Volunteer in Sri Lanka

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Sri Lanka Childcare Volunteers

As a childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka, you can play a crucial role in bringing joy and positivity to the lives of children from challenging backgrounds. By supporting their early education and promoting a positive outlook, you’ll help lay the foundations for a brighter future. The projects we partner with focus on providing essential early years education, and your encouragement and dedication can make a lasting difference in the local community. Every moment you spend with these children helps to create opportunities for them to thrive.

Background to the Childcare Program

In Sri Lanka, children can attend preschool between the ages of 3 and 5. However, many government-run preschools struggle with limited resources and overcrowding, often relying on just one or two teachers to manage large groups of young children. As a result, many children miss out on vital early developmental opportunities that help prepare them for school and foster essential socio-emotional skills.

The involvement of a childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka provides young children with the unique chance to be introduced to the English language at an early age. This exposure can boost their confidence and lay the foundation for future English learning, which in turn can open the door to improved opportunities later in life.

By choosing to volunteer in Sri Lanka with children, you’ll enjoy a deeply rewarding experience that welcomes people from all backgrounds. Your time and support can make a real difference in ensuring these children get a positive start in their education and development. As a childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll play a vital role in assisting local preschool teachers, providing valuable help and encouragement. Additionally, you can explore a range of animal volunteering abroad projects in Sri Lanka to expand your impact.

Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples

Happy Hearts – Opened by our local team on 8th January 2024, Happy Hearts is located a 20-minute drive from the Volunteer House and hosts around 20-30 children daily, aged 3-4 years old. These children come from low or no-income families and are referred by the divisional secretary office as families requiring financial support.

This project is fully funded by the Program Fee and provides free early childhood education and exposure to English for these children, opportunities they might not otherwise have. The children also receive essential items such as stationery, bags, shoes, and uniforms. Happy Hearts is led by a main teacher with over 15 years of teaching experience.

The project supports children from five local villages and is still developing, which is where your role as a childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka becomes invaluable. By assisting the teacher in structuring the day and caring for the children, you’ll play a crucial role in the growth and success of this program.

Urban Council Preschools – Every childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka has the chance to support a network of preschools in Ambalangoda. PMGY works with up to eight preschools in the local community, each with a different background. Some preschools are free for children to attend, while others charge small administrative fees. However, the children attending these schools typically come from low-income families and challenging circumstances.

Your role will involve providing much-needed support to the local community and working parents, many of whom are employed in local cinnamon or garment factories. These preschools offer a safe space for children aged 3-4 years old to enjoy early education and development while their parents work to support their families.

Volunteers will support the preschool teachers with basic education and creative activities. This might include leading dance and exercise sessions, teaching poems, distributing snacks, and organising arts and crafts projects. During school holidays, the Happy Hearts Preschool & Day Care Centre often becomes the site for holiday camps, where volunteers lead fun activities for the children.

By volunteering with children in Sri Lanka, you’ll help create a nurturing and enriching environment that makes a lasting difference in the lives of these young learners and their families.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day

As a childcare volunteer in Sri Lanka, your primary role is to nurture and care for the children, helping to build their confidence and support their early development. Your efforts will enable these children to maximise their potential. You will volunteer in Sri Lanka from Monday to Friday, with morning preschool sessions typically running from 9am to 11:30am. Some preschools may have slightly earlier or extended hours if you wish to contribute more. In the afternoons, you can assist with community education projects for additional involvement. Placement locations are usually about 30 minutes away and are reached by tuk-tuk or private minibus.

Your time on the childcare volunteer abroad program will focus on teaching English and enhancing early childhood development. You will work alongside local teachers to run engaging preschool activities, creating a safe and stimulating environment for the children. Activities include arts and crafts, singing, dancing, games, and basic English teaching. Through these creative and interactive sessions, you’ll help children build essential skills and lay the groundwork for their future education.

We encourage volunteers on the Sri Lanka volunteer program to use imaginative and educational activities to capture the children’s attention and inspire their learning. You could introduce vocabulary through fun games, create colourful posters to teach topics, or use items in the preschool for counting exercises. Additionally, your volunteer work in Sri Lanka may include light housekeeping tasks such as meal preparation or assisting with the children’s hygiene needs.

Working with young children is less structured than teaching older students. Much of their language learning happens through play and interaction, meaning even simple words and phrases can have a significant impact on their progress. Our local team is always available to support you with ideas and activities to enhance your sessions. If you volunteer with children in Sri Lanka, preparing creative and age-appropriate activities will be an essential part of your experience.

Sri Lanka Dog Volunteers

Life as a dog in Sri Lanka is far from easy. As a Sri Lanka dog rescue volunteer, one of the first things you’ll notice is the sheer number of stray dogs roaming the beaches and streets. Many of these animals struggle to find enough food, shelter, and care, which drastically shortens their lifespan. The growing issue of rabies in Sri Lanka adds to their challenges. By volunteering, you’ll play a vital role in protecting and caring for these incredible canines while fostering a stronger, more compassionate bond between animals and the local community.

