Gain medical experience in
a busy government hospital
Shadow local professionals across multiple departments
-
Duration
1-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
17+ -
Start dates
1st & 3rd Saturday -
From
£200
-
Duration
1-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
17+ -
Start dates
1st & 3rd Saturday -
From
£200
Sri Lanka medical experience
Quicklinks
Gain invaluable experience by assisting within a busy government hospital located on the shores of the South West coast in Sri Lanka. You will get up close clinical exposure and learn all about the health care in this developing country.
From observing and following the local staff, you will gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the problems faced. You will get to witness a variety of cases and observe different medical practices that offer a fantastic contrast to what you find in your local hospital at home – such as dengue fever, snake bites and rabies to name but a few.
This is a unique chance to experience a brand new health care system while exploring everything this amazing island has to offer. The placement will open your eyes to the world of medicine in Sri Lanka and will provide you with vital international work experience that will set you apart from others.
Overview
Background to the medical programme
The Sri Lankan medicine system dates back thousands of years and has a rich history stemming from their extensive kingdoms. It is widely believed that the concept of a hospital was actually introduced by the Sri Lankans, with their kings demanding to have their own hospital homes built with their own practitioners.
The healthcare system in Sri Lanka is universal to all local citizens, offering both traditional Ayurvedic and modern healthcare for free across government hospitals - a similar system to what we experience in the United Kingdom. Many citizens in Sri Lanka will choose to follow Ayurvedic medicine practices for certain illnesses or accidents and western medicine for others.
The ancient practice of Ayurveda is deeply rooted in the Sri Lankan medical system. It is known as being one of the oldest healing sciences around the world, originating in India over 3000 years ago. Using holistic and natural health practices, Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life, right thinking, diet, lifestyle and the use of herbs.
The majority of hospitals do follow a more "western medicine" approach, using procedures and medications that are seen worldwide. As you spend time across the multiple medical settings, you will see that services are still fairly basic and outdated. Along with this, there are often long waiting lists with a very limited capacity, low staffing numbers and scarce resources. Despite this, Sri Lanka does have a higher life expectancy and lower infant death rate when compared to the neighbouring countries.
Where will I be volunteering?
We have partnered with several government hospitals in the local area to ensure you get the best experience on your elective placement. The hospital(s) you will be placed at will be dictated by the departments and specialities you have requested and space / logistics at the time. All transport to and from the hospital is provided by the local team by car / bus and is included as part of the programme fee.
Balapitiya Base Government Hospital - Balapitiya Base Hospital is just a short 15 minute drive from the volunteer accommodation. This government funded hospital is the leading and largest base hospital in the whole of the Southern Province and provides services to over one third of the population living in the Galle district (220,000+). The large hospital currently has over 500 stations, with 20 doctors, 2 surgeons and over 190 nurses. During an average month, the hospital had over 4,100 inpatients, just under 14,000 outpatients, carried out 1,200 surgeries and successfully delivered over 215 babies.
We can place participants in the following departments: General Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Antenatal, Postnatal, Labour Room, Surgery, Emergency Treatment Unit and Outpatients.
Elpitiya Base Government Hospital - Although slightly smaller than Balapitiya, this busy government hospital is located close to the express road to Colombo, making it a first point of call for emergencies. The hospital provides services to just under 70,000 people living in the area, but even more from adjacent districts due to the exceptional service it provides. The hospital is a 35 minute drive from the volunteer accommodation.
The hospital boasts 338 beds, to which patients are looked after by 16 specialist doctors, 180 nurses and 44 medical officers. During an average month, the hospital had over 3,900 admissions, 11,000 outpatients, 1,000 surgeries and successfully delivered 275 babies.
Within Elpitiya, we can place participants in the following departments: General Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Labour Room, Postnatal, Antenatal, A&E, Emergency Treatment Unit, Surgery, Outpatient Unit, Eye and Psychiatry.
Karapitiya Teaching Hospital - During busier times or for students looking for a particular speciality that is not possible in the above two hospitals, you may be placed in Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. The hospital is located close to Galle and the journey takes around 45 minutes.
The hospital serves as the primary tertiary health centre for the Southern Province and nearby regions, offering specialised services except for maternal treatment. The hospital plays a significant role in medical education and provides training facilities to approximately 1,700 local undergraduate medical, nursing and physiotherapy students every year.
The following departments are available: General Medicine, Paediatrics, Emergency Treatment Unit, Outpatients Department, Surgery, Physiotherapy and Psychiatric.
Village Ayurveda Government Treatment Centre - All volunteers will get the exciting chance to learn more about the traditional Ayurvedic medicine (also called Ayurveda) by spending one day at the special local clinic. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the world’s oldest medical systems (dating back over 3000 years) and promotes the use of herbal compounds, special diets and other unique health practices. During your time here, you will get to observe how patients are treated, learn all about it’s history, what it’s role is within the healthcare system in Sri Lanka and have the chance to ask any questions to the specialist.
Student elective placements
Our medical programmes are primarily aimed at university students who are looking to undertake their elective placement abroad. The following elective placements are available for Sri Lanka: medical, midwifery, nursing and physiotherapy.
We host many students every year and have built up strong relationships with most universities around the United Kingdom and Ireland who actively recommend us. We also host students from around the world.
Once you have signed up to the programme, you will gain access to your personal My Trip account. Within here you can specify which clinical elective you wish to undertake along with preference on departments. The TMR Sri Lanka team will then have everything planned and organised for your unique rotation when you arrive.
The Sri Lankan team and international team based in the UK can help complete any paperwork required, provide risk assessments and sign off on hours to ensure the placement complies with your university requirements.
What is my role?
Your role on the medical programme will be largely observational, however, you may be assigned some very basic hands-on involvement. This could include taking blood pressure and sugar levels, dressing wounds, taking temperatures etc. and will be undertaken under the supervision of a medical professional. Please note, we cannot guarantee any level of hands on involvement and it is at the sole discretion of your local supervisor.
During your time in Sri Lanka, you will discover new perspectives and cultural attitudes towards medicine, learn how to collaborate with people from a different culture and develop a range of new skills.
You will gain hands on training, supervised by experienced English-speaking medical experts. This is your chance to vastly increase your own knowledge by being fully involved in the day-to-day activities of the hospital, observing the doctors and nurses and helping out in simple but practical ways.
You will encounter different scenarios that are not so common back at home, including dengue fever, rabies, snake bites and motorcycle accidents.
You will have the opportunity to be placed across several departments so that you can receive a broad overview (a full list can be found above). Our local team will do their best to match any specific requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. We recommend a mixed timetable in order to maximise your experience.
What will a typical day look like?
Your varied role and the ever-changing scenarios that come with a busy hospital will mean no two days are the same. You will generally be at the hospital from Monday to Friday between 8am and 12pm, but depending on your course requirements this can be increased if required. Throughout your time in the hospital there may be major surgeries or labours occurring and you will have the chance to stay longer and observe.
At least once per week, you will spend the morning at the Village Ayurveda Government Treatment Centre to learn all about this local medicine practice.
Where will I be staying?
We cannot think of anywhere better to stay when volunteering in Sri Lanka! Our volunteer accommodation is just a stones throw away (10 second walk) from a quiet golden sand beach that is lined with palm trees – paradise! It’s the perfect place to come and relax each evening and witness some incredible sunsets. Not only this, but you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters that have an abundance of colourful fish swimming around the coral reef and you may even see a sea turtle swim by!
The touristy backpacker town of Hikkaduwa is just a 10 minute tuk-tuk ride away where you can visit many restaurants and bars that back right onto the beach. A favourite town amongst most volunteers, there are many supermarkets, quirky shops and water activities on offer – including surfing. The fishermen town of Ambalangoda is just another 10 minute tuk-tuk ride away in the other direction and offers a more local and traditional way of life. You can visit markets, devil mask museums and also see the largest laying down Buddha statue.
The accommodation is also conveniently located close to the historic town of Galle and well known beaches including Mirissa and Unawatuna.
Other things to consider
Level of involvement - Your role at the hospitals will largely be observational as per the Ministry of Health guidelines in Sri Lanka. At times you may be able to to conduct basic hands-on tasks such as taking blood pressure and blood sugar levels, dressing wounds and recording temperatures, but please note, we cannot guarantee your level of involvement.
University students only - Our Sri Lanka medical experience welcomes people who are currently studying something relevant at university and are looking to undertake their elective placement. We are afraid we are unable to host trained professionals or anyone who is not currently at university.
Start dates - We have standard start dates in place to ensure the arrival processes run smoothly and that we have larger groups arriving together. However, we appreciate that universities have their own set dates / periods to which you need to undertake your elective placement. With this in mind, we can of course be flexible with our start dates and we would recommend getting in touch so we can provide further information.
Return airport transfer - Your transfer back to the airport after your placement has finished is not included as part of the programme fee. However, you can easily arrange this with the local team whilst in Sri Lanka for a small additional cost - which can be split between anyone else travelling at the same time.
