We will travel by private bus or van to the tropical hill town of Matale after flying into the current capital, Colombo, and staying in nearby Negombo the first night. The area is agricultural, known for growing tea, spices and rubber, but Matale is less than 20 miles north of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital and popular touring destination, Kandy. There will be many R&R opportunities such as visiting many ancient Hindu ruins and hiking, as well as visiting an elephant rehabilitation center orphanage with more then 80 elephants. Kandy is one of the most scenic towns in Sri Lanka. The work will be deeply rewarding, because we’ll labor alongside a great team and partner families as well as local craft people from the area.

The island also has some good beaches and an optional R&R when the build concludes (not part of the Habitat Build) will be offered as an optional extra.

About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, knows as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has made steady progress since the opening of its economy in 1977. The island country, located southeast of India, is known worldwide for its tropical, natural beauty that brings in tourists. Unfortunately, poor families have seen few of the benefits.

Policies to alleviate poverty and development efforts by the government and international non-governmental organizations have been hampered by three decades of civil war. Rebuilding still continues from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. More than 4 million people are estimated to live below the poverty line, with about half a million of them residing in slums and shanties.

About Matale
Our Global Village team will be volunteering in Matale, based in central Sri Lanka’s hill country. The city features a diverse population, with a mix of ethnic and religious backgrounds represented. Outside the city, the nearby country includes a diverse mix of lush fields, rice paddies, jungles, green hills and rivers. Wild elephants roam the area.

Matale families in need of safe, decent housing are typically day laborers; many work in brick factories popular due to the red clay soil found in the area. The city’s worst housing conditions include shacks made of scrap materials and thatched roofs.

About Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka
Habitat for Humanity began operating in Sri Lanka in 1994, through affiliates. The model later evolved into a series of Habitat Resource Centers that support satellite centers and individual projects in four regions. Today, Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka is probably the country’s largest homebuilder after the government. Learn more on Habitat’s Sri Lanka country profile page.

Types of construction for volunteers
In Matale, we will either help repair homes, or replace inadequate housing with new sturdy brick homes. Our team will provide volunteer labor alongside Sri Lankan partner families. We will help with construction that might include building brick walls, installing corrugated tin roofs and finishing plaster.

Standard itinerary
Day 1: (Thursday, January 2): Depart from North America.
Day 2: (Friday, January 3): Travel day.
Day 3: (Saturday, January 4): Arrive in Sri-Lanka; dinner and overnight stay in Negombo.
Day 4: (Sunday, January 5): Breakfast; travel to Matale by private A/C bus; hotel check-in; welcome and orientation by HFH- Sri-Lanka Staff; rest and relax.  
Day 5-9: (Monday, January 6 – Friday, January 10): Workdays with breakfast served before traveling to build site; construction and safety orientation; work from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities.
Days 10-11: (Saturday, January 11 – Sunday, January 12): Free days; cultural activities in the local community; could include temple visits, hikes and sightseeing and shopping opportunities.
Day 12-14: (Monday, January 13 – Wednesday, January 15): Workdays with breakfast served before traveling to build site; construction and safety orientation; work from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner; time for team activities. Wednesday will include the house dedication; farewell dinner.
Day 15: (Thursday, January 16): Depart for Negombo and depart