Background to the Dog Program

The growing number of street dogs in Sri Lanka presents significant challenges, including poor treatment, severe injuries, malnutrition, untreated diseases, and the ongoing threat of rabies. This situation often leads to fear within the community, resulting in mistreatment of stray dogs and a lack of awareness about how to help them.

Rabies is a deadly disease transmitted by various animals, with dogs being the primary carriers in Sri Lanka. The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals, often via bites or contact with open wounds. Until efforts to eliminate rabies intensify, the threat will persist. Dog bite cases are common in Sri Lanka, raising concerns for both locals and tourists and placing a heavy financial burden on government hospitals treating victims.

Recently, the Sri Lankan Government has adopted more humane methods to control the stray dog population and combat rabies, focusing on neutering and vaccinating dogs. This approach has significantly reduced the number of human rabies deaths and related incidents. Our mission is to build on these efforts within the local community with the support of volunteer work in Sri Lanka.

Providing vaccinations and neutering helps manage the stray dog population and reduces the risk of disease, particularly rabies. Many female strays give birth to multiple litters each year, with puppies often abandoned at temples or along roadsides. These puppies face low survival rates due to disease, malnutrition, or road accidents. This is where Sri Lanka dog rescue volunteers make a difference, supporting a project dedicated to offering a safe refuge for abandoned dogs.

Dog Rescue Volunteer Placement Example

Bring Them Home Dog Shelter – This animal care volunteer program focuses on improving the lives of street dogs in the local area. As a Sri Lanka dog rescue volunteer, you’ll support a project dedicated to providing a safe home for abandoned, sick, and disabled dogs. The shelter offers daily care, vaccinations, rehabilitation, and works tirelessly to find these dogs loving new homes. Your involvement plays a crucial role in ensuring every dog gets the care and affection they need while also contributing to the prevention of rabies and fostering better relationships between the community and its canine residents.

The shelter operates an on-call rescue service to transport injured, disabled, or abandoned dogs to safety. Once at the project, dogs undergo a general health check and receive appropriate treatment. At the shelter, each Sri Lanka animal volunteer can observe or assist the vet during check-ups, vaccinations, medical treatments, or minor surgeries. Unvaccinated dogs rescued from the streets are isolated upon arrival to ensure the safety of all animals at the shelter. Once vaccinated, these new arrivals are integrated with the other dogs, and volunteers can engage with them more directly.

The shelter also works to rehome healthy, vaccinated dogs with local families, educating them on how to provide proper care for their new pets. As a volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll have the opportunity to assist in these efforts, helping to deliver animal welfare education within the local community. This vital work not only improves the treatment of dogs but also fosters long-term changes in community attitudes and practices.

Some educational sessions and activities on the animal care volunteer program are organised on an ad hoc basis. If this is something you’re interested in, please discuss it with the local staff, who can make the necessary arrangements.

Volunteers should expect around 50 dogs at the shelter at any given time. Direct interaction and enrichment activities will only involve vaccinated dogs, most of whom are friendly, having arrived at the shelter as puppies. However, these dogs can be excitable and may jump up to greet volunteers, sometimes causing light scratches. While playful interactions are encouraged, dogs may occasionally play-fight, and volunteers are advised not to intervene in these situations for their own safety. It is essential to follow the guidance of the local team and remain mindful of your safety at all times.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a Sri Lanka dog rescue volunteer, your role involves direct care and support for the dogs at the shelter. The project operates Monday to Friday from 9am-12pm, with some tasks also taking place in the afternoons. Transportation to and from the Sri Lanka volunteer program is arranged via tuk-tuk. While you volunteer, your typical duties on this wildlife volunteering abroad program may include:

• Cleaning and maintaining hygiene in the shelter and bedding areas
• Preparing meals and feeding the dogs
• Socialising and playing with the dogs
• Walking and exercising the dogs daily
• Showering and washing the dogs
• Organising recreational activities, such as beach outings
• Developing training and enrichment plans
• Assisting with medication and vaccinations
• Grooming and checking for ticks
• Creating and maintaining documentation, including medical history and vaccination records
• Caring for sick, injured, or disabled dogs

You’ll work alongside the local staff to support these daily tasks. Additional duties will depend on current needs, such as rescuing puppies in danger, facilitating pet adoptions, and raising community awareness. You may also join outreach sessions in the Ambalangoda community, where volunteers provide food for stray dogs. During these sessions, you can expect to feed at least 30 street dogs.

PMGY’s Sri Lanka dog rescue volunteer program offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of at risk animals. Your efforts will contribute to their care, protection, and overall well-being, all while exploring a beautiful and culturally rich destination.

Sri Lanka Teaching Volunteers

Volunteer to teach English in Sri Lanka and give young people new skills that can support their future opportunities. English is a powerful skill, especially for improving career prospects and achieving long-term goals. Most importantly, interacting with fluent English speakers inspires students to build their confidence and develop this essential language ability. If you’re full of enthusiasm and positive energy, this project is perfect for you!