Top destination - Sri Lanka is widely considered by our volunteers to be our best volunteer destination. The majority of our feedback suggests that this is due to the superior local support offered by Ayomi and our local team, the volunteer programmes making a real difference, value for money and accommodation location. With this in mind, we believe that Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for first-time travellers, under 18's and families.
Helping on multiple projects - Whilst in Sri Lanka, you will also have the opportunity to get involved with our teaching or childcare programme for no additional cost. You will also be welcome to help with our sea turtle conservation efforts or street dog project for a small additional fee.
Weekends and free time - You will have every weekend off from volunteering and this is the perfect time to explore everything this beautiful island has to offer. You are more than welcome to simply relax around the accommodation and enjoy the nearby beaches, but most volunteers will use this time to travel and see the country. Further down this page you will come across many suggestions and ideas on where you could go. Alternatively, if you are looking to see as much of the country as possible during this time, travel with other volunteers and be accompanied by one of our local team members, then you may be interested in one or more of the organised weekend trips we run.
Further Information
Time of my life on my medical elective in Sri Lanka
I definitely recommend The Mighty Roar Sri Lanka and hope that future volunteers have as positive an experience as I have had. A big thank you to Ayomi for welcoming me into her home with such care and kindness.
Ava YappAugust 2024
I did the mighty roar project for my…
I did the mighty roar project in Sri Lanka for my medical elective and had a great time. The location of the accommodation just across from the beach was fantastic and staff very welcoming and accommodating. The medical programme was well organised and I learnt a lot whilst there.
Arabella AtkinsMarch 2024
Best experience ever!
I went and stayed with Charith and his family volunteering with the mighty roar for 6 weeks. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel very much at home. I volunteered in the hospitals for 6 weeks and it was a very eye opening experience that I will ta... Read More
TM March 2024
Best experience ever!
I went and stayed with Charith and his family volunteering with the mighty roar for 6 weeks. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Everyone was so welcoming and made me feel very much at home. I volunteered in the hospitals for 6 weeks and it was a very eye opening experience that I will take with me for life. The accommodation is located right next to the beach which is beautiful! On weekends we managed to travel pretty much the whole of Sri Lanka and the weekend trips to the Maldives was a dream come true. It was a fantastic:)
TM March 2024
Ayomi
Ayomi, Karu, Mamu and the whole team were very accommodating, helpful when planning events for us to join in on and activities. They helped us to organise transport when going out for the day or going away for the weekend as some of us did, to explore Sri Lanka.
I Spent 4 weeks on the medic... Read More
Dylan MolyneuxNovember 2023
Ayomi
Ayomi, Karu, Mamu and the whole team were very accommodating, helpful when planning events for us to join in on and activities. They helped us to organise transport when going out for the day or going away for the weekend as some of us did, to explore Sri Lanka.
I Spent 4 weeks on the medical programme as part of my university programme, ayomi listened to our issues and concerns and worked to resolve these such as changing areas within the hospital. The experience has really helped my professional development and outlook on life, seeing the difference in healthcare and understanding unique medical problems such as snake bites. Despite partaking in the medical placement, i got involved in the other programmes such as feeding the street dogs and teaching the primary school children, which was a great experience!
All the other volunteers were great and everyone got along well, we even took weekend trips away together to explore Sri Lanka.
Dylan MolyneuxNovember 2023
4 week medical placement- Sri Lanka
I did a 4 week medical placement from October to November. This placement was a requirement through my university. TMR organised all the placements and transport to and from which was great! And assigned us to a different area every week so we could experience as many areas as possible, they do s... Read More
Abigail DarlingtonNovember 2023
4 week medical placement- Sri Lanka
I did a 4 week medical placement from October to November. This placement was a requirement through my university. TMR organised all the placements and transport to and from which was great! And assigned us to a different area every week so we could experience as many areas as possible, they do stick to your requests too. Elpitiya hospital is lovely. All the staff are kind and very helpful. Most staff have limited English but the doctors do tend to have good English and will explain everything to you.
I shared a room 4 other people and we were able to stick together as a group as 3 of us are from the same university. The rooms are basic, but you are provided with a locker with a key to lock your valuables away. The suitcases perfectly fit under the bed and there is also aircon and mosquito nets. The rooms are cleaned once a week and you are provided with fresh linen and towels. I must say it is great when you come home from a weekend trip and your bed is freshly made!
The food: the food was really nice, I wouldn’t say I’m a picky eater but I’m not great with spice. However there was always something to eat!
The staff: the staff are amazing at TMR and are always around to help. Especially the chef who’s cooks all the meals, he is so lovely and can’t do enough for you. He’s always smiling :)
The driver is also amazing, he’s driven us around Sri Lanka on very long drives and always has a smile on his face. If you ask the driver to take you somewhere out of the way he’s more than willing to and nothing is too much of an ask!
Ayomi is so helpful when we have issue to arise. She deals with them in a timely manner and is always asking to look at pictures we’ve taken on trips and what we’ve been up to. Ayomi is always organising activities for us to do as a group such as football, surfing, kayaking and cricket. Is is always asking what we would like to do as a group and asks for suggestions.
Karu and Mamo are lovely people and have a great sense of humour. They came on a few trips with us and would always keep us safe and warn us about any scams etc and make sure our trip went as smooth as possible and we had fun!
The trips: I went on two of the weekend trips, the cultural triangle and the hill country weekend safari. I preferred the one that included the sigiriya rock as did many others. The trip seemed a lot more chilled than the other one and everything was paid for bare the massage which was optional. Overall the weekend trips were both great, however I would personally book onto the one with sigiriya rock included as you get so much more for your money.
We also had the opportunity to experience other programs such as the turtle programme, the dog rescue and childcare. They are very flexible and are more than happy for you to participate in other programmes.
Overall, this was a great experience. I would definitely book with TMR again. It is hard I must, but the staff make your stay so enjoyable. I would definitely book with TMR again for future travelling
Abigail DarlingtonNovember 2023
Medical Programme Sri Lanka
I spent 6 weeks in Sri Lanka on the medical programme for my medical school elective. Everything was very well organised and I felt well supported throughout the whole placement, as well as getting to experience the trip of a lifetime. Would recommend to anyone wanting to start travelling but wan... Read More
Morgan HowlandOctober 2023
Medical Programme Sri Lanka
I spent 6 weeks in Sri Lanka on the medical programme for my medical school elective. Everything was very well organised and I felt well supported throughout the whole placement, as well as getting to experience the trip of a lifetime. Would recommend to anyone wanting to start travelling but wanting a bit more support than full-on solo travel.
Morgan HowlandOctober 2023
The Mighty Roar - Sri Lanka…
I had the most amazing experience with The Mighty Roar in Sri Lanka! The staff go above and beyond for all of the volunteers and treat us all as a family. I was able to do the medical and childcare programmes, whilst also being able to help with the dog feeding and releasing the turtles during my... Read More
Sav Shewan October 2023
The Mighty Roar - Sri Lanka…
I had the most amazing experience with The Mighty Roar in Sri Lanka! The staff go above and beyond for all of the volunteers and treat us all as a family. I was able to do the medical and childcare programmes, whilst also being able to help with the dog feeding and releasing the turtles during my free time. The food was traditional, which allowed us to be immersed in the culture, whilst also taking trips to other parts of the island as a group when possible. For example, going up a waterfall on our first day and being able to visit a Buddhist temple in the village. I would highly record this experience for those wanting to have both a volunteer experience, but also one of travelling and exploring the surrounding area. Be prepared to embrace the culture and experience every situation that comes your way.
Sav Shewan October 2023
A great stay for meeting new people!
The staff here go above and beyond to cater for you at the mighty roar. I stayed here for 4 weeks and the beds are super comfy, they already have mosquito nets and they have lockers to store your things. The food is lovely and they cater to most dietary needs. There’s lots of fun activities to ... Read More
Heather LeeSeptember 2023
A great stay for meeting new people!
The staff here go above and beyond to cater for you at the mighty roar. I stayed here for 4 weeks and the beds are super comfy, they already have mosquito nets and they have lockers to store your things. The food is lovely and they cater to most dietary needs. There’s lots of fun activities to do as a group and you are opposite the coast so there’s lots of time to swim in the sea! It’s 10 mins away from the local town where there’s a lot to do! I’ve really enjoyed my stay here - I would recommend to bring a book and some cards for rainy days though! I also really enjoyed both of the Sri Lanka weekend trips! Special thanks to Ayomi, Thaksi, Chris!
Heather LeeSeptember 2023
TMR-Great Experience
I had a lovely time in Sri Lanka and at TMR. Everyone has been very nice and accommodating. Hope to see you soon
Tom HawkinsSeptember 2023
An amazing four weeks in Sri Lanka
We spent four week in Sri Lanka for our medical placement and can only speak highly of our hosts Ayomi and her family.
They went above and beyond to make us comfortable and were so welcoming, making us feel a part of the family.
