Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Palm trees, sandy beaches, rickshaw rides and spicy jackfruit curry are just some of the delights awaiting anyone looking to volunteer in Sri Lanka, making it an exciting destination for a volunteer project or overseas work placement. Our specialist voluntary projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world, including professionals on a career break, recent graduates or retired seniors.

Located just off the tip of Southern India, the former Portuguese, Dutch and British colony of Sri Lanka is a place of undeniable beauty, teeming with wildlife and tropical vegetation. The country’s population is multi-religious, multi-ethnic and highly educated, with good access to clean water and sanitation. On the face of things, the country is moving forward with a growing economy and successful new industries adding to traditional income from tourism and spices. However, following the recent tsunami and fighting in the northern region, many people have been left homeless and in the clutches of poverty. Skilled volunteers looking for jobs overseas can use their knowledge and skills to provide much needed help to these ravaged communities. Your work will make a difference, helping to breathe new life into struggling sectors of the country. Away from work, you will have the chance to explore the vast number of national parks, bathe under waterfalls, spot tigers on safari or snorkel off one of many stunning beaches.

Volunteer skills required in Sri Lanka

Projects Abroad Pro are looking for confident, friendly and well-organised people who have an open-minded approach to working in a developing country. We offer numerous opportunities for qualified individuals interested in taking part in skilled voluntary work in Sri Lanka. Each project has specific requirements regarding qualifications, but any related experience you may have will also be taken into consideration when you apply.

Projects Abroad Pro run specialist voluntary placements in Sri Lanka, based just outside the city of Colombo, in the south of the country. Volunteers work on a wide range of specialist projects including teaching in schools, social work in orphanages, practicing medicine and physiotherapy in hospitals, and journalism with a newspaper. Each of these projects can be viewed in more detail, along with an in-depth description of the specific qualifications required, by following the links at the top of the page.

Even if you feel you do not possess the required skills or qualifications for these specialist roles, you can still help on the same projects. Please visit our website for more information about volunteering in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka at a glance

• Full name: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
• Population: 19.4 million
• Capital: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura (administrative)
• Largest city: Colombo
• Area: 65,610 sq km (25,332 sq miles)
• Major languages: Sinhala, Tamil, English
• Major religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity
• Life expectancy: 69 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: Sri Lankan rupee
• Main exports: Clothing and textiles, tea, gems, rubber, coconuts
• GNI per capita: US $1,540
• Internet domain: .lk