Background to the Teaching Program

Sri Lanka’s education system is remarkable for a developing country of its size, offering universal public education from ages 6 to 18. However, government schools, especially in rural areas, often operate with minimal funding despite serving large communities. The facilities in these schools are basic, and classrooms are frequently overcrowded, with average class sizes ranging from 40 to 60 children.

The importance of speaking English in Sri Lanka is growing rapidly. Tourism and migrant work in the Middle East are two major sources of income for the country, both of which require proficiency in English, the world’s global language. Unfortunately, English teaching in government schools is limited. Teachers often lack strong English skills, and class sizes make it difficult to provide effective instruction. Only children from middle- and upper-class families can typically afford private English lessons.

Children in Sri Lanka attend government schools in the mornings, but many cannot afford the tuition needed for additional classes that go beyond basic education. These extra lessons are crucial for excelling at school, especially in subjects like English. In government schools, time dedicated to learning English is minimal, and teaching methods are often “parrot style,” where students memorise textbook passages without understanding their meaning. For families with limited income, paying for these essential tuition classes is simply not an option.

As a result, children from low-income families often speak little to no English. The goal of the volunteer teaching English abroad program is to bridge this gap by providing underprivileged children in Ambalangoda with the same opportunities as their wealthier peers. By volunteering to teach English in Sri Lanka, you can help these children improve their English skills and boost their future career prospects. Additionally, if you’re passionate about animals, there are also a variety of volunteering abroad with animals opportunities in Sri Lanka to explore.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples

A volunteer teaching English in Sri Lanka will work at one of the designated locations where free English lessons are provided. Most importantly, you’ll support the local village communities through our after-school education program. Additionally, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to teach English in Sri Lanka to young Buddhist monks.

Community Village School Projects – These English teaching projects form the core of PMGY’s after-school education program, which has been running since 2013. As the main initiative for a volunteer teaching English in Sri Lanka, it focuses on providing free language lessons to children in villages across the Ambalangoda district, particularly those from lower-income families.

The aim is to help improve the children’s English skills by offering free after-school lessons in the afternoons. These sessions typically take place in makeshift classrooms or community centres within the villages. On this English teaching program, students are grouped by their level of English. Class sizes range from 4-15 children, and you may teach students aged 6-18, depending on current project needs. A local team member will always be available to support you while you volunteer in Sri Lanka.

Volunteers participating in medical or wildlife projects in the mornings are encouraged to assist with the afternoon village school projects at no extra cost. Transport to the project site will be arranged, and you’ll collaborate with other teaching volunteers to improve learning outcomes for the children. Having more teaching volunteers allows for better lesson planning and structured learning that can be tracked over time.

Temple Schools – Every volunteer teaching English in Sri Lanka also has the option to join our Temple School project. This opportunity can be added to the core afternoon community village school project. The Temple School project operates in the morning, offering the chance to teach English to novice Buddhist monks.

Many of the Buddhist monks have minimal English skills, and the temple schools often welcome disadvantaged children from the local community to join these sessions as well. Class sizes are typically small, with 5-10 students aged 6-18 years. The project runs for approximately 1.5 hours each morning, allowing you to contribute without conflicting with your afternoon commitments.

Participation in the temple schools is optional, while the afternoon school project remains mandatory for all teaching volunteers. This is because the afternoon village school project serves as the core focus of our teaching program, whereas the temple schools may operate on a more ad hoc basis.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day

As a volunteer teaching English in Sri Lanka, your main role is to share your time, knowledge, and skills to help local communities in Ambalangoda. By teaching conversational English, you’ll boost their confidence and help unlock their full potential.

The after-school education Sri Lanka volunteer program runs from Monday to Friday, 3pm-5.30pm. You’ll travel to the project site via tuk-tuk or minibus, which typically takes around 10 minutes. The first part of the session focuses on teaching English, while the last hour is reserved for games and activities. Volunteers are encouraged to make lessons as interactive and engaging as possible. Incorporate fun educational tools such as interactive word searches, Hangman, team quizzes, or games like Hot Seat. Songs, art, sport, and music are also excellent ways to keep children excited about learning. Resources and syllabus guidance are available at the Volunteer House to help you plan activities before heading to the project.

As an international volunteer, your presence provides students with a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures and gain a global perspective. By sharing your creativity and knowledge, you’ll inspire these eager learners to reach their full potential. Each volunteer in Sri Lanka will lead their own classes and have the freedom to design a lesson plan. If you need inspiration, you can follow pre-existing topics or curriculum materials. Depending on the number of volunteers and current needs, you may teach individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Typically, three to six classes are conducted in each community.

A local coordinator will be available daily to assist you and provide support. However, the local staff will not lead the class, so volunteers are encouraged to avoid over-reliance on coordinators for translation. To ensure your sessions are effective, you’ll have dedicated planning sessions once a week with the teaching coordinator. We also recommend spending at least 30 minutes each day preparing your lessons.