A special mention also to Taxi, who never failed to make... Read More
Jamie BinghamSeptember 2023
An amazing four weeks in Sri Lanka
We spent four week in Sri Lanka for our medical placement and can only speak highly of our hosts Ayomi and her family.
They went above and beyond to make us comfortable and were so welcoming, making us feel a part of the family.
A special mention also to Taxi, who never failed to make us smile each day and worked so incredibly hard.
I would recommend TMR Sri Lanka highly as it is inexpensive compared to rivals, while not compromising on experience at all.
Go visit Sri Lanka you won’t regret it.
Thank you again Ayomi and team.
Jamie BinghamSeptember 2023
4 week stay
Very friendly people. Made it easy to adjust into Sri Lankan culture and were very helpful all round.
Sean RalphSeptember 2023
Volunteered on the medical placement in…
Volunteered on the medical placement in Sri Lanka and had a really enriching experience. The TMR group were really welcoming, organising fun activities weekly, really working hard to ensure safety and had a real homely feel to it! The placement days were brief but provided enough time to gain a g... Read More
Kanan SinghAugust 2023
Volunteered on the medical placement in…
Volunteered on the medical placement in Sri Lanka and had a really enriching experience. The TMR group were really welcoming, organising fun activities weekly, really working hard to ensure safety and had a real homely feel to it! The placement days were brief but provided enough time to gain a good insight into the healthcare system. I love that there were also weekly opportunities to visit an Ayurvedic clinic and learn about this traditional medicine form. Thanks TMR team for a great stay and lifelong memories
Kanan SinghAugust 2023
7 weeks medical elective - Tanzania, Ghana + Sri Lanka
I spent 7 weeks total across Tanzania, Ghana + Sri Lanka on my medical elective + had the most incredible experience.
Tanzania - the staff were very helpful + friendly - arranging regular afternoon trips (waterfalls, Kilimanjaro hikes, hot springs), as well as being flexible with allowing m... Read More
Beth WilkinsonAugust 2023
7 weeks medical elective - Tanzania, Ghana + Sri Lanka
I spent 7 weeks total across Tanzania, Ghana + Sri Lanka on my medical elective + had the most incredible experience.
Tanzania - the staff were very helpful + friendly - arranging regular afternoon trips (waterfalls, Kilimanjaro hikes, hot springs), as well as being flexible with allowing me to experience multiple different hospitals. Having a bar in the hostel was great to all socialise safely together, and German the barman was fantastic! We were given a nice amount of freedom, whilst also being supervised where necessary to feel safe. The safari weekend trip was amazing, hosted by Timo, and well worth the money!
Ghana - the people of Busua are amazing + make you feel so welcome! The staff - Dinah, Sylvester, Emmanuel + everyone else - are so helpful with whatever you need to make your stay enjoyable. I loved being able to visit the Busua community clinic, as well as visit a local special needs school, attend psychiatry home visits and give a presentation in a local school about mental health. Dinah's food is also great - a perfect mixture of more Western food + traditional Ghanaian food. I really enjoyed the Cape Coast weekend trip to see more of the country, as well as surfing on the beach in Busua. Cannot emphasise enough how lovely the staff + locals all are + how much they welcome you into the community - an incredible experience.
Sri Lanka - Ayomi, Thaksi + all the staff are so kind + treat you like family, the accommodation is lovely + the food is incredible. Although I didn't go on any TMR weekend trips (dates didn't align), the staff were great with helping us organise our own. I loved our time spent at the Ayuverdic clinic, and really appreciated being able to spend more time there than planned, as organised by Ayomi. The organised afternoon activities were also lots of fun (boat trips, cricket with locals), and Ayomi was brilliant for organising them according to our preferences. A brilliant way to experience Sri Lanka!
Throughout all my trips I met such amazing people - both locals + other volunteers, and had such incredible experiences. Each place had amazing staff, who made my trips so memorable - a real once in a lifetime opportunity.
Beth WilkinsonAugust 2023
The Mighty Roar Sri Lanka Medical Experience
The Mighty Roar staff were so friendly and welcoming, and organised many activities for us to see and experience what the entire country had to offer.
Seyi AAugust 2023
Medical elective experience
Such a good experience doing a medical elective here, the team were really helpful with everything especially Ayomi and Thaksi - two angels. They were really accommodating and facilitated many fun trips and any elective university requirements.
Kate EustaceJuly 2023
Sri Lanka Medical Elective- An Unforgettable Island Experience
I have loved doing my 4 week medical elective in Sri Lanka- it was the perfect mix of volunteering and getting to explore the beautiful island. The family we were living with were amazing and catered to our needs, including at times going out of their way to be accommodating. A special thank you ... Read More
Liza BuchynskaJuly 2023
Sri Lanka Medical Elective- An Unforgettable Island Experience
I have loved doing my 4 week medical elective in Sri Lanka- it was the perfect mix of volunteering and getting to explore the beautiful island. The family we were living with were amazing and catered to our needs, including at times going out of their way to be accommodating. A special thank you to Ayomi who came with us to shop for hospital supplies, we really appreciated it! Thank you for an overall unforgettable experience, I would highly recommend going here for your medical elective.
Liza BuchynskaJuly 2023
Great medical elective experience
Ayomi and her family made us feel so incredibly welcomed and supported throughout our medical experience. Nothing was too much bother and they were always there to ask advice/help.
Lara TurnerJuly 2023
Where do I start.
Where do I start.. I would firstly like to thank the amazing team who welcomed and treated you like a family. I completed the medical volunteer program which was organised by the team. My 3 weeks in Sri Lanka have been magic and I made memories to last a life time.
Amanda TewJuly 2023
Wonderful Medical Elective in Sri Lanka
Such a great experience! I was there for three weeks for the medical programme. Ayomi and all the staff at TMR always went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. From organising extra activities like surfing and kayaking in the afternoon to coordinating cricket games with... Read More
Bebhinn TwomeyJuly 2023
Wonderful Medical Elective in Sri Lanka
Such a great experience! I was there for three weeks for the medical programme. Ayomi and all the staff at TMR always went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. From organising extra activities like surfing and kayaking in the afternoon to coordinating cricket games with the locals, there was always a fun packed schedule. I really recommended TMR in Sri Lanka. You feel like part of the family when you are there.
Bebhinn TwomeyJuly 2023
Amazing time in Sri Lanka
Me and 2 friends came to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks on the medical experience and had the best time! The organisation of the entire trip was incredible. The team here in Sri Lanka were always at hand to help us with anything we needed, and always made sure we felt safe during our trip. They always had... Read More
Jess Birch-MachinJuly 2023
Amazing time in Sri Lanka
Me and 2 friends came to Sri Lanka for 3 weeks on the medical experience and had the best time! The organisation of the entire trip was incredible. The team here in Sri Lanka were always at hand to help us with anything we needed, and always made sure we felt safe during our trip. They always had plans for activities to make sure we enjoyed our time here and got to see everything the country had to offer whilst volunteering. We have met some incredible people, both staff and other volunteers, and made some genuine friends for life. Would definitely recommend volunteering and travelling with the mighty roar to anyone!
Jess Birch-MachinJuly 2023
Medical Elective
I really enjoyed my three weeks on the medical elective in Sri Lanka. TMR ensured that we always had activities to look forward to such as cricket, surfing, soccer and kayaking. They also organised brilliant weekend trips to discover the country, which were very well organised with private buses ... Read More
Aoife ManganJuly 2023
Medical Elective
I really enjoyed my three weeks on the medical elective in Sri Lanka. TMR ensured that we always had activities to look forward to such as cricket, surfing, soccer and kayaking. They also organised brilliant weekend trips to discover the country, which were very well organised with private buses and all meals included. They kindly organised a bus & driver to bring a group of us to Kandy for a weekend too.
The food was delicious too, lots of authentic Sri Lankan food and a surprise pasta or chips a few times a week. Chef Chamishka was super friendly, a brilliant cook and an even better dancer! He even made us pancakes on our final morning.
Thaksi was so kind and always there to help or even for a chat. She was great fun and always efficient with any issues we had including fixing our air conditioning at 11pm!
A brilliant three weeks and I’m sad to be leaving!
Aoife ManganJuly 2023
Medical elective experience Sri Lanka
I did the medical elective experience in Sri Lanka, and I couldn’t possibly recommend this experience any more. Ayomi, Thaksi, Charith, and all of the people who run the accommodation are the kindest people who really go above and beyond to make the experience as enjoyable as possible - they co... Read More
Holly McNallyJuly 2023
Medical elective experience Sri Lanka
I did the medical elective experience in Sri Lanka, and I couldn’t possibly recommend this experience any more. Ayomi, Thaksi, Charith, and all of the people who run the accommodation are the kindest people who really go above and beyond to make the experience as enjoyable as possible - they constantly organise fun activities for us - surfing, football, kayaking, bonfires, discos - and the food we get for breakfast lunch and dinner is delicious, and there’s such a wonderful atmosphere around the accommodation constantly. This was such an incredible opportunity to gain insight into the Sri Lankan medical system, and experience authentic Sri Lankan food and culture, all whilst being supported by the kindest people. I’m so grateful to Ayomi and everyone for all the work they did to make our three weeks with them so fantastic.
