Volunteer

Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Name: Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 27186
Rating: 4.87 (67 reviews)

Hosted by

International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

4.87 (67 reviews)

Good for

Solo Travelers

Students

Adventure travelers

Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

4.87 · 67 reviews

Community Choice Award Winner

Location

Sri Lanka
- Kandy

Length

1 to 12 weeks

Project Types

Childcare Community Development Building Projects Conservation Sea Turtle Conservation Teaching Medical Elderly Care Disabled Care

View Other Details

Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Guesthouse Host Family

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

380

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $380 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 01, 2024

Last Reviewed: Jan 20, 2026

Wish List

19 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Sri Lanka and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ.

Our affordable projects start from $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-12 weeks. Choose from 8 projects, ranging from Medical and Teaching to Turtle Conservation in the bustling city of Kandy, peaceful rural Hanguranketha, ancient Dambulla, remote Dambana, picturesque Ambalangoda, and wildlife-filled Wasgamuwa. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Volunteers appreciate the program’s flexibility to try multiple projects, supportive staff, and meaningful work with children, wildlife, and communities.

AI-generated summary from verified community reviews Read reviews →

Video and Photos

Teaching volunteer in Sri Lanka with IVHQ

IVHQ Temple renovation volunteer in Sri Lanka

Program Highlights

Cheapest volunteer programs from $27/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
Volunteer for 1-12 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Childcare Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

Childcare Volunteer in Kandy

Volunteers on this project assist at a childcare center in Kandy. You can gain experience in childcare while giving overworked local staff an extra hand and helping them provide high quality care and attention to their charges.

Medical Volunteer in Kandy

If you're a medical student keen to learn and observe at a training hospital in Kandy - this is the opportunity for you! Volunteers shadow local staff in a wide range of departments and gain insight into many different clinical practices while the people of Sri Lanka get better access to affordable healthcare.

Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in Sri Lanka

Construction and Renovation Volunteer in Kandy

If you are physically able and love to get stuck into it then this project will allow you to assist with repairs and upgrades to Buddhist temples, schools and pre-schools in Kandy. Volunteers gain building maintenance experience while local infrastructure gets kept in good condition. Improvements to these community buildings can help make them safer, more functional and more attractive to the people who use them.

Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka

Turtle Conservation Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Turtles are always a popular project - in this program you can help rehabilitate injured turtles and boost conservation around the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Gain conservation and reptile care experience while assisting with a wide range of tasks that contribute to the goal of increasing the turtle population in the area so these incredible creatures can thrive well into the future.

Program Reviews

4.87 Rating

based on 67 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 86.57%
4 rating 13.43%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.65
Support 4.9
Fun 4.8
Value 4.7
Safety 4.8

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 65 - 67 of 67 reviews

My experience teaching the Buddhist monks English was an unforgettable and inspiring experience. I taught them and I also learnt a lot from them. The young boys were so placid and sweet. One day they took us to the Temple and showed us how to meditate. It was so peaceful and I will always remember my time with the Monks. I also loved meeting other volunteers and made some lovely friends.

What would you improve about this program?

There is nothing that I would change about the program.

Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Kathy, It’s great to hear that you had such an unforgettable time volunteering in Sri Lanka with IVHQ. Thank you for sharing your experience.

By IVHQ on October 8, 2014

The programs are very well organised, with staff always checking that things are running smoothly and ethically and the communication is great. The accommodation in Kandy and Ambalangoda are fantastic. There are a lot of programs to choose from and there was more being organised when I was there. Overall the volunteer organisations were fantastic. Would definitely go again.

As an 18 year old, I had no idea what to expect going to a third world country to volunteer. It was the most amazing experience, and the children show their appreciation for your help with the smiles on their faces. Language isn't a barrier. The most difficult experience in my opinion is getting used to the constant hustle and rush people always seem to be in, however after a few days you become accustomed to their ways and join in on the hustle and bustle yourself. I loved everything about working at the baby orphanage, playing with them, feeding them, changing their diapers, making them smile and laugh, drying their tears, but most of all just giving them the love they need. My journey is not one I will ever forget.

Questions & Answers

Would you recommend staying in a home stay or volunteer center?

Hi, I stayed in a volunteer house during my 3 week stay in Sri Lanka. It was the best experience as you make new friends whereby you go out on the weekends, play board games and go on walks after work each day. It's truly amazing meeting and being together with so many people from different countries. The girls who did home stay tended to come to the volunteer house after volunteer work as they...

By Christina Rucker on January 4, 2017

See all 2 answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose these programs as I have always wanted to work with children and teach, especially in rural areas in another country. Sri Lanka offered me all of my heritage and more so felt it was meant to be.

The two programs were so different yet full of richness and opportunity, working with children our future...

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

IVHQ was brilliant they organized everything from application, registration, accommodation, and transport.
They helped with the program selection however this was flexible and could be changed on arrival which I thought was good. The team was always on hand if you had any questions. They also had a team call with all volunteers so you could get to know them and see what others were asking which I thought was a great idea

I just needed to provide my documents, such as my CV, police check for the registration

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be open-minded, and embrace the journey and cultures! It will be different and difficult at times but it will also be the most rewarding journey you will experience. We are so blessed that we forget the basics in our everyday life.
These programs touch you in more ways than you will ever understand so I would say don't put it off do it today!

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You have breakfast at 730 and then head for the first program - a nursery school from 8 am to 12:30, During this time you assist the teachers with all activities, reading, painting, games, and feeding the children who are between 2- 5 years old.

You go back to the volunteer's house for lunch and then 3 pm - 5 pm you go to the village to teach the village kids. There is no structure, you don't know what's been taught before either so you have to engage with the children to understand them and what you think will benefit them. The children (aged between 8 - and 12) are amazingly keen to learn, full of enthusiasm and so thankful for your presence. The teaching was so variable as you can cover so much with them such as Basic Maths, English spelling, Countries and Maps, and fun activities. You walk feeling blessed to be in their presence!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Being on my own, at the age of 56 I had never been away on my own (unless it was through work) so being in another country on my own was a little worrying however I got support from the beginning from the program facilitators here and in Sri Lanka so felt as I was part of a family from the offset. I just had to be open with communication and engage with other volunteers as we were all on our own!

Write and answer your own question.

For those who are thinking of volunteering, my only message to them is to do it now! Life is too short and YOU can make a difference to so many people, programs, and lives including yours. I started the program thinking I wanted to give something back and make a difference, but I feel as if the program was a gift to me, I am honored to have been able to experience something that so many will never get the chance to do. It has altered my perspective in life and it's something I will do again. Why Not eh? You get a chance not just to volunteer but to learn about other cultures and countries combining it with a holiday too!!

Judy Low

2018 Alum

Sierra Archer

2017 Alum

Maggi Obrien

2016 Alum

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s #1 rated and largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 40+ countries - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. For...

Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Sri Lanka Volunteer Programs from $27/day | Most Affordable & Trusted