For those teaching at temple schools, classes run from 8:30am to 10am, Monday to Friday. The project site is a short five-minute tuk-tuk journey. Lessons at the temple focus on calm, structured learning and exclude active or loud games. You’ll often find the monks eager to share insights about their religion and way of life in return for your contribution.

By taking part in this program, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of Sri Lankan children and Buddhist monks, creating memories and experiences that will stay with you forever.

Sri Lanka Medical Volunteers

As a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you can gain valuable medical experience in a new culture, an opportunity not to be missed in this gorgeous part of the world! If you are looking for a learning experience or would like to pursue a career in the medical field, then this program is the ideal way to give you an insight into the Sri Lankan healthcare system.

Background to the Medical Program

Sri Lanka has a rich and fascinating medical history, dating back thousands of years to the time of its ancient kingdoms. The Sinhalese are believed to have introduced the concept of hospitals to the world, with royalty not only commissioning hospital homes but also practising medicine themselves.

The ancient practice of Ayurveda is deeply rooted in the Sri Lankan medical system. As one of the oldest healing sciences, Ayurveda translates from Sanskrit as “The Science of Life.” Originating in India over 3,000 years ago, this approach emphasises balance in all aspects of life, including mental health, diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being.

Ayurvedic medicine, which focuses on holistic and natural health practices, seeks to prevent illness and maintain balance across physical, emotional, and mental states. In Sri Lanka, Ayurveda is widely practised alongside modern healthcare, with many citizens choosing Ayurvedic treatments for certain conditions and western medicine for others.

Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is universal, offering free access to both traditional Ayurvedic and modern medical care at government hospitals. Today, most hospitals in Sri Lanka follow a “western medicine” approach, using procedures and medications recognised globally. However, as a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you may notice that healthcare facilities can seem basic or outdated in some respects. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has achieved a higher life expectancy and lower infant mortality rate compared to its regional neighbours. To address capacity and resource limitations in government hospitals, private healthcare services have also become more prevalent.

Joining a hospital placement on the Sri Lanka volunteer program offers an exceptional opportunity for clinical exposure and insight into healthcare systems in a developing country. You’ll encounter a wide variety of cases, providing a unique contrast to what you might see in your local hospital. PMGY’s medical volunteer program is designed for both medical students and aspiring healthcare professionals. By becoming a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you can gain invaluable hospital work experience while immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of this incredible island.

Medical Volunteer Placement Examples

Your placement schedule on the medical volunteer abroad program will depend on your educational background. University students studying a health-related degree can gain experience in both private and government hospitals, provided we receive the required paperwork in the correct format at least three weeks before your program start date. High school leavers and those without a medical background will be placed at a private hospital. However, they will still benefit from clinical workshops and an introduction to Ayurvedic medicine, an experience offered to all medical volunteers in Sri Lanka.

Roseth Private Hospital – As a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you may work at a small private hospital in Ambalangoda. This hospital offers a structured and informative approach, providing participants with a well-rounded insight into a Sri Lankan medical facility.

Departments available at the private hospital include:

Physiotherapy, Dental Surgery, Radiology (X-ray machine and computerised radiology), Laboratory, Phlebotomy, In-Patient and Out-Patient Wards.

Balapitiya Government Base Hospital – PMGY partners with a government hospital located just 15 minutes from Ambalangoda. This medium-sized hospital has over 500 stations, staffed by 20 doctors and 2 surgeons. As a volunteer, you can gain experience in the following departments;

Out-Patient Unit, Emergency Treatment Room, General Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Antenatal and Postnatal Care, Labour Room & Paediatrics.

Please note that placements at the government hospital are only available to students studying medicine, nursing, or healthcare at university, as required by the Sri Lankan Health Ministry.

Government Village Hospital – As a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you may also have the chance to assist at a local blood pressure clinic based in a smaller village hospital. This clinic operates on an ad hoc basis and provides free blood pressure checks to local residents.

Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Medicine – Every medical volunteer in Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to attend an Ayurveda lecture, whether placed at a private or government hospital. Delivered by a local Ayurvedic specialist, this session explores the history of Ayurveda, its role in Sri Lankan healthcare, and its application in treating a variety of conditions.

Ayurvedic medicine focuses on the use of herbal remedies, special diets, and natural health practices to promote balance and wellness. The roots of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka are deeply linked to ancient practices and the legendary physician King Ravana, dating back to prehistoric times.

These diverse placements provide a unique opportunity to explore both traditional and modern healthcare systems, offering an unforgettable experience for aspiring medical professionals.

Student Elective Opportunities

PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in Sri Lanka, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine or midwifery, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY Sri Lanka team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.

Medical – Undertake your medical elective in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore placements across both government and private hospitals. Gain firsthand experience by checking vital signs at a village clinic, preparing herbal medicines, and learning about traditional Ayurveda practices. Dive into Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and develop an understanding of its approach to medicine. On your medical elective, observe consultations, witness procedures, and ask questions to deepen your knowledge before returning to medical school.