Holly McNallyJuly 2023
Medical experience in Sri Lanka
I travelled to Sri Lanka for three weeks on a medical experience with the mighty roar. It has been an incredible experience and one I will not forget, I have made friends for life here and can take away more than just memories. Doing your volunteer duties is a massive part of of this experience, ... Read More
Molly BurgessJuly 2023
Medical experience in Sri Lanka
I travelled to Sri Lanka for three weeks on a medical experience with the mighty roar. It has been an incredible experience and one I will not forget, I have made friends for life here and can take away more than just memories. Doing your volunteer duties is a massive part of of this experience, but when there is some free time the staff always have something planned to experience this beautiful country to its fullest. This experience is more than I ever expected and I would recommend this to anyone, there was never a day I did not feel safe. Thank you the mighty roar!!!
Molly BurgessJuly 2023
The most amazing time in TMR Sri Lanka
Myself & 2 friends came for 3 weeks to do the medical experience in Sri Lanka for our degree. The whole experience has been amazing, very well organised, down to the activities they put on and the weekend trips they offer. We went on a safari weekend trip whilst here which was an amazing expe... Read More
Rachael BlakesonJuly 2023
The most amazing time in TMR Sri Lanka
Myself & 2 friends came for 3 weeks to do the medical experience in Sri Lanka for our degree. The whole experience has been amazing, very well organised, down to the activities they put on and the weekend trips they offer. We went on a safari weekend trip whilst here which was an amazing experience and very well organised. All the staff here are always on hand to help with anything. They are all so very friendly. I have made some great new friends here from staff to other volunteers. I would highly recommend TMR Sri Lanka to anyone! Very sad to be leaving after 3 incredible weeks.
Rachael BlakesonJuly 2023
Sri Lanka medical experience
My time in Sri Lanka has been truly amazing the TMR team has been so helpful and any concerns were always addressed! I did the medical experience and would 100% recommend to others, it’s an experience I will never forget. The family at the accommodation are the nicest and most helpful people it... Read More
Caitlin Balow-LloydJuly 2023
Sri Lanka medical experience
My time in Sri Lanka has been truly amazing the TMR team has been so helpful and any concerns were always addressed! I did the medical experience and would 100% recommend to others, it’s an experience I will never forget. The family at the accommodation are the nicest and most helpful people it truly feels like you’re home away from home. I have met people who have become friends for life and loved every second of my time here.
Caitlin Balow-LloydJuly 2023
Fun medical elective in Sri Lanka
I came with a group of friends for our medical elective and we had a great experience with TMR. The accommodation was comfortable and the homemade Sri Lankan food was very tasty. The staff were all so incredibly friendly and helpful with everything including organising activities for everyone whi... Read More
Isabel July 2023
Fun medical elective in Sri Lanka
I came with a group of friends for our medical elective and we had a great experience with TMR. The accommodation was comfortable and the homemade Sri Lankan food was very tasty. The staff were all so incredibly friendly and helpful with everything including organising activities for everyone while we were there and helping us book buses for our own trips. The location was lovely as well and very convenient. Couldn’t recommend it enough
Isabel July 2023
I had a great experience
I had great experience. They communicate well and I have received loads of support! I wish I could stay longer - the nicest people and the family it’s absolutely lovely! Food was soooo good :)
Aida StepanovaiteJuly 2023
What an experience!
What. An. Experience.
I spent 8 weeks on my medical elective with TMR in Sri Lanka. All I can say is wow! Ayomi, Charith and the local team go above and beyond to look after you and make you feel at home. You are living on site with them, so you really feel like part of the family. The acco... Read More
Avni KantMay 2023
What an experience!
What. An. Experience.
I spent 8 weeks on my medical elective with TMR in Sri Lanka. All I can say is wow! Ayomi, Charith and the local team go above and beyond to look after you and make you feel at home. You are living on site with them, so you really feel like part of the family. The accommodation felt very safe. I was in an 8 bed dorm, which was very clean and modern. Ayomi put in effort to include us in unique cultural experiences, for example new year celebrations with the villagers, and celebrating Vesak Poya with a dansal refreshment stall where we gave food out to the community. They are also very open to take on suggestions to make your stay even better! The food they cooked was varied and tasty, with ice cream after every meal!! As for the weekend trips, they were good at giving a taster of various sites around Sri Lanka. I did end up going back to a couple of the places via public transport to experience them better. The hospital experience was very eye opening and there were many opportunities to talk to the doctors about cases or differences in their healthcare system. We were often invited to join in the ward round or medical teaching. I particularly enjoyed the medical ward and paediatric ward at the local hospital. We were also given the chance to spend time at the largest hospital in the south of Sri Lanka, and also visited the community Ayurvedic clinic on a weekly basis where we were taught all about herbal medicine! I have honestly had such a wonderful time and I’m going to miss everyone so much!
Avni KantMay 2023
4 Week Nursing Elective in Sri Lanka
I spent 4 weeks in Sri Lanka on my nursing elective placement in January 2020 and WOW what a place!
I chose to go with The Mighty Roar as they are so reasonably priced in comparison to other companies as well as the company as a whole being a family run business. Prior to flying out, Chris ... Read More
Katie SmithFebruary 2023
4 Week Nursing Elective in Sri Lanka
I spent 4 weeks in Sri Lanka on my nursing elective placement in January 2020 and WOW what a place!
I chose to go with The Mighty Roar as they are so reasonably priced in comparison to other companies as well as the company as a whole being a family run business. Prior to flying out, Chris was always on hand to any any questions or worried. The Facebook group was a brilliant way to chat to other volunteers that would be there, especially as I was travelling alone.
Once in Sri Lanka, the family welcomed us all with open arms and treated us as part of the family. The family taught us about their culture, their way of life and most of all gave me a wholesome experience. Family were always on hand to help you no matter what, offer you tips of places to visit at the weekends, take you to places and make reasonable adjustments. Mum’s tea was always 10/10 and made you feel at home.
I booked the Maldives weekend prior to flying out and what a once in a lifetime experience, incredible and everything was sorted for us by the UK team. Once in Sri Lanka, I chose to also pay to go on the Hill Country and Safari weekend. This weekend was a brilliant way to see parts of the country that I wouldn’t have visited such as tea plantations, Little England and Nine Arch Bridge.
The nursing placement was amazing, we spent time with the local “herbal” doctor, run like a GP practice before going to the local hospital. There I spent a week in A&E, a week in the children’s ward and a week in labour room. During my last week at the hospital, Covid-19 arrived and although we were able to still go on placement, I was extremely nervous about going due to the unknown and being in a different country with a lot smaller provisions to what we have in the UK. The family were able to organise for me to attend the kindergarten and school during my last week instead of the hospital to help ease my worries. That being said, the hospital was a brilliant place to see western medicine being used and really was an eye opener to the differences between the UK and Sri Lanka.
I can’t thank The Mighty Roar and the local team in Sri Lanka for my experience, it was unforgettable and truly amazing. Sri Lanka will always hold a special place in my heart for the amazing memories I gained. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with The Mighty Roar again for other countries/programmes.
Katie SmithFebruary 2023
Medical Placement in Sri Lanka
Did the medical placement in Sri Lanka which counted towards hours for my nursing degree and it was incredible! 100% recommend.
Heather LockyearFebruary 2023
Medical Volunteer
I took part in the medical volunteer program in Sri Lanka during August 2022. Althoug there were difficulties in the country with political and financial issues, none of this impacted on our training and safety.
We all had the most amazing experiences of hospital and clinic work. Meeting so... Read More
Deborah WolfendaleOctober 2022
Medical Volunteer
I took part in the medical volunteer program in Sri Lanka during August 2022. Althoug there were difficulties in the country with political and financial issues, none of this impacted on our training and safety.
We all had the most amazing experiences of hospital and clinic work. Meeting some amazing like minded volunteers certainly created life long memories.
TMR staff especially Ayomi and Chris made the trip seamless with excellent communication throughout and nothing was too much trouble at our accommodation. Thank you I would definitely recommend this company and location
Deborah WolfendaleOctober 2022
Amazing
Amazing and good!
Ross O'BrienAugust 2022
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
My 4 weeks in Sri Lanka was such an amazing experience. The family are such welcoming and lovely people that ensure everyone’s safety at all times. Ayomi, Hector, Chuti, Mamo and Sudha thank you so much, best experience of my life.
Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country with so much to see... Read More
Renda SaitJuly 2022
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
My 4 weeks in Sri Lanka was such an amazing experience. The family are such welcoming and lovely people that ensure everyone’s safety at all times. Ayomi, Hector, Chuti, Mamo and Sudha thank you so much, best experience of my life.
