Self expedition
Code: 4717d2c4-e04f-11ef-9ba5-fa163ef8d720 Copied
About the project
Self expedition
📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Green Volunteers for Green Future (GV4GF) is a non-profit organization registered under the Government Company Registrar Act. Established in 2010, we've been co-organizing work camps since 2011, thanks to the kind assistance of Mr. Kaizawa, a founding member of NICE – Japan.
At GV4GF, we focus on cultural exchange through our work camps, which cover four main themes: agriculture, environmental protection, livelihood, and indirect education. We partner with local organizations to ensure our activities meet their goals and benefit the maximum number of people. Our area coordinators, who represent various community-based organizations, work in diverse fields such as agriculture, human rights, and women's development.
Since 2011, we've been partners with NVDA (Asian Voluntary Organizations Network), and in 2018, we became full members. That same year, we joined ALLIANCE as a guest organization.
Beyond voluntary work, we also support local communities and schools by providing meals, books, sports equipment, and helping schools to hire teachers. Our former volunteers often contribute directly to these efforts.
💼 What the programme involves
The project area is new to our voluntary efforts, as we are visiting this region for the first time. Despite being part of Sri Lanka's first kingdom, it remains a very traditional and underdeveloped area, where the community largely depends on agriculture.
Our project consists of two key components.
1. Agricultural Support: We assist families involved in agriculture by helping them with harvesting and other related activities.
2. Community Engagement: We visit villages to engage with the local community, including self-help groups, youth, and institutions like temples and kindergartens. This allows volunteers to share their lives, cultures, and experiences with the locals, fostering meaningful connections within the community.
🏠 Accommodation on site
All volunteers will stay with a host family. Volunteers will share rooms, with separate rooms for males and females. Beds, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided. Water, electricity, are available. Mobile call facility is available but net connection is very weak. Volunteers can use toilet papers here. Clothes need to be washed by hand and hung outside to dry.
🍲 Food
Our host mother will be cooking for us. Volunteers will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local foods, sweets, fruits, and tea during their stay. Our host families take pride in offering delicious and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. However, please note that pork and beef are not served. This provides a chance to experience the rich flavors of traditional dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast and lunch are sourced from outside.
📍 About the location
The project is located in the rural village of Sippukulama, 248 km from Colombo. The nearest town is 9 km away, while Anuradhapura city is 24 km from the site. Mihintale, a historically significant location visited by Lord Buddha, is also 8 km away. The climate in this region is warm with low humidity. Most villagers are engaged in paddy farming, with only a few working in offices in Anuradhapura city.
Anuradhapura is a world heritage site and protected area. Lots of local tourists are visiting here for pilgrims and tourists visit to experience Sri Lanka’s first kingdom established 2,500 years ago.
🎒 Leisure activities
Exploring Anuradhapura
Typically, volunteers discuss their free day plans and visit together. Some places may require entrance tickets. Hiring a personal vehicle helps minimize travel time and avoids unnecessary delays. Free day expenses are not included in the participation fe
• Archeological site, including some parts of Sri Lanka’s first kingdom
• Lakes and reservoirs
• Traditional villages and temples
• Mihintale, place that Buddhism officially introduced to Sri Lanka, 2000 years ago and many more
⚠️ Requirements
During the project, we’ll be using English as our primary means of communication, so a basic understanding of English is necessary. Volunteers will be staying in rural areas, often in traditional villages. It's important to accept and respect the local culture. Being adaptable and flexible will make your experience even more rewarding.
Be ready to share stories about your country, city, work, and personal life with the local community. And most importantly, bring along a smiling face and a big, warm heart.
🤝 Meeting point
All volunteers will meet at the Colombo Government Central Bus Terminal, in front of the Galle (Route No. 2) bus stop, at 9:00 a.m. The camp leader will be there to greet you. Together, all the campers will then travel to the site by bus.
Please note that there is another bus terminal, the Private Bus Terminal, which we are not using. You can recognize government buses by their red color, while private buses are mainly light blue and white, though they come in other colors too.
ℹ️ Additional information
Interested in this project? Create your account and apply online.
Sign in to apply📅 Available sessions
Self expedition
18/03/2025 at 09:00 → 27/03/2025 at 16:30
ℹ️ Key information
Age required
18–99 years old
Solidarity donation
255.00 EUR
French tax residents may be eligible for a tax reduction of up to 66% of their costs (membership, plane tickets, solidarity donation).
📍 Location
Mihintale, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
🌍 Location info
Local currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR / ₨)
Exchange rate
1 LKR = 0.002693 EUR
Rate as of 31/05/2026
Timezone
India Standard Time
Local time: 20:52 (12/11/2026)
🛡️ Before you leave
✅ Features
🏠 Accommodation
🗣️ Languages spoken