Midwifery – Embark on a midwifery elective in Sri Lanka, exploring the country’s unique midwifery practices. Rotate through various maternity units, including theatre, labour, and postnatal care, at both government and private hospitals. Shadow midwives and other medical staff as they perform their daily tasks, gaining invaluable exposure to the care provided for new mothers and babies. You’ll also have the chance to learn about Ayurveda medicine, one of the world’s oldest holistic treatment systems, as part of your midwifery experience.

These elective placements offer an incredible opportunity to expand your medical knowledge and skills while experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, your primary role is to observe and learn about the Sri Lankan healthcare system, its procedures, and the cultural context of medical care. You’ll gain an understanding of how healthcare in Sri Lanka differs from what you may be used to at home. During your time, you might witness cases such as dengue fever, snake bites, and motorcycle accidents, providing a unique insight into healthcare challenges in the region.

The medical project typically runs for around three hours a day, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 12pm, depending on the opportunities available. You may have the chance to stay longer if significant cases, such as a major surgery or labour, arise during your placement. While there is an option to join the project in the afternoons, please note that doctors are usually only present in the wards during the morning. The hospitals are conveniently located 5–15 minutes away by tuk-tuk.

Given the observational nature of this role, we recommend that volunteers sign up for no more than two weeks. While you’ll gain invaluable insights and knowledge during your time at the private hospital, many volunteers prefer to transition to alternative volunteer work in Sri Lanka after a couple of weeks. Although PMGY cannot offer hands-on experience as a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka, you are welcome to join our community projects, such as teaching English in Sri Lanka.

Our local team will discuss these options with you during your in-country orientation. You can choose to combine morning hospital placements with afternoon community projects. Additionally, if you’d like to stay longer than two weeks, you can spend part of your time as a medical volunteer in Sri Lanka and the remainder on another project.

Balapitiya Government Base Hospital – At this medium-sized government hospital, which is home to over 500 stations, you can rotate through multiple departments or focus on a few based on your preferences and the hospital’s needs. A mixed timetable is recommended to experience various hospital settings.

While each medical volunteer in Sri Lanka will be assigned a staff mentor in their department, it’s important to recognise that local staff are often extremely busy. Volunteers are encouraged to be proactive, ask questions, and request additional guidance when needed. As with other placements, there may be occasional communication barriers, but staff will do their best to translate when possible.

Government Village Hospital – As part of the Sri Lanka volunteer program, you may also have the opportunity to assist with a village clinic campaign. Here, you’ll support the local doctor by helping to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels for members of the Ambalangoda community.

Regardless of the hospital setting, medical volunteers in Sri Lanka should expect an observational role only. This program is designed as an internship-style experience, offering a valuable learning exchange. Language barriers with local healthcare professionals may arise, and exposure in some settings may be limited compared to other medical volunteer projects. Nonetheless, the opportunity to observe unique cases and immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system is a rewarding and educational experience.

Sri Lanka Mental Health Volunteers

As a mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable psychology work experience while exploring mental health care in a developing country. This program is tailored for students currently studying psychology or mental health, offering a unique chance to deepen your understanding within diverse healthcare settings. Over recent decades, the demand for mental health services in Sri Lanka has significantly increased, yet the system continues to face challenges in meeting these growing needs.

Background to the Mental Health Program

Sri Lanka faces some of the highest suicide rates globally, as highlighted by the World Health Organisation, and the country’s mental health needs continue to grow. In tsunami-affected areas, an estimated 40% of people suffer from common mental disorders, with a 3% prevalence of severe mental disorders. Historically, a cultural stigma surrounding mental health in Sri Lanka, rooted in Buddhist beliefs about reincarnation, has been a barrier to progress. However, there are promising signs that attitudes and systems are evolving to address these challenges.

Progress began in the late 1970s with the establishment of a Non-Government Organisation, ‘The National Council for Mental Health.’ This initiative led to the introduction of Medical Officers of Mental Health (MOMHs) with a goal of appointing one MOMH per 70,000 people across Sri Lanka’s 276 subdistricts. Despite this progress, the ratio has presented challenges, with MOMHs managing heavy workloads, limited time with patients, and shortages of essential medicines and community-based psychiatric care facilities.

To address these issues, systematic training programs have been developed to support mental health officers. These programs include workshops, role-plays, and active learning sessions, enabling officers to pass their training on to other medical staff. Topics include assessing depression and suicide risk and explaining medication side effects to improve patient adherence.

Emerging mental health issues are now being integrated into Sri Lanka’s primary healthcare system across both public and private hospitals. This includes addressing trauma and stress-related disorders, supporting the mental health needs of physically ill patients, and providing rehabilitation for individuals with prolonged mental illnesses. Community mental health education is also helping to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Our mental health volunteering abroad program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain a broad understanding of mental health care in a different cultural setting. Volunteers will gain valuable insight into how mental health needs are addressed within Sri Lanka’s healthcare system, focusing on challenges and innovative solutions.