Sri Lanka is such a beautiful country with so much to see and do. I did a trip every weekend I was there with no problems. Sri Lanka still needs support from all tourists to visit to help build it back up with the current crisis.
Renda SaitJuly 2022
An Amazing Time In Sri Lanka
Had an amazing time in Sri Lanka!! Ayomi and her family made me feel at home!! All the staff are lovely, the area is great and the food was amazing !!
Charlotte GibbsJuly 2022
An Amazing Time In Sri Lanka
I had an amazing time in Sri Lanka thanks to Ayomi and her family, and the local team. At every point in my stay I felt safe and well looked after. Food provided was always good, and the accommodation was clean, with hot water and air conditioning.
Tuk tuks were available and often or... Read More
Sofia Ashworth-Endicott July 2022
An Amazing Time In Sri Lanka
I had an amazing time in Sri Lanka thanks to Ayomi and her family, and the local team. At every point in my stay I felt safe and well looked after. Food provided was always good, and the accommodation was clean, with hot water and air conditioning.
Tuk tuks were available and often organised for individual trips by the local team, meaning we were always safe from being scammed - using trusted drivers. Mammu was amazing in helping us organise our own weekend trip, organising everything from the driver to where was good to eat lunch. All members of the team including mammu, chutti and Hector took such good care of us - even walking volunteers to the bus stops to ensure they left the accommodation safely.
The hospital programme allowed for a great insight into the health care system, we were even able to stand in on surgeries which was a great experience. The programme itself could have been slightly more organised as we were often unsure about where in the hospital to go, but it was nothing that being proactive and asking members of hospital staff couldn't fix.
Thank you to Ayomi and all of the team for an amazing once in a lifetime experience!💓
Sofia Ashworth-Endicott July 2022
Helpful and Supportive
The mighty roar have been extremely helpful throughout my whole trip, and thanks to them I felt safe and supported the whole time I was there. Booking was very easy and the way their website is set up is very easy to navigate. I would definitely book another trip with them.
Fiona AndrewMay 2022
Medical Elective
Me and 4 of my friends did our medical elective placement in Sri Lanka with TMR and had a great time! Unfortunately due to the pandemic some of our placements were a bit different to what we expected but nevertheless we had a wonderful time. Chutti, Mammu and Hector make sure everyone staying wit... Read More
Louise Munro-JamesApril 2022
Medical Elective
Me and 4 of my friends did our medical elective placement in Sri Lanka with TMR and had a great time! Unfortunately due to the pandemic some of our placements were a bit different to what we expected but nevertheless we had a wonderful time. Chutti, Mammu and Hector make sure everyone staying with them have the best time possible and look after you like their own family. Thank you so much for a lovely 4 weeks!
Louise Munro-JamesApril 2022
Sri Lanka Medical Programme
I did the Sri Lanka medical programme for 4 weeks! It was honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made! The family we stayed with were very accommodating and lovely to be with. Would recommend to anyone !
Sophie NelsonMarch 2020
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
Sadly, I am back in England after 4 AMAZING weeks in Sri Lanka with Charith & his wonderful family.
As a student nurse, I was given the fantastic opportunity to volunteer in Balapitiya Hospital (a local government hospital in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka). Over the course of volun... Read More
Sian AliciaJanuary 2020
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
Sadly, I am back in England after 4 AMAZING weeks in Sri Lanka with Charith & his wonderful family.
As a student nurse, I was given the fantastic opportunity to volunteer in Balapitiya Hospital (a local government hospital in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka). Over the course of volunteering, we had amazing opportunities to work in a variety of settings, i.e. ICU, Paediatrics, Labour, Gynaecology, Surgery, etc and the contrast in healthcare in Sri Lanka & healthcare in the UK is so different, which was absolutely incredible to discuss with doctors and understand ourselves. Sri Lankan citizens are so warm, welcoming and accepting of you being in their country and offering them help and support, it is truly heartwarming and I am honoured to have been given such an amazing opportunity
Our stay with Charith and his family was unreal. It was amazing how much they took us into their family home and treated us like their own. Renu & Karu liked to be addressed as Mum & Dad and acted just like your holiday mum and dad whilst
over there. They were so so lovely! The whole family (including Libby, Cat & Kittens) were just absolute diamonds to be around. Also, massive shoutout to Mammu & Tuti who made our experience what it was. I have never in my whole life met 2 men that I love so much. My very own new extended family - for sure!
However, the gold star review doesn’t quite stop there - Sri Lanka really is the gift that keeps on giving. During our four week stay, we had further opportunities to travel! So of course, we grabbed both of these opportunities with two hands and did pretty much whatever we wanted to do. Our first trip was to Kandy/Ella. We travelled 5 hours courtesy of the driver from Karu’s Guesthouse and got to see some of the most famous Sri Lankan attractions, such as Little Adams Peak, Temple of Tooth & Nine Arch Bridge (alongside seeing some amazing other things whilst there). Our second trip was the trip to the Maldives. Oh my word, what an absolutely phenomenal experience. Yes, the Maldives is exactly like the pictures you see on the internet, so need I say anymore on the matter? I am just utterly thankful for the opportunity to do these things, it’s something that not every 21 year old can tick off their list. We also participated in River Safari’s, saw local temples, visited local markets, and so much more.
I am completely and utterly in love with the whole of Sri Lanka and all of it’s citizens. I’m blessed to have been handed such an amazing opportunity and for that I’ll thank God every single day.
Counting down for my return. (Yes, you heard right Charith, I’m coming back)
Sian AliciaJanuary 2020
Medical Experience
I have shortly returned home after staying in Karu’s guest house for 4 weeks. The purpose of my journey to Sri Lanka was to complete an NPE placement organised through my university and to volunteer within their local government hospital as a student nurse.
Our first day of voluntee... Read More
Courtney ParkinsonDecember 2019
Medical Experience
I have shortly returned home after staying in Karu’s guest house for 4 weeks. The purpose of my journey to Sri Lanka was to complete an NPE placement organised through my university and to volunteer within their local government hospital as a student nurse.
Our first day of volunteering we received a letter with our location for the next 4 weeks, my first week I was on the paediatric Ward, my second week in theatres, third week the emergency room and for my final week I was placed in the labour room (this was my favourite week).
The difference in the health care provided in Sri Lanka compared to England was very eye opening to say the least. However, to understand how a different less wealthy country run their hospital was an incredible experience. The doctors/nurses regardless of the language barrier were okay with us.
Now moving on to our stay at Karu’s guest house, we stayed in Uncle’s house for the duration of our stay (got to admit he was a little inappropriate at times). However, every other Sri Lankan local that worked/lived their were INCREDIBLE!!. It was the hardest thing leaving all of them beautiful people behind especially Charith, Mammu and chuti.
Whilst in Sri Lanka we went on a couple of weekend trips which included visiting Kandy and Ella and flying to the most place I’ve ever been, the Maldives. Words can’t describe how lucky I have been to have experienced such a wonderful country like Sri Lanka & make such amazing friends and memories. Currently saving up to return to Karu’s guest house in Sri Lanka.
Courtney ParkinsonDecember 2019
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
I volunteered with TMR for 2 weeks in August in Sri Lanka and couldn't recommend them enough! We had the trip of a lifetime and couldn't have felt more welcome by Charith and his family! Any healthcare students considering an oversees elective placement then i wouldn't hesitate at all! Reasonable... Read More
Zoe RyallSeptember 2019
Sri Lanka Medical Experience
I volunteered with TMR for 2 weeks in August in Sri Lanka and couldn't recommend them enough! We had the trip of a lifetime and couldn't have felt more welcome by Charith and his family! Any healthcare students considering an oversees elective placement then i wouldn't hesitate at all! Reasonable prices & an unforgettable experience!
Zoe RyallSeptember 2019
The most amazing experience! 4 weeks medical program
Had the best time in Sri Lanka. The whole family out there really want you to have the best time and are so funny and lovely (even if they don’t speak much English). The accommodation is fab with nice air conditioned rooms, really comfy beds and the beach across the road is just amazing. I was ... Read More
Katie AyresSeptember 2019
The most amazing experience! 4 weeks medical program
Had the best time in Sri Lanka. The whole family out there really want you to have the best time and are so funny and lovely (even if they don’t speak much English). The accommodation is fab with nice air conditioned rooms, really comfy beds and the beach across the road is just amazing. I was never bored and was doing stuff every evening and traveling around Sri Lanka at weekends with people I met there (I went by my self). The medical program was also amazing and I saw everything I wanted to, like labour room, surgery and different wards. Highly recommend!!
Katie AyresSeptember 2019
Thank you!
I did the medical programme, it was a great experience and TMR made an effort to accommodate our needs on placement because as a group of student midwives we wanted to be placed on maternity wards. The Sri Lankan people were the loveliest people I’ve ever met and couldn’t do enough for you, i... Read More
Ella MarshSeptember 2019
Thank you!
