Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope of green tea hills, golden beaches and colourful festivals – a country where every corner feels alive with warmth and spirit. Choosing to volunteer in Sri Lanka means stepping beyond the guidebook and into daily life, where real connections happen.
The Green Lion offers programs in Kandy, Ambalangoda, Mawanella and Hikkaduwa, each with its own personality and charm. You might teach in local schools, work on Medical Outreach, support Construction & Renovation, join Community Development projects or help with Turtle Conservation. You can also dive into wellness weeks, beach adventures or our epic Sri Lanka Road Trip if you want a taste of everything.
Start with Culture Week in Kandy to learn about traditions, food and local etiquette the perfect foundation before diving into your project. During free time, explore ancient temples, surf warm waves, watch elephants roam or hop on the famous coastal trains.
Whether you’re here to teach, protect wildlife, focus on community health or just experience local life in a deeper way, Sri Lanka offers a rare blend of purpose and paradise and memories that will stick with you forever.
Our Programs
Sample Programs
Sri Lanka Medical | 9 Days
Join a 9-day group medical tour in Sri Lanka with hospital shadowing, cultural visits, and women’s health education in Kandy.
Sri Lanka | 21 Days
From Temples to Turtles: A Shared Journey Across Sri Lanka. Join a Sri Lanka group volunteer adventure: 21 days of community work, elephants, beaches & culture from Kandy to Hikkaduwa.
Sri Lanka | 10 Days
Serve, Explore, Connect & Culture With Your Group. Discover Sri Lanka on this 10-day group program with community projects, Kandy excursions, elephant sanctuary and cultural immersion.
Sri Lanka: Culture + Elephant Experience | 21 Days
Experience Sri Lanka’s culture in Kandy, then help care for elephants in Mawanella on this 3-week journey.
Sri Lanka: Culture + Turtle Conservation | 21 Days
Discover Kandy’s culture, then help protect sea turtles on Ambalangoda’s stunning coast.
Sri Lanka: Culture + Volunteering + Adventure | 28 Days
Discover Sri Lanka’s culture, teach in Kandy, and trek stunning highlands in this immersive 4-week adventure.
Sri Lanka: Road Trip | 21 Days
Explore Sri Lanka’s stunning beaches, lush highlands, and ancient cities on a four-week road trip that blends adventure, culture, and impact.
Partner-exclusive Programs
Construction and Renovation
Community Impact
Medical Outreach
Women Empowerment
Elephant Coexistence
Turtle Conservation
Teaching
Renovation and Restoration
Mind and Body
Beach Mind and Body
Sri Lanka Trekking Week
Sri Lanka Explorer
Human Resources Internship
Physiotherapy Internship
Midwifery Internship
Teaching Internship
Nursing Internship
More Information
What Can I Do in My Free Time?
Sri Lanka is all about lush mountains, lively beaches and colourful culture. In Kandy, you can visit sacred temples, explore local markets or walk around the scenic lake. In Mawanella, enjoy quiet village life, visit spice gardens or take peaceful walks through tea plantations. By the coast in Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa, you can relax on beaches, join surf lessons, visit turtle conservation projects or explore street art and local cafés. On weekends, explore waterfalls, ancient cities or take a train ride through the hills for stunning views.
How Much Should I Budget Per Day?
Sri Lanka is very budget-friendly. Plan for around LKR 2,500–4,500 per day (about €7–€12 or US$8–$13) for local transport, snacks and extras, since meals are usually included in your program. Street food and small cafés are cheap and tasty, and tuk-tuks, buses and trains make travel affordable. Allow more for longer weekend adventures.
When’s the Best Time to Travel to Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Kandy, Mawanella and the southwest coast (Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa) is December to April, when it’s sunny and dry. May to September is better for the east coast. The island is warm year-round, but some rain is expected depending on the region and season. Showers are often brief and pass quickly.
Food in Sri Lanka
Meals are included in your program and often feature rice, fresh vegetables, curries and fruit. Popular dishes include kottu roti, dhal curry, hoppers and sambol. Vegetarian options are common and easy to find. If you want extra treats, local bakeries and street stalls offer cheap and tasty snacks.
Getting Around in Sri Lanka
Getting around is part of the adventure. In towns, you can walk or take tuk-tuks. For longer trips, trains and buses are scenic and budget-friendly. Your local team can help plan routes or arrange safe, reliable transport for weekend trips and day tours.
Culture in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan culture is deeply shaped by Buddhism and local traditions. You’ll see temples, festivals and daily rituals in all program locations. Modest dress is important at religious sites, and removing shoes before entering temples is a must. Locals are kind and curious, and learning a few words in Sinhala or Tamil is appreciated.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, usually 26–30°C. Weather varies by region, so check before you travel. Bring lightweight clothes, a rain jacket and modest outfits for temple visits. Sun protection is essential, especially on the coast.
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