight for foodies, and social media influencers have no shortage of breathtaking vistas and backdrops.

Why volunteer in Sri Lanka?

Volunteering in Sri Lanka is the best way to truly experience the culture, forge bonds with locals, and build a more sustainable, empowered future. While a casual tourist may stay a week and leave, a volunteer in Sri Lanka will have the special chance to give back to the communities that need it most.

By assisting others in Sri Lanka, you will build friendships, experience adventure, and have unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. It also means that you are part of a rising eco-friendly movement that empowers the places you visit, as opposed to polluting them.

From protecting wild elephants to helping build schools, there’s a wide array of fun and meaningful Sri Lanka volunteer programs to explore. 

10 best volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka

1. GoEco: Sri Lanka Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation

Sri Lankan beaches are regarded as some of the best preserved in the world. Famous for their brilliant blue color and containing rare and endangered marine life, the most prized of all are the local turtle species. These turtles lay eggs on the beach, but modern encroachment and pollution threaten these vulnerable hatcheries. Many baby turtles are defenseless and die before reaching maturity—even grown turtles can become incapacitated and require assistance. Help rehabilitate sea turtles, protect eggs in hatcheries, and experience the rich beaches and waters on the Sri Lankan coast during this program.

• Where? Ambalangoda
• When? Year round 
• Duration? 1-12 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews

2. International Working Holidays: Teach English to Children in Need 

With less than half of the population able to speak English, Sri Lanka has made it a priority to increase English fluency in a country that increasingly relies on commerce and tourism. As a volunteer teaching in Sri Lanka, you can teach kindergarten and primary school students the basics of English; no TEFL certification required! Build friendships with students and change lives as you volunteer at local schools. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to take part in authentic cultural exchange, or for those who want to build teaching experience in a meaningful way.

• Where? Galle
• When? Year round
• Duration? 2-12 weeks
• Read International Working Holidays reviews

3. GoEco: Dog Care and Veterinary Assistance

Sri Lanka is an incredible place where the boundary between nature and human settlements is often blurred—but this also means that a lot of animals get left behind in the fray. Whether it’s the thousands of stray dogs or wild monkeys whose canopies have been replaced with buildings, there are animals in Sri Lanka that need help. Luckily, there are animal shelters rushing in to assist. Help rehabilitate, clean, and improve the lives of abandoned animals. Many of these shelters help nurse stranded animals back to health and even find them homes. Situated in the beautiful beach town of Galle, this is a perfect placement for animal lovers.   

• Where? Galle
• When? Year round
• Duration? 2-12 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews 

4. Volunteering Journeys: Medical Placement

If you are a medical student at any level looking to increase your skills and help those in need, then this is the program for you. Those living in rural Sri Lanka often have trouble accessing the country’s health infrastructure. By volunteering, you can gain insight into global healthcare and medical systems. Whatever your medical discipline, you can change lives alongside local doctors and medical personnel. This experience is perfect for those who want to explore the culture and lifestyle of Sri Lanka while helping improve medical outcomes for rural residents.

• Where? Rural Sri Lanka
• When? Year round
• Duration? 2-12 weeks
• Read Volunteering Journeys reviews

5. NGOabroad: Democracy Building and Political Science

Sri Lanka is a republic, but is still working to fight corruption and build good governance. Come join a democracy building program! Although the nation’s civil war ended more than a decade ago, the scar of the conflict means that citizens often have trouble getting their grievances addressed by the government. By researching and collaborating with locals on how to confront issues on a village level, you can help ensure that citizens can work with their local government. Join organizations that teach locals about how to respond to corruption, identify fraud, and monitor elections. If you’re interested in political science and justice, this is the program for you. 

• Where? Throughout Sri Lanka
• When? Year round
• Duration? Varies
• Read NGOabroad reviews

6. GoEco: Wild Elephant Conservation and Research

Sri Lanka is home to the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world. These elephants are beloved by locals and travelers alike, but they are endangered. For nature lovers, there is no better opportunity to protect these majestic animals in their natural habitats. Work to locate sources of Human-Elephant conflict, identify key areas that need improvement, and work to educate locals about sustainable practices for a peaceful coexistence. See Asian elephants in person and gain invaluable wildlife research skills. Experience Sri Lankan culture and have meaningful experiences protecting these rare animals!

• Where? Rural Sri Lanka
• When? Year round
• Duration? 1-12 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews

7. NGOabroad: Improving Life in the Slums

Due to government neglect, many slums in Sri Lanka have been left behind and fallen into degradation. This imperils the health and wellbeing of those who live in them. To counter this, join an organization dedicated to improving waste management, recycling, urban planning, and micro-finance loans in Sri Lanka’s slums. As a volunteer, you will be spearheading efforts to confront global poverty. Build life-changing relationships with the communities you serve in. Experience Sri Lankan culture and work with residents to empower these communities. This program is perfect for those interested in public health or community development. 

• Where? Throughout Sri Lanka
• When? Year round
• Duration? 2-12 weeks
• Read NGOabroad reviews

8. Volunteering Journeys: School Renovation Program 

Many schools in Sri Lanka lack key resources to provide their students with books and other learning opportunities. Without these resources, children miss out on crucial educational opportunities. As a volunteer, you can help renovate these locations into dynamic learning environments. You will redesign learning spaces, beautify the premises, plant gardens, and construct libraries. This is a wonderful opportunity to teach children and change lives in these communities. For those interested in education and art, this program allows you to teach artistic expression, paint murals, and teach children at local schools. 

• Where? Galle
• When? Year round
• Duration? 2-12 weeks
• Read Volunteering Journeys reviews

9. NGOabroad: Administrative Assistance for International Development

Interested in NGOs? This is the perfect way to see how NGOs operate on the ground level. Many organizations in Sri Lanka link workers and volunteers to those they need to help. This is a chance to work at one such organization. As an assistant, you will see the logistical and practical steps these institutions take to serve those in need. For anyone who wants to explore how NGOs connect and network to volunteers, this is the right program for you. This program is especially great for those who want to learn more about how NGOs build international networks. 

• Where? Colombo Central
• When? Year round
• Duration? 1-12 weeks
• Read NGoabroad reviews 

10. Volunteering Journeys: Teaching and Kindergarten Volunteering 

For those interested in volunteer teaching in Sri Lanka, this is the program for you. Sri Lanka is experiencing a massive gap between urban and rural education access. Many rural students rely on local temples to serve as places of learning, but these centers are often under-resourced. As a volunteer, you will be able to enrich the lives of students as well as experience the ancient temple schools of Sri Lanka. Anyone interested in teaching will find this experience a one-of-a-kind opportunity to grow as a teacher in a unique environment and build friendships with locals.