I did the medical programme, it was a great experience and TMR made an effort to accommodate our needs on placement because as a group of student midwives we wanted to be placed on maternity wards. The Sri Lankan people were the loveliest people I’ve ever met and couldn’t do enough for you, including Charith and his family who do everything they can to help you in whatever way and make you feel as welcome as possible. We also explored Sri Lanka a little with the help and recommendations of Charith. Overall really enjoyed every aspect and could not recommend enough! Thank you!
Ella MarshSeptember 2019
Amazing 3 weeks in Sri Lanka
I spent 3 weeks during August in Sri Lanka doing the medical programme. It was a very eye opening experience and was great to see how healthcare in other countries is carried out! As well as this I was able to help at the teaching project for an afternoon and also got involved with the turtle pro... Read More
Phoebe MeadowcroftSeptember 2019
Amazing 3 weeks in Sri Lanka
I spent 3 weeks during August in Sri Lanka doing the medical programme. It was a very eye opening experience and was great to see how healthcare in other countries is carried out! As well as this I was able to help at the teaching project for an afternoon and also got involved with the turtle project when anything happened.
The accommodation was great, Charith and his family ate lovely and will help sort out any queries you have or help organise any trips you want to do!
I had an amazing time and would recommend this to anyone looking to go to Sri Lanka :)
Phoebe MeadowcroftSeptember 2019
Schedule a Zoom call
Schedule a Zoom call
Interested in volunteering abroad with The Mighty Roar? Why not schedule a 20 minute Zoom call!
Whether you need help narrowing down your options or have questions about a specific trip we offer, we can go into detail about all aspects of our programmes. This can include the day to day itinerary, finances, weekend trips, safety, arrival procedures and more!
Simply click the below link to head over to our calendar page and choose the best date and time for you.
Programme Video
Programme Video
Accommodation & meals
Accommodation & meals
We cannot think of anywhere better to stay when volunteering in Sri Lanka! Our volunteer accommodation is just a stones throw away (10 second walk) from a quiet golden sand beach that is lined with palm trees – paradise!
It’s the perfect place to come and relax each evening and witness some incredible sunsets. Not only this, but you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters that has an abundance of colourful fish swimming around the coral reef and you may even see a sea turtle swim by!
For all wildlife lovers, there are regular sightings of sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs just metres away from the accommodation! Our local team will happily come on walks late into the evening or wake you up in the night so you can witness this magnificent experience.
Our spacious and comfortable volunteer accommodation is set on a large plot of land where you will be staying in one of our purpose built houses. Surrounded by the jungle on one side and the beach on the other, you have the best of both worlds! You can sit back and relax outside under the sun while drinking from a King Coconut that grow on the many palm trees around the accommodation or top up your tan over at the beach.
Everyone comes together to eat their delicious meals outside under a traditional shelter where you can all share stories and you’ll even be able to hear the waves crashing down. This is also the perfect place for impromptu parties and BBQ’s where you can socialise into the night looking up at the dark starry sky.
You will generally be sharing a room with up to 5 other volunteers in comfy bunk beds with all bedding and mosquito nets are provided. During our busier times, you may need to share a room with up to 7 other volunteers. All rooms have the added luxury of air-conditioning and modern en-suite bathrooms. If you’re lucky you could be staying in one of the bedrooms that have a small balcony where you can look far into the jungle and you can even see the sea!
Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation although this can be intermittent. Our local team are more than happy to provide laundry services at a small charge.
The backpacker town of Hikkaduwa is just a 5-minute tuk tuk ride away where you can visit many restaurants and bars that back right onto the beach. A favourite town amongst most volunteers, there are many supermarkets, quirky shops and water activities on offer – including surfing.
The accommodation is also conveniently located close to the historic town of Galle and famous beaches including Mirissa, Unawatuna and Ambalangoda. There are also great bus and train links that allow you to easily explore the rest of the country.
During busier months you may be placed at alternative accommodation. This will generally be a smaller house around 5 minutes from the main house within the same village.
Meals
This is your chance to live life like a local and try some mouth-watering local cuisine! Freshly prepared and cooked each day, you will get to try many traditional Sri Lankan dishes as well as some western home comforts.
All meals are provided at our volunteer accommodation and are included within the programme fee (except at weekends, please budget £2 per meal). All volunteers come together each meal time to sit outside, socialise and eat – the perfect time to share stories.
Here is an example of some of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Toast, omelette, string hoppers, fresh fruits, tea, milk
Lunch – Rice, vegetables, chicken, fish, dhal, curry, poppadoms
Dinner – Noodles, rice, pasta, hoppers, vegetables, curry
We are able to cater for several dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. Please state any requirements when applying.
Volunteer fees
Volunteer fees
All of the below prices exclude the £179 registration fee. The total price payable is the below programme price + the £179 registration fee, as will be confirmed in the application process. To find out exactly what's included as part of fees, please click the What's Included box on the programme page.
What's included
What's included
The fees you pay go towards the structure and support put in place in order to provide you with an organised and safe environment in which to volunteer. The programme fee goes directly to our local team in Sri Lanka and is used towards the following:
- Airport pickup
- Accommodation
- All meals on volunteering days
- Transport to Projects
- In-country orientation
- 24-hour in-country support
The registration fee that you pay to confirm your place on the volunteer programme is retained by our team in the United Kingdom. This fee is used towards the following:
- 24-hour UK based emergency support
- Unlimited telephone and email support
- A comprehensive volunteer handbook
- Assistance with all aspects of your trip
- 100% financial protection
- Regular programme inspections
- Certificate of completion
What's not included
There are still some parts of your trip that will need to be funded by yourself, these include:
- Flights to Colombo
- Travel insurance
- The transfer back to the airport
- Visa
- Criminal background check
- Spending money
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to be a volunteer in Sri Lanka?
The Mighty Roar welcomes volunteers from all nationalities, religions and backgrounds. So if you have just left school and are looking for experience to boost your university application (pre-med), currently a university student organising an elective placement overseas or are a trained professional - this is the perfect programme for you.
We ask that all volunteers have a good level and understanding of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You of course do not need to speak the local dialect, but you will find learning a few words will go a long way.
You must be able to provide a clean criminal background check in advance of volunteering with us abroad. We're afraid we are generally unable to accept anyone who has any previous convictions, but please do get in touch so we can discuss this further.
Volunteering abroad can at times be both physically and mentally challenging, therefore we ask that all participants be fit in both areas. If you do have any medical / mental health conditions that you believe may affect your time volunteering, then these must be declared to us during the application process. If you have any questions regarding your suitability, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Are there any age restrictions to volunteer in Sri Lanka?
If you are hoping to volunteer with us in Sri Lanka, then you will need to be at least 17 years old on the programme start date. Generally the average age range for our programmes is 17 - 25, although this is by no means definitive.
None of our programmes have an upper age limit and in the past we have hosted participants of all ages. We find that age does not play an important part of volunteering abroad, as everyone has travelled for the same reason and to make new friends. However, in saying this, we have found at times that our more mature participants have perhaps expected a higher level of accommodation or structure. We cannot stress enough that all volunteers should remain open minded and flexible.
When is the best time of year to volunteer in Sri Lanka?
Over the years we have hosted many volunteers across all of our programmes in Sri Lanka and have obtained lots of feedback from everyone. The comments suggest that if you are looking for a large social experience then volunteering during the European summer months of June to August will provide the best experience. During this time we host our peak numbers across all projects and this is when we will be at total capacity in terms of the accommodation and numbers at the projects.
Conversely, volunteering outside of these months will typically provide the greatest opportunity to become fully immersed at the projects and within the local community and give you the chance to build a greater bond with our local team. You will of course still make many new lifelong friends along the way too!
I am really interested in volunteering in Sri Lanka, when should I apply?
You are more than welcome to apply at any time for any of our programmes, with start dates available at least two years in advance. We recommend that you apply as soon as you know it is something you 100% want to do, to ensure the best chances of availability on your chosen dates. Many of our programmes have limited capacity and at times these spaces can get filled very quickly - this is particularly true for our peak period between June and August.
We generally recommend applying at least 60 days in advance to give you ample time to ensure everything has been arranged. However, if you are looking to volunteer sooner than this, then it should not be a problem. Please do get in contact if you have any concerns about arranging any essentials within a shorter timeframe.
Once you have applied and confirmed your place on the programme, then it is possible to amend your start date and / or duration. Any changes need to be made at least 60 days prior to your start date and are subject to availability.
What duration would you recommend volunteering for?
This is of course down to personal preference, however, on gaining feedback from previous volunteers we believe 3 to 6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to volunteer for. Not only will you be able to get fully involved with all aspects of the programme and integrate yourself within the local community, but you will also have many opportunities to explore everything Sri Lanka has to offer on the weekends. We regularly have volunteers come for 1 to 2 weeks that tell us they wish they stayed for longer.
What date should I arrive and leave Sri Lanka for my volunteer programme?
