SRI LANKA, SOUTH ASIA
Rescue Center for injured Sea Turtles in Ambalangoda
Project mission
The project were started to help injured sea turtles and protect their nests, with the mission of conserving and protecting the sea turtles from extinction, in Sri Lanka .
Volunteer work
As volunteer at the rescue center your main task is to take care of the injured sea turtles. Most of the animals that come to the center have lost fins, but be other types of injuries do occur. Protecting the turtles' nests on the beaches is also part of your volunteer work. Your working hours are, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Examples of volunteer activities:
- Feed the turtles
- Nurture and release baby turtles
- Guard the turtle eggs
- Clean the turtles' water tanks
- Assist when turtles are released back into the ocean
- Beach cleaning ups
- Educate yourself about marine environment and the ocean
Flight
Flight tickets are not included in the price for our volunteer program.
Your final destination is Colombo with booked arrival the Sunday as your volunteer weeks starts and return ticket should be booked to Saturday the day after your volunteer weeks are completed (last working day Friday).
NOTE! It’s important that you let us know your travel itinerary before your departure.
Transfer
At the airport you'll be greeted by a representative from the project, and you'll travel together to the project in Ambalangoda, about 90 kilometers from the capital Colombo. NOTE! Transfer from the project back to the airport is your own responsibility.
Orientation
Your first week you can choose to have an introductory week. During the introductory week, you'll receive more detailed information about the goals, objectives and methods of the project. You will also get an insight into the culture of Sri Lanka, and look around your new surroundings.
If you do not want a full week's introduction, you can instead choose to have one day introduction.
Book your trip
To book your trip, click on the orange “Book Now” button. You can also start your booking by selecting a start date, marked green, in the calendar. Book via phone on +46 823 9300 or via email at info@theperfectworldtravel.com.
Registration fee
Once you have booked your trip, you will receive a confirmation email from us including an invoice for the registration fee of £200 (or other preferred currency). When you have paid in the registration fee and it has been registered with us, you are formally registered.
NOTE! The registration fee is included in the total price of your trip, which means it will be deducted from your final invoice.
Preparatory Information
Well in advance of your planned departure we’ll send you preparatory information, including more detailed information about the project, work schedules, activities and a packing list etc.
Lodging, meals and leisure
LODGING
Your accommodation is at the Turtle Center which is located just a few meters from the sea. You live in 4 to 6-bed rooms with same sex shared toilets. At the Center you'll find a fridge where you can store food and drinks. You also have access to safes, where you can store belongings, bring your own padlock. The property is located a 10-minute walk from the center, where there is an ATM, supermarkets and anything else you may need.
MEALS
The price of the trip includes 3 meals per day on weekdays and 2 meals per day during the weekend. The meals consist mostly of local dishes which are mainly vegetarian with rice and vegetables. You can also dine at one of the local restaurants.
WI-FI / INTERNET
TIP! You can buy a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive to be able to be online via 3G, when signal is available..
LEISURE
In your free time, you are free to explore the surroundings on your own. Ambalangoda has a lovely sandy beach, so a dip in the Indian Ocean is just around the corner. The area is known for its face masks and the special "devil dance". In Ambalangoda there are some good cultural centers. Ariyapala Mask Museum has a exhibition with English texts, that will give you an insight into Sri Lanka masks and the tradition behind them. The museum also sells a booklet if you want to dig deeper into the mysterious world of dance, exorcism and psychology behind the masks. The lively fish market in Ambalangoda can also be fun to visit.
Seven kilometers inland from Ambalangoda, the Sailatalarama Vihara Temple is located on an arched hill overlooking herbaceous plantations and lakes that stretch into the province of Sabaragamuwa. In the temple there is a 35 meter long sleeping Buddha statue. You can take the 208-step pilgrimage to the temple, but there is also a path to the top.
Application form
When you have booked your volunteer program with us, we will send you an application form (together with the registration fee). Fill out the application form and return it to us, we will then forward it to the projekt as basis for your volunteer placement.
Insurance
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Liability insurance is included in the price of your volunteer trip. Liability insurance applies to occasions when you as a private person are required to pay damages for having unintentionally damaged someone or someone’s property.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
You, yourself are responsible to ensure that your insurance cover covers illness, injury and theft while you travel and work as a volunteer.
Visa
You, yourself are responsible for applying for and acquiring the required visa for entering the country of your destination. Different visa rules may apply depending on your nationality. Visit the embassy web page for the country of your destination, to find out the accurate visa terms between your resident country and the country where you are travelling.
Vaccinations
Remember to get vaccinated about a month before your departure. Check with your lokal vaccination center or doctor what vaccinations you need for your travels. We always recommend that you have adequate protection against Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus and Cholera, regardless of destination.
Remember! Circumstances can change rapidly, and epidemics can break out. You are responsible for keeping yourself informed, and also for which vaccination protection you choose.
