Meaningful volunteer work in tropical Sri Lanka
Quick facts
- Population: 20.2 million
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
- Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- Interesting fact: Home to world’s first female Prime Minister
Sri Lanka is a beautiful tear-drop shaped island located just off the coast of the Indian subcontinent in the tropical climes of the Indian Ocean.
Famed for its magnificent white beaches, exotic landscape and rich culture, Sri Lanka is a stunning destination to volunteer abroad.
Development issues in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka’s recent history has been tarnished by violence and conflict, government figures suggest that its infrastructure is relatively well developed compared to many of its South Asian neighbours. However, what these figures fail to show is the huge disparity between urban and rural areas.
In 2008 the World Bank found that 88% of poor Sri Lankans lived in rural areas with an estimated 29% of children being affected by malnutrition. Lack of government investment means that many villages are isolated from the benefits of tourism, creating a real need for the support of individuals volunteering in Sri Lanka.
Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Volunteer abroad in Sri Lanka and you can help rural communities to support themselves and develop the skills and confidence they need to escape poverty. We offer diverse volunteer work, including temple construction, childcare, care for the elderly and volunteer teaching. By volunteering in Sri Lanka you can work alongside local people and Buddhist monks, immersing yourself in local communities and helping those in greatest need.
Teaching
TeachingRural Sri Lankans rely on education as a means to escape poverty and hardship. Help improve access to education by volunteer teaching in traditional village communities and Buddhist temple schools in the region surrounding Kandy.
Childcare
ChildcarePoverty in rural Sri Lanka forces children into orphanages that are poorly-equipped to provide proper care. Orphanage volunteer work can help to support child welfare and brighten the lives of disadvantaged children.