You should arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo (CMB) on your selected start date, being the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. If you are joining us in Sri Lanka on your elective placement and your university dates do not align with this, please get in touch as we can be flexible on the start dates. You will be met by one of our local team members or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign and will take you to our accommodation 2-3 hours away.
The programme ends on a Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. Our local team will be happy to help organise any onward journeys or take you back to the airport, but please note this is not included within the programme fee.
Can I volunteer with TMR if I live outside of the UK?
Yes of course! Although The Mighty Roar is located within the United Kingdom, we welcome participants from all around the world. Over the years we have hosted many volunteers from across the globe, including USA, Germany, France, Canada, Australia and more. We wish for everyone to have an equal opportunity to travel and help make a difference, no matter where you are from.
Can I volunteer abroad with my friends / parents / partner?
You are of course more than welcome to travel and volunteer with your friends, family members and / or your partner. If required, we can ensure that you stay within the same accommodation and volunteer at the same project - so that you are together as often as wanted. Our volunteer accommodation is on a single-sex basis, so if you are wanting to share a a room with someone of the opposite sex, we will do our best accommodate this. However, it would be dependent on space and logistics at the time.
Why are TMR's volunteering fees so much more affordable than other organisations?
The Mighty Roar was founded with the aim to make all of our volunteering programmes as affordable and accessible as possible, allowing this once in a lifetime opportunity to all travellers. If you really want, we will even allow you to compare our pricing with other organisations, charities and not-for-profits where you will find us significantly cheaper.
How can we do this I hear you ask? Well, it’s pretty simple really! We do not need big fancy offices, lots of employees or massive monthly overheads. Our small family team work from a cosy farm office and we have done away with out-dated glossy brochures, an unnecessary high street shop or plush office and because we are passionate about what we do, we don't need 10+ staff to handle all of the operations.
Can I talk to previous volunteers and others who will be volunteering in Sri Lanka at the same time as me?
Each and every destination we operate in has its very own dedicated Facebook group where you can talk with past, present and future volunteers. This is the perfect place to ask any questions from previous volunteers and to also talk with other volunteers who will be volunteering at the same time as you.
You can request to join the Sri Lanka Facebook group by clicking here.
Will I be able to travel whilst volunteering in Sri Lanka?
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to travel while volunteering in Sri Lanka. In fact, we actively encourage you to do so! Not only will you have several hours of free time every weekday to explore the local area, but you will also have the weekends off - allowing you to head further afield. Our local team are able to provide you with recommendations and details of any weekend opportunities and travel tips to help you plan any independent adventures. Please feel free to also browse some of our own recommendations further down on the programme page.
The Mighty Roar also operate a number of amazing weekend trips every month that allow you to explore the country as a group with your new-found friends. The structured itinerary along with our local team accompanying you ensures you travel in a safe manner and allows you to see as much as possible during your free time. You can view all available weekend opportunities here.
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? What support will I receive?
While we can never guarantee your volunteer experience will be 100% trouble free, we have taken all of the necessary precautions to minimise all risks and to ensure all programmes are as safe as possible. Our helpful and knowledgeable UK team are with you throughout your whole journey, from answering questions about programmes, through the application process, providing pre-departure information, support while in-country and to answer any questions you may have on your return home.
A member of our UK team visit each and every volunteer programme we offer on a regular basis to rigorously check all aspects of the project - something generally not done by most other organisations! We experience every programme just like a volunteer would, from staying within the accommodation, helping on the projects, eating the meals provided and travelling the local area. By doing this, not only can we ensure everything is safe and running as planned, but we can truly tell you what to expect and can provide informed recommendations and advice about anything relating to your trip.
As part of our commitment to your safety, we monitor the stability of all of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. We are in communication with the local embassies and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and we are also in constant contact with our overseas teams to ensure we can identify and act upon any problems immediately.
Every volunteer programme we offer has a co-ordinator and several key team members who will be in charge of ensuring your whole trip runs smoothly. Our local teams are made up of highly experienced individuals who have hosted international volunteers for many years. Everyone will be introduced to you during your orientation and it's these amazing people that will be on hand to answer any questions, deal with any issues and to help make any travel arrangements. Over the duration of your programme, we are sure that the local staff will also become your new best friends and will make your experience even more enjoyable!
With the majority of our programmes, a member of our local team or a trusted appointed driver will be waiting for you at the airport for when you arrive. Over the first day or two you will be given a full orientation that will cover things like emergency procedures, how to use the local transport, the do's and don'ts, local cultures and health and safety information.
Please do not forget that our UK office is available 24/7 in case of any rare emergencies, on the number provided within the volunteer handbook. Both our UK and international team's contact details can be passed onto friends and families and to ensure everyone has peace of mind.
When do I pay for my volunteer programme? Can I pay in instalments?
In order for you to confirm your placement on one of our programmes, you need to pay the registration fee of £179. Your remaining balance for your programme fee and any weekend trips and / or optional extras is then due no less than 60 days prior to your programme start date. if you're applying within 60 days of your programme start date then the remaining balance will be due no later than 7 days after your initial application.
When paying for your remaining balance, this can be made in one lump sum or split into several smaller instalments - just as long as the balance is clear 60 days prior to your programme start date. If you have chosen to take travel insurance through The Mighty Roar, then this must be paid in full before the policy can be processed and made live.
We accept payments via BACS (bank transfer) or through our website using all major debit and credit cards. All details required to make payment will be outlined in our email communications with you and they can also be found within your online account once you have confirmed your place.
Can I use the programme as part of my university or college placement?
Yes, it is generally possible to use the majority of our programmes as part of your university or college placement. Since all placements have different requirements and parameters, we recommend that you speak to a member of our UK team to ensure that your chosen volunteer programme will be suitable. Any school / college / university representative is more than welcome to contact us to discuss further the suitability of our programmes and to ensure they are satisfied with all aspects of the trip.
Our UK and in-country teams are able to complete and sign-off any paperwork that is required before your volunteer placement begins, during your trip and upon your return. The Mighty Roar regularly receives college and university students on our programmes and have built up strong ties with many leading universities.
Can I fundraise to pay for my volunteering trip?
Although we do our best to keep our programme costs as low and as affordable as possible, when you add flights, travel insurance and spending money you may find that you need a little financial help. The money you and other volunteers pay for the programme goes towards the overall structure of the project and includes your accommodation, meals, airport transfers and support from our UK and local teams.
Consequently, a large number of our volunteers decide to fundraise for their upcoming trip. We find that the best way of letting all of your friends and family know about your volunteer adventure is to create an online fundraising page. The Mighty Roar have teamed up with GoGetFunding who are an online crowd funding website that many of our volunteers have used and have recommended in the past. You will be able to create a personalised fundraising page of your own where you can tell everyone exactly what you are doing and why you need some extra money (the more detail you go into the better), set financial goals and upload lots of pictures.
You can read some more advice about fundraising for your upcoming trip here.
How much spending money will I need?
It is very difficult for us to give an exact figure for how much spending money you will need to take with you. The amount you spend is totally dictated on what you plan on doing during your free time and at the weekends. We recommend that you budget between £50 and £100 per week for general expenses and some independent travel. However, if you plan to travel every weekend and take part in many activities then you should budget accordingly. If you are on a tight budget, then we have had many volunteers come and not spend that much at all.
Will I need any vaccinations and / or malaria tablets to volunteer abroad?
As we are not medical experts and have no qualifications or experience within this field, we are unable to give any advice about what vaccinations you should or should not have. It is important for you to consult with your local doctor or travel clinic to find out which vaccinations are needed / recommended. They will generally ask where abouts you will be travelling to and what activities you will be involved in. Additional information can be found on the NHS Fit For Travel website.
Who are the the local team in Sri Lanka?
Our programmes in Sri Lanka are run by a dedicated and experienced in-country local team. Charith, Mamu, Karu, Renu and their colleagues are in charge of providing the overall structure for your stay, including the accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, in-country orientation and 24/7 emergency support.
All local staff have been fully vetted by our UK team and over the years we have built up a strong relationship with them. The local team provide a great framework for you to enjoy a unique volunteering experience with us in Sri Lanka and they are sure to become your good friends, giving you a unique insight into Sri Lanka.
Can I arrange a private room?
Our volunteer accommodation in Sri Lanka involves sharing a room with other participants on a same-sex basis. However, when we are not operating at full capacity, you may have the option to have a private room - although this is not something we can guarantee. Please note, the local team charge a small additional nightly fee to cover the air conditioning costs when requesting a private room.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Our local team will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements you may have. Any dietary requirements should be provided on your application and re-iterated to the local team on arrival into the country. It is important that if you have any concerns for major requirements, that you raise these with our UK team before confirming your place on the programme.
It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that we can cater for all requirements. Consequently, there may be instances where you need to purchase alternative ingredients or arrange dinner plans at a third party restaurant at your own expense.
What will a typical week in Sri Lanka entail?
Day 1 (Saturday) - Arrival & Hikkaduwa
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Our local team member will meet you in the airport arrivals hall and will be holding a sign with your name on. If there are no other volunteers arriving on a slightly later flight, you will head off to our volunteer accommodation. Depending on traffic, the journey can take between 2 and 3 hours.