The Sri Lanka volunteer program is primarily based in the Galle District, though some placements may extend to the Colombo region. This mental health project is widely regarded as one of the most diverse and engaging volunteering abroad programs.

Mental Health Volunteer Placement Examples

The mental health & psychology program provides a unique opportunity to work across diverse settings in a new cultural environment. The following placements are available, provided we receive the required paperwork from you in the correct format at least 3 weeks prior to your program start date. Please note that this project is not available to high school leavers or applicants without a psychology-related background. Placement opportunities for mental health volunteers in Sri Lanka include:

Government Base Hospital – As a mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka, you will observe mental health counsellors in a hospital setting during consultations with both in-ward and out-ward patients. You may also shadow speech therapists or art therapy sessions.

During hospital placements, doctors aim to translate and explain as much as possible while consultations are ongoing. Many doctors speak good English, enabling debriefs and opportunities for questions. However, as doctors’ schedules are busy, volunteers should be flexible and understanding, as it may not always be possible to translate every patient interaction.

In most cases, the primary treatment for mental health patients remains medication due to its accessibility. Alternative therapies such as creative treatments and meditation are less common and not widely administered to patients.

Rehabilitation Centre – Part of your placement will involve the Sithniwana Rehabilitation Centre, a facility designed to reintegrate individuals with mental illness back into society. Each mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka can participate in or observe the centre’s daily schedule, depending on the timetable.

Located about an hour from Ambalangoda, this placement is a weekly highlight for many volunteers. The Rehabilitation Centre focuses on providing occupational therapies and preparing patients to re-enter mainstream society without relapsing. The facility is primarily for adults, managed by a dedicated team of nurses and support staff.

You will have opportunities to interact with residents, ask questions, and learn about their experiences. Volunteers also provide support with occupational therapy, such as creative arts, structured daily exercise classes, and learning activities. Being proactive and asking questions is encouraged to help volunteers better understand mental health care and its associated cultural stigmas in Sri Lanka.

Lectures, Seminars & Workshops – You will also participate in a series of workshops that offer insights into mental health care in Sri Lanka. These sessions may include local consultants sharing their experiences within the country’s mental health system.

One key topic is Ayurveda, an ancient medicine system rooted in the Indian subcontinent. Ayurveda promotes natural practices, including herbal remedies, special diets, and unique treatments. A seminar will provide insights into how Ayurveda is used in mental health care alongside the traditional Sri Lankan medical system. Volunteers may also experience oil treatment sessions, which aim to alleviate depression and anxiety.

Every mental health volunteer in Sri Lanka will also have the opportunity to attend a lecture by a Buddhist monk. These sessions explore how Buddhist values, meditation, and cultural practices are used to address mental health challenges.

Additional Opportunities – On occasion, you may be invited to attend additional workshops or events. These might include visits to alcohol and drug information centres, exploring the impact of substance abuse on Sri Lankan communities. Volunteers may also visit suicide prevention centres to participate in workshops about local prevention strategies.

Depending on availability, volunteers may tour the National Institute of Mental Health, Sri Lanka’s largest mental health hospital. This includes a presentation about mental health in Sri Lanka and visits to in-patient services such as psychogeriatric, ECT, and isolation units. While rare, these opportunities provide valuable insights into how therapies, medications, and treatments are administered.

We also support students wishing to join our mental health & psychology program as part of an elective or university placement. Please contact our team to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Volunteers

As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating sea turtles while also supporting local community development projects. With many turtle species at risk of becoming endangered, your efforts will contribute to crucial wildlife conservation. From raising awareness about plastic pollution to caring for injured and disabled turtles, you’ll help make a real difference. One of the most rewarding moments is releasing newly hatched baby turtles back into the wild, giving them a safer start away from natural threats and local poachers.

Background to the Turtle Conservation Program

Sri Lanka is home to five species of turtles that you might encounter during your time as a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer. These include the Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback. The Green Turtle is the most common species, and you are likely to see these frequently during your volunteer experience. On the other hand, the Loggerhead Turtle is the rarest in Sri Lanka and is more commonly found along the East Coast of the United States.

The Hawksbill, famous for its striking shell, and the Olive Ridley, the smallest of the sea turtles, are also harder to spot. The Leatherback, the largest of the five species, is critically endangered, with all three facing significant threats to their survival due to human activity.

Fishing, a major industry in Ambalangoda, directly impacts these turtles. The location of the volunteer work in Sri Lanka is close to the local fisheries port, where turtles are often accidentally caught in fishing nets. Many suffer severe injuries, such as limb loss, leaving them disabled and unable to survive in the wild. Local fishermen frequently bring these injured turtles to the sanctuary for rehabilitation and care.

Everyday human choices also affect marine life significantly. Millions of microplastics, straws, and bottles litter the seas and beaches worldwide. Plastic pollution has become a growing global crisis, and as a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you will play an essential role in combating this issue.

Volunteering with turtles in Sri Lanka as part of our wildlife conservation program offers you the chance to protect and care for these remarkable creatures. At the same time, you’ll get to experience the beauty and culture of a country that is truly unforgettable.

Turtle Conservation Volunteer Placement Examples

Ambalangoda Turtle Conservation Sanctuary – As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll work at a sanctuary in Ambalangoda dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of disabled turtles. This sanctuary, part of the Sri Lanka volunteer program, focuses on providing daily care to turtles and aims to release healthy ones back into their natural habitats. The sanctuary also protects turtle eggs that have been stolen by local poachers, ensuring the survival of these endangered species.

From the very start of your placement, you’ll gain extensive knowledge about turtle conservation. This includes learning how to nest eggs, identify different species, monitor hatching processes, treat injured turtles, and safely return them to the sea. You’ll gain firsthand experience while making a real difference.

Beach Cleans – Female turtles only lay their eggs on beaches they consider safe, making beach cleanliness critical for nesting. As part of the Sri Lanka turtle conservation program, volunteers play an active role in cleaning local beaches, removing litter and dangerous debris.

With climate change and plastic pollution worsening at an alarming rate, this task is vital. Each Sri Lanka animal volunteer contributes to raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts through our wildlife volunteer program.

This core task aims to collect up to 200 kilograms of rubbish daily from the beaches. Volunteers are the driving force behind this impactful initiative, directly supporting coastal conservation efforts.

Turtle Hatchery & Baby Turtle Release – Volunteers also assist in nesting, monitoring, and caring for turtle eggs brought to the hatchery. These eggs are often relocated from unsafe areas where human activity or poaching poses a threat, including locations near tourist hotels.

Across Asia, there’s a long-standing myth that consuming turtle eggs and meat increases lifespan, leading to the illegal sale of these eggs on the black market. At the hatchery, eggs are safely nested and monitored according to National Wildlife Department guidelines. With the help of each Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, the baby turtles are released back into the wild, giving them a strong start in life.

This unique opportunity allows you to support the survival of endangered species while contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka’s stunning coastal ecosystems.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a PMGY Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll spend your days by the beach caring for rescued sea turtles at the project site. You’ll also take part in regular beach cleans to maintain a safe and clean environment for the turtles and their nests. The volunteer abroad program runs from Monday to Friday, typically between 9am and 12pm. On beach clean days, sessions may be shorter due to the high heat and humidity when working without shade. Each morning, you’ll travel to your project site by tuk-tuk or minibus, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Your typical responsibilities as a volunteer in Sri Lanka will include:

• Preparing fresh food and assisting with daily turtle feeding
• Cleaning the project premises and surrounding beach areas
• Maintaining the nesting area
• Regular beach cleans and patrols
• Cleaning and refilling the turtle tanks
• Administering medication and monitoring turtle health
• Cleaning the turtles’ shells
• Safely counting and burying turtle eggs
• Designing educational boards around the sanctuary
• Participating in marine conservation sessions
• Releasing hatched baby turtles into the sea
• Collecting sand to prepare nests for eggs

As a Sri Lanka turtle conservation volunteer, you’ll work closely with the local staff to understand daily tasks and expectations. Your role will involve both teamwork and individual responsibilities. Participating in the wildlife volunteering abroad project also gives you the chance to contribute to the fight against global plastic pollution. Cleaning beaches where turtles lay their eggs is crucial to their conservation and well-being.

While beach cleaning may seem like a mundane task, its impact is immense. The Wildlife Department recognises and appreciates the hard work of volunteers, and it’s not unusual to collect up to 20 bags of litter in a single session. Your efforts make a tangible difference in protecting Sri Lanka’s marine environment and its endangered sea turtles.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Sri Lanka volunteer program, you should book your flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo on the Saturday start date. The airport code is CMB. Most volunteers can arrive at any time on their designated Saturday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Sri Lanka volunteer program is based in Ambalangoda, a charming coastal town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, just 2.5 hours from Colombo Airport. Known for its fishing heritage and unique demonic wooden masks, Ambalangoda offers a fascinating cultural experience for volunteers.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Sri Lanka.

Your orientation will begin on Sunday. Our local team will introduce you to life in Sri Lanka, covering key cultural insights, the ‘dos and don’ts’, and local customs and traditions. Your coordinator will also guide you through the transport system, provide safety advice, and outline the volunteer projects we support in the community. If you are interested in joining multiple projects during your time volunteering in Sri Lanka, this can be discussed during your orientation.

In the afternoon, our local coordinator will take you on a tour of Ambalangoda’s famous landmarks. You will visit a local temple known for its intricate wood carvings and impressive statues, offering a deeper insight into Buddhism. Afterwards, you will explore an authentic blue moonstone mine, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage. To wrap up the day, you will have the chance to exchange money, purchase a local SIM card, and pick up any essentials at the supermarket.

Please make sure you arrive into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo on Saturday.

Day 1 (Saturday) Arrival

Welcome to Sri Lanka! A member of our local team will meet you at Colombo airport, holding a name sign. The journey to Ambalangoda takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic. Once you arrive, you’ll have the rest of the day to settle in, relax, and get to know your fellow volunteers.

