Sri Lanka: Sea Turtle Conservation

Introduction

Join our government-certified program in Sri Lanka and make a meaningful impact in the conservation of disabled sea turtles. Witness the rehabilitation of these gentle creatures that have been hurt by humans or trash, and contribute towards their well-being under our specialized care.

With a focus on breeding and caring for four different species of turtles found in the Indian Ocean, including the Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Green, and Olive Ridley, our project is dedicated to giving these marine animals a second chance at life. You’ll be amazed to find that our center has 42 disabled turtles under our supervision and care.

Our goal is not for commercial gain, but to conserve these turtles by increasing awareness among fishermen and communities, caring for the turtles, and releasing baby hatchlings into the ocean. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful and make a difference in the world.

Culture Week

Prepare for a meaningful start to your volunteer project on the beautiful island nestled in the Indian Ocean, where pristine beaches and ancient Buddhist temples await your exploration.

Please note that this week is an optional add-on to your Volunteer trip, typically scheduled at the beginning of your journey.

During this introductory week, we’ll provide you with valuable insights and guidance to make your transition into this unique journey smoother. You’ll gain essential knowledge about safety, local transportation, and travel tips, particularly beneficial for solo female travelers.

We’ll begin by immersing you in the heart of Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions. You’ll explore the profound teachings of Buddhism, uncover the rich cultural heritage, and visit sacred temples, including the revered ‘Temple of the Tooth.’ We’ll also take you to a peaceful forest sanctuary and introduce you to the serenity of a sacred Hindu temple.

Language sessions will empower you to engage with the warm-hearted locals more effectively. You’ll experience the relaxation of a traditional Ayurvedic massage, witness the beauty of ancient Kandyan dance performances, and indulge in the flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine during hands-on cooking sessions.

To spark your creativity, you’ll have the opportunity to craft your own Batik design or appreciate the intricate details of a traditional one, allowing you to make a personal connection with the culture as you transition into your volunteer project.

Schedule

Monday

We start off the day with a welcome and introduction program and the collection of the necessary documents. A basic Language Lesson will be held thereafter. After lunch, we shall attend a cultural lesson and head out on the Kandy City tour followed by a cultural show and dinner thereafter.

Tuesday

After a good Sri Lankan breakfast, learn about the famous Sri Lankan Spices and Ayurvedic herbs in a herbal garden. Do you know what the acronym TEA stands for? And what is the national gemstone in Sri Lanka? Let’s find out when we visit a tea factory and the Gem Museum in Kandy. A soothing boat ride awaits at the beautiful Kandy lake later on.

Wednesday

A traditional Sri Lankan cooking experience awaits followed by a visit to a temple and learn a few of the Buddhist religious rituals practised by Sri Lankans and to practice meditation to soothe and calm your spirit and soul.

Thursday

We start off early today with an early morning visit to a family practising traditional Batik painting. Have a fun-filled, creative workshop/lesson, challenge your creative side into producing an original Batik design of your own, or to try to master the detail of a traditional one. Work with vibrant colours, techniques, tools and dyes. Followed by lunch with the family, thereafter we will visit the sacred ‘Temple of the tooth’.

Friday

Today we will visit a sacred temple in a small forest and a holy Hindu temple thereafter. An Indian lunch awaits you in the city followed by a relaxing Ayurvedic massage later on.

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

Daily Life

Let’s dive into the thrilling activities of this project! Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to take part in an array of activities that involve caring for these magnificent creatures. This includes feeding the turtles every other day, cleaning their tanks and shells, cleaning the beach, and assisting with the weekly release of over 100 newborn turtles into the ocean (weather and season dependent).

As a dedicated participant in this program, your primary responsibility will be to maintain a clean and hygienic environment for these precious animals. Your contribution towards keeping the tanks and turtles clean will greatly impact their well-being and survival.

Join us in this life-changing experience, and let’s work together to make a difference in the world of turtle conservation.

Travel and Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at the volunteer centre located closew to the beach. Here you will share rooms with 4 to 5 other people on a single-gender basis. All rooms are equipped with a private toilet.

There are showers and shared bathrooms. Linens are provided; however, you need to bring your own towels. Safety lockers are at your disposal to store your belongings and there is a fridge if you would like to keep food and beverages. The dining and lounge areas await you to hang out with the other participants or you can head to the beautiful garden by the river to relax. If you need an ATM or something from the supermarket, you can reach them within a 15 minute walk. Please note the centre does not have WiFi.

You will be provided with three meals per day on weekdays and two at the weekend. The cuisine is a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes including lots of rice and vegetables. The local restaurants are also a convenient option for eating out.

Upon arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport in Colombo you will be met by a project representative and transferred to the volunteer centre in Ambalangoda. Please note you will need to arrive on the weekend before the start of your program.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• Passion and enthusiasm to get to know Sri Lanka, lots of energy and creativity!
• Willingness to dress and behave in a respectful manner, including covering up body tattoos and removing piercings while working at the temples.
• Minimum 2 weeks commitment
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.

Costs

£600 GBP per week

£450 GBP for the optional Culture Week add-on.

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit, minimum 2 weeks booking

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.