If you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you will have the rest of the day to settle in and meet everyone. We recommend heading to the nearby tourist town of Hikkaduwa to see the beaches and to relax in one of the beach bars / restaurants.
Day 2 (Sunday) - Orientation, Temples & Waterfalls
After breakfast, our local team will give you an orientation. During this talk, you will learn about do’s and don’ts, the local culture and religion and important information about the accommodation and programmes.
Shortly afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase water and snacks before heading off on a walking tour of the village.
Commonly referred to as the “Jungle Temple Walk”, we will head inland through the jungle. Here you will get to see how the locals live, cross over the train tracks (getting the mandatory sitting on train track photo!) and being taught about all of the things growing around you. We will get the unique opportunity to be shown around an ancient and important Buddhist temple. You’ll get to learn all about Buddhism and see how monks live. The walk will then take you back to the coast, where you can enjoy the nice views as you walk along the track.
Everyone will then enjoy a buffet lunch outside in our large eating area.
As a group we will then hop onboard The Mighty Roar bus to travel to some beautiful waterfalls located in the middle of the jungle! Along the short trek to the waterfalls, you should keep your eyes out for monkeys swinging above you! Here you will get to take some photos of the falls as well as go for a swim in the naturally formed pool at the top – what a great introduction to Sri Lanka!
Days 3-7 (Monday-Friday) - Volunteering
You will start your volunteer work on Monday morning. Depending on which programme you are helping on will dictate your working hours. Please see the programme descriptions above for a full breakdown. Should you need anything whilst at the project, remember our local team are always on hand to assist.
Days 8-9 (Saturday-Sunday) - Weekend
The weekends are free for you to explore everything Sri Lanka has to offer. We strongly recommend you check out our organised weekend trips, that offer an action-packed itinerary. If preferred, you can spend your time at the volunteer accommodation and enjoy relaxing on the beaches nearby.
The Following Weeks
Your next week(s) will follow a similar pattern, with volunteering from Monday to Friday and then free time Saturday and Sunday.
Our local team are there to support you throughout your stay. If you need advice about your travel plans or just someone to talk to then they are there for you.
Last Day (Saturday)
On your last week, Saturday is your official last day with The Mighty Roar. If you wish to stay longer then please discuss this option with our local or UK team.
If you are heading home then we can take you back included within the programme fee and costs around £45 per car – this can be split with anyone else travelling south.
Where will I be volunteering in Sri Lanka?
Our volunteer accommodation is conveniently located between Hikkaduwa and Ambalangoda. With the palm tree lined beaches just a 20 second walk across the road, you can spend your evenings relaxing and watching the sunset. Most amenities are a short drive away and are easily accessible by tuk tuk - costing just a few pounds.
Hikkaduwa is a 10 minute drive south and has a string of mellow beach bars and restaurants, good diving and surf schools as well as many activities and excursions. You will spend most of your free time here on the beaches and at the funky bars, leaving the weekends to head further afield!
Ambalangoda is just 6 kilometres in the other direction and is normally overshadowed by Hikkaduwa. Famous for its production of devil masks and dances, there are many random things to see and do. The town has a rich Buddhist history and has the longest sleeping Buddha statue measuring 35 metres.
All amenities are nearby, including ATMs, hospitals, restaurants (serving local and western food), as well as good transport links to the rest of Sri Lanka – including a bus and train station.
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?
For such a small island, Sri Lanka’s climate is rather complicated! With several different weather patterns bringing monsoons to different parts of the island at different times, it can all seem a little confusing.
However, there is one thing we can be sure of, it’s going to be hot! Being located very close to the equator, its warm tropical climate makes the average year-round temperature of 28 degrees with a humidity level of around 85%!
Our programmes are based on the South West coast of Sri Lanka. You will find the hottest temperatures and the best blue skies between December and March and generally the wettest months are May, June and July - but don’t let this put you off! The rain normally comes in short sharp bursts and after 20-30 minutes everything is back to normal!
As we have all come to expect from living in England, the weather is simply unpredictable. You should expect both rain and sunshine, no matter what time of the year you head to Sri Lanka.
One thing you can be sure of, Sri Lanka is a great place to visit no matter what the weather is doing!
What is the dress code at the projects?
As a part of the medical programme all volunteers are required to wear blue medical scrubs while volunteering in the hospital. There is no specific shade or style and our local team can provide these for a small additional expense if you do not currently have any.
We ask that all volunteers take the approach of a smart and responsible image during your time in the communities and on projects. It is best to also take some older clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
Generally, it is best to avoid tight and very short clothing and anything that may have offensive slogans on it. It's recommended that you take some nicer clothes for weekends or any free time you may have.
We do not wish to impose strict regulations, however we do ask that you respect the local culture and do your best to adhere to the clothing guidelines within the volunteer handbook.
Are there any public holidays that would affect the project?
We aim to communicate as clearly and accurately as possible all holidays that may affect project availability and closures. However, holidays can often be sporadic or prone to change. We ask that you be flexible with regards to holidays and generally a holiday would offer a unique experience to enjoy in the festivities. Some programmes may not be affected by certain holidays, so if you would like to confirm any details please just let us know.
As it stands we do not foresee any public holidays that will alter the programme’s opening dates.
How do I arrange my flights to Sri Lanka?
You will need to arrange your flights to and from your chosen destination and we will happily assist wherever required. When you first sign up to volunteer with The Mighty Roar you will gain access to your pre-departure volunteer handbook that will have all of the important arrival and departure details, including correct airports, dates and times.
We recommend using a flight comparison website like Sky Scanner. Not only will you be able to see the range of prices, but you can also see what airline and route / duration is best for your requirements and budget. Although we recommend booking your flights as early as possible to help ensure you secure the best price and required dates, it can also help to monitor the price over the course of a few weeks to see what the average is.
There may also be times when changing your flight dates by a day or two provides substantial savings, so this is always worth checking and bearing in mind. We may not be able to accommodate you within the volunteer accommodation outside of your selected dates, but can provide hotel recommendations etc...
If you are unsure about anything regarding your flights then please just get in contact with us. We are more than happy to check over your preferred flights to ensure they are correct with the requirements of your programme before you book them.
We strongly recommend that you do not make any flight and / or third party travel arrangements until your place has been confirmed via email by The Mighty Roar. Please note that we cannot accept standby flights, all flight details provided to us must be fully confirmed.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Whether you are travelling for 1 week or 6 months, having adequate travel insurance that covers your entire duration abroad is an essential and compulsory part of your adventure. Although The Mighty Roar does everything in their power to ensure each and every trip is safe, inevitably things can and do go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place will help you with any problems you may encounter during your time away.
We have teamed up with Endsleigh to create an affordable and comprehensive travel insurance policy specifically for The Mighty Roar volunteers. You can be safe in the knowledge that you have full protection if needed and that our polices cover all of your volunteering activities.
If you would like to purchase your travel insurance through TMR then you can easily add this on when applying under the optional extras page. Alternatively, you can contact us today to add this onto your existing application. Please do not contact Endsleigh directly, as they will be unable to assist.
We recommend that you organise your travel insurance as soon as you confirm your place. This will ensure that your pre-departure cancellation starts from the day you are accepted and will cover you should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason (such as illness).
You should ensure that your travel insurance covers you for the total duration of your trip i.e. from when you depart your home country to the day you return. It is important to note that our travel insurance is inclusive of your start and end date. For example, if you are volunteering for one week, from Saturday to Saturday, this is in actual fact 8 days and you will need to take out 2 weeks insurance to be fully covered.
For further information about our travel insurance, please click here.
How do I obtain a criminal background check?
In order for you to participate in any of our volunteering programmes, you will need to present to us a clean criminal background check (also known as a DBS or Police Check). This must be submitted and approved no less than 21 days prior to your programme start date. A criminal background check is a mandatory requirement for all volunteers aged 16 and over. We are unable to provide any exceptions to this, which is why it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible – at least 6 weeks prior to your start date.
If you already have a criminal background check that has been issued within 18 months of your programme start date, then you are more than welcome to provide this.
If you don't have a valid DBS check then you will need to apply for one. UK volunteers need to apply for a "Basic Disclosure" through the government website here. This costs £23 and can take up to 15 working days to process.
For international participants, we recommend you obtain a Police/Criminal Background Check through your local police station or official governmental body.
When will I receive my volunteer handbook?
All volunteers will receive a comprehensive volunteer handbook that provides all of the information you need to prepare for your upcoming trip. This includes details on what to pack, how to obtain a visa, what to expect and so much more. With this in mind, it is really important that you read through the volunteer handbook carefully.
You will receive your volunteer handbook once you have confirmed your place by paying the registration fee. We will send an email entitled 'Welcome to TMR', which will include a link to your online account where you can access the handbook and other important details. Please note, all material is sent via email and hard copies cannot be sent.
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