Day 2 (Sunday) Orientation

Your orientation will begin on Sunday. Our local team will introduce you to life in Sri Lanka, covering key cultural insights, the ‘dos and don’ts’, and local customs and traditions. Your coordinator will also guide you through the transport system, provide safety advice, and outline the volunteer projects we support in the community. If you are interested in joining multiple projects during your time volunteering in Sri Lanka, this can be discussed during your orientation.

In the afternoon, our local coordinator will take you on a tour of Ambalangoda’s famous landmarks. You will visit a local temple known for its intricate wood carvings and impressive statues, offering a deeper insight into Buddhism. Afterwards, you will explore an authentic blue moonstone mine, where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage. To wrap up the day, you will have the chance to exchange money, purchase a local SIM card, and pick up any essentials at the supermarket.

Days 3-7 (Monday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

Your volunteer work in Sri Lanka begins on Monday morning.

Throughout the week, you’ll be fully immersed in your chosen project. If you ever need assistance, our local team is just a phone call away. You’ll also see our Sri Lanka coordinators throughout the day at the Volunteer House, and they are always happy to help with anything you may need.

Days 8-9 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend!

After a rewarding week of volunteering, the weekend is your time to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka. Whether you relax in Hikkaduwa or Galle, travel to Ella, or take on more adventurous activities like hiking Adam’s Peak or going on an elephant safari, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone.

During your volunteer trip to Sri Lanka, our team encourages you to explore the country’s incredible landscapes and cultural treasures. They are more than happy to help you plan your weekend opportunities and provide travel tips. If you decide to join an extended weekend trip, you’re also welcome to take the Friday off from your project to make the most of your experience.

The Following Weeks

Your next week(s) will follow a similar pattern, with volunteering taking place from Monday to Friday, and weekends free to travel. Time will fly, so make the most of every moment!

Our local team is there to support you throughout your stay. Whether you need help with weekend plans, travel advice, or just want a chat, they are always available.

Last Day (Saturday)

Saturday marks the end of your PMGY volunteer experience in Sri Lanka. If you’re heading home, we can assist in arranging your return airport drop-off. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Sri Lanka as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Sri Lanka. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka enjoys a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with seasons divided into wet and dry periods. The dry season runs from December to May, bringing sunshine and warm temperatures, while the rainy season typically falls between June and November. However, rainfall often comes in short, sharp bursts rather than lasting all day, so don’t let the monsoon season deter you from visiting! In fact, the rain can be a welcome relief from the heat.

The hottest months are between January and April, when temperatures can soar above 35°C. If you prefer milder conditions, the October to December period offers a cooler, drier, and less humid climate—making it one of the most comfortable times to join a volunteer experience in Sri Lanka.

Accommodation – Volunteer House

During your time on the Sri Lanka volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House located just outside central Ambalangoda, in a quiet part of town on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The house is only a 10-minute tuk-tuk journey into the main town, where you can find ATMs, supermarkets, and local restaurants. You’ll share the house with other PMGY volunteers from around the world, giving you the chance to make plenty of new friends!

The Volunteer House is basic but comfortable and clean, with single-sex bedrooms accommodating up to 12 people in bunk beds. Each room has air conditioning, bed linen, cupboard space for clothes and accessories, and a personal locker for valuables. While lockers are provided, volunteers are encouraged to bring only essential items during their volunteer work in Sri Lanka.

The bathrooms are shared and feature showers and western-style toilets. Although the water is cold, this won’t be an issue for your volunteer program in Sri Lanka, as the climate is hot and humid all year round, making it a refreshing feature for volunteers. The house includes free Wi-Fi and a communal area where volunteers can relax, hang out with friends, or prepare lesson plans if teaching English. A refrigerator is available for storing items that need to be kept chilled. A member of the local team also lives at the house, ensuring 24/7 support and security for all volunteers. Transport to and from your placement is provided via tuk-tuk or private car, and placements are typically 5-30 minutes from the Volunteer House. This service is included in your Program Fee.

During our busiest months, you may be accommodated in one of our secondary Volunteer Houses. These alternate accommodations provide the same core amenities but may differ slightly in location or setup.

Meals

You will be served three freshly prepared meals daily at the Volunteer House. Sri Lankan cuisine features a lot of rice, with fish or chicken as the main protein options. Vegetarian meals are always available.

The meals blend local and western cuisine, and a weekly menu is provided so you can know in advance what’s on offer. For those craving western comforts, restaurants in the nearby town of Hikkaduwa serve a range of western meals.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here is an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Eggs, Toast, Jam, Fruit, Pancakes, Tea

Lunch – Dhal, Spinach Curry, Poppadoms, Paprika Tofu, Rice

Dinner – Vegetables, Noodles, Tomato Curry, Omelette

On the Sri Lanka volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. Transport is typically provided by tuk-tuk or private car. Commute times range from 10 to 45 minutes each way, depending on the location of your project.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.