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THE MOST COMMON QUESTION THAT VOLUNTEERS ASK US IS ‘WHY DO I NEED TO PAY, TO VOLUNTEER?
Volunteering your time and skills is truly invaluable—but running safe, ethical, and impactful volunteer programs comes with real costs. At United Volunteer Lanka, your program fee helps cover vital services such as accommodation, meals, airport pickup, local transportation, orientation, 24/7 in-country support, and coordination with local partners. These elements ensure not only your safety and comfort but also that the project you join makes a lasting, positive impact.
Your financial contribution enables us to operate responsibly and sustainably. It supports both the volunteers and the communities we serve—ensuring that every project is well-organized, ethically managed, and genuinely beneficial.
Since 2014, United Volunteer has built a trusted reputation for offering meaningful and authentic volunteer experiences across Sri Lanka. Like any organization, we incur ongoing expenses related to placing and supporting our volunteers. These include administrative tasks, staff salaries, project maintenance, and local coordination.
Here’s how your contribution is distributed:
65% – Food, Accommodation, Transportation, and Volunteer Services
15% – Government Taxes
10% – Donation to Local Causes
5% – Project Development
5% – Administrative Expenses
This breakdown reflects our commitment to providing a meaningful, well-supported experience for our volunteers while sustaining the long-term impact of our programs across Sri Lanka.
Apart from regular donations to projects from the volunteer’s program fee, United Volunteer also works to provide regular maintenance to its projects in Sri Lanka. This includes timely visits to projects to access their need and provide assistance where needed. This also includes things like providing scholarships, painting of schools, and donating of books, clothes and computer equipment. We also undertake work to build local schools, libraries, playgrounds like – badminton court etc in certain schools and projects we work with.
At United Volunteer, we are proud to offer some of the most affordable volunteer program fees in Sri Lanka, making life-changing experiences accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a student, gap-year traveler, retiree, or working professional, our budget-friendly programs are designed to welcome passionate individuals from all walks of life.
We believe that money should never be a barrier to creating meaningful change. That’s why our transparent and low-cost fee structure ensures your contribution goes exactly where it matters most—directly into the communities and projects you support. From wildlife conservation and childcare to medical internships and women’s empowerment, your time and funds are used effectively to make a lasting difference.
With no hidden charges, full program support, and clear breakdowns of your investment, United Volunteer ensures that your experience is both rewarding and responsible. Join us and become part of a movement that proves that doing good doesn’t have to come at a high price.
Let’s work together to build a better tomorrow—one affordable volunteer at a time.
What’s Included in the Program Fee?
Accommodation Upgrade – Hotel Option (US$30/day Extra)
For those seeking additional comfort and privacy, we offer an optional upgrade from our standard homestay accommodation to a hotel stay at just US$30 per day extra. This upgrade includes:
Hotel accommodation with enhanced facilities and amenities
Daily breakfast and lunch provided at the hotel or affiliated restaurant
A more private and independent lodging experience while still enjoying local hospitality
This option is ideal for participants who prefer hotel conveniences while taking part in our volunteer or internship programs.
Optional drop-off service to Colombo International Airport (CMB) with a scenic sightseeing tour of Colombo along the way. This service is available on request at an additional cost of USS85 per ride.
On arrival, our in-country coordinator and staff will warmly welcome you at the airport. Please remember to share your flight details with us in advance — we guarantee you won’t miss us!
At United Volunteer, we are always eager to build new partnerships and collaborations with international organizations that share our vision of creating meaningful, transformative volunteer experiences in Sri Lanka. Whether you are a Volunteer Organization, NGO, Travel Company, School, University, or Cultural Tour Operator, we welcome the opportunity to work together and bring positive change to local communities through volunteer engagement.
Our mission is to offer high-quality, purpose-driven programs that combine hands-on volunteering with deep cultural immersion. With over five years of experience, we ensure that every participant not only contributes to a worthwhile cause but also gains a life-changing experience in the beautiful and diverse island of Sri Lanka.
Our programs address urgent community needs across a variety of sectors. Based on their interests and backgrounds, your volunteers can choose from:
Teaching at Day Care Centers
Support early childhood education by assisting teachers and caring for children in under-resourced areas.
Orphanage Volunteering
Offer care, companionship, and education to children who have been abandoned or orphaned. Volunteers help create a nurturing environment for these young lives.
Elephant Care Volunteering
Work alongside local mahouts in the daily care of elephants, supporting ethical wildlife practices and animal welfare.
Women’s Shelter Volunteering
Empower women who have endured hardship by participating in programs focused on education, skill-building, and emotional support.
Medical Volunteering
Assist healthcare professionals in hospitals or clinics, offering non-clinical support and contributing to health awareness campaigns.
Environmental Conservation
Participate in initiatives aimed at preserving Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, protecting wildlife, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Each program blends community service with cultural understanding, creating a holistic experience for volunteers from around the world.
Sri Lanka is a country of contrasts—vibrant cities alongside struggling rural communities. While urban areas may offer basic amenities, many rural regions lack access to healthcare, education, and adequate living conditions. In the midst of these challenges, Sri Lanka remains rich in culture, community spirit, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for volunteer engagement.
Through your partnership, we can:
Support communities facing poverty and social challenges
Empower marginalized groups
Contribute to sustainable environmental efforts
Strengthen global citizenship among volunteers
Partnering with United Volunteer not only supports local communities—it also deeply enriches the lives of your volunteers. Here’s what they can expect:
🌏 Cultural Immersion – Live and work closely with local people and learn from their traditions
💡 Personal Growth – Build leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts
❤️ Empathy and Compassion – Develop a deeper understanding of global issues and humanity
🎯 Purposeful Travel – Be part of something greater and return home with unforgettable memories
🌱 Fresh Perspective – Re-evaluate life’s priorities and values by experiencing life in a developing country
We are always on the lookout for like-minded partners who are passionate about global service and cultural exchange. If your organization sends volunteers for gap year programs, summer breaks, holiday volunteering, or cultural tours, we’d love to hear from you.
Please leave us a message below, and one of our United Volunteer team members will get in touch with you shortly.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to collaborate—we look forward to a fruitful and impactful partnership.