Medical Volunteer in Sri Lanka

The normal working hours for each day are usually from 8:00 am until 1:30 pm. However, these could change if it is deemed necessary by the hospital routines. Further, your working schedule will be arranged by the hospital staff when you arrive to ensure that you gain the best possible experiences during your stay.

Importantly, don’t worry about being thrown in at the deep end! Staff will be there to support you in your volunteering, and ensure that you are able to observe or engage at a level you’re happy with!

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture.

Orientation Schedule

Monday

• Welcome, introduction to Sri Lanka and projects, House rules, Code of Conduct and handling of documents
• Sinhalese Language Lesson
• Cultural Lesson
• Kandy City Tour

A typical weekly schedule may look like this:

Tuesday to Friday

• Breakfast
• Medical Volunteer Programme
• Lunch
• Medical Volunteer Programme
• Dinner
• Free Time

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of medical volunteering, you can choose to explore the area or head further afield on the weekends. In fact, many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures as they go!

Places to Visit

You will want to plan your own journeys with friends whilst you are here!  Therefore, we heartily recommend the Royal Botanical Gardens, Knuckles mountain range, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Hortons plains National Park – and don’t miss taking a boat ride on Kandy Lake!

Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many ancient sites, Kandy is a vibrant city and bustling market town. Truly, this is a culturally diverse city, from traditional music, dancing and handicrafts to ancient temples and adventure activities to discover. This is, therefore, the perfect place to explore your own spirituality and wellbeing, whilst taking in the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is comfortable and is located 2 – 4 km from Kandy centre, comprising single-gender rooms sleeping 4 – 8 people. Further, private rooms can be requested but are subject to availability, depending on the number of Sri Lankan volunteers. Consequently, if you would like to book these, please let us know at the time of booking.

Food Arrangements

Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious, and you can enjoy tasting a variety of dishes, with your meals (3 per day, 2 at the weekend) included in your programme. Usually, the meals are a mix of Western and Sri Lankan food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. However, you can also eat out at any of the local restaurants for some great authentic Sri Lankan cuisine!

Facilities

Our house is located 2 kilometres away from the city centre (a 15-minute walk), where you can find anything you might need for your Sri Lankan holiday. Further, you will find ATMs, and a supermarket there, where you can buy anything you might need for the week ahead.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka with TRU. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world, offering golden beaches, lush tea plantations, tropical jungles, ancient temples and incredible wildlife. Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka combines adventure, culture and spirituality in one unforgettable destination. From scenic train journeys and mountain landscapes to vibrant local towns and peaceful coastlines, Sri Lanka is the perfect place for meaningful travel and volunteering abroad.

Volunteering in Sri Lanka with TRU Experience Travel allows you to make a real impact while experiencing authentic Sri Lankan culture. Volunteers can take part in teaching projects, childcare support, turtle conservation, construction and renovation work, medical placements, nursing, midwifery and healthcare programmes. Opportunities also include women empowerment initiatives, sports coaching and community support projects. Every experience helps local communities while giving travellers valuable hands-on experience and cultural immersion.

Sri Lanka is also the perfect destination for travellers seeking adventure, road trips and spiritual journeys. Explore ancient temples, practise mindfulness and reconnect your body and mind in peaceful spiritual surroundings. Discover the ethereal beauty of Sri Lanka through yoga experiences, mountain retreats and cultural immersion with welcoming local communities. Experience true coexistence with nature while exploring tropical jungles, tea plantations and wildlife-filled national parks.

Animal lovers can experience unforgettable elephant encounters and turtle conservation projects along Sri Lanka’s stunning coastline. Support environmental initiatives while learning about wildlife protection and sustainable travel. Every project offers the opportunity to travel with purpose while creating meaningful memories.

During evenings and weekends, volunteers can enjoy incredible road trips across the island. Explore beautiful beaches, surf towns, waterfalls and hidden villages while discovering Sri Lanka’s rich culture and famous hospitality. Travel through scenic mountain roads, visit local markets and experience colourful festivals and authentic Sri Lankan food. Every free moment offers a new adventure and a chance to discover the true beauty of the country.

TRU Experience Travel creates life-changing volunteer experiences for travellers wanting more than just a holiday. Whether you are travelling solo, taking a gap year or searching for a meaningful adventure abroad, Sri Lanka offers the perfect combination of volunteering, cultural immersion and unforgettable travel experiences. Join True Experience Travel in Sri Lanka and experience a journey filled with purpose, adventure and discovery.