Sri Lanka Teaching English Volunteers

Country Information

The island of Sri Lanka has had a turbulent history, marked by colonial feuding and a long period of repression for its native people. In recent times, this population has itself turned to internal conflict, with the Tamil minority demanding a separate state and employing terrorist tactics since the 1970s. This civil struggle has finally died down and the country seems to be experiencing a period of calm. This tranquillity allows us to notice and appreciate Sri Lanka for what it truly is: a country brimming with fascinating ancient architecture, surrounded on all sides by palm-fringed sandy beaches, and a place where you are never far away from mountainous greenery. Marco Polo once declared that Sri Lanka was one of the best islands on earth.

Time
Sri Lanka is 5½ hours ahead of GMT.

Getting There

You will need to arrange your flight to Colombo.

Climate

Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate, and it is hot all year round. From May to August the Yala monsoon brings rains to the southwestern part of the country.  The dry season for the southwest runs from December to March. The Maha monsoon brings rains to the North and East from October to January. The dry season for the north and east runs from May to September.  Colombo has an average temperature of 27oC. The ocean temperature stays at 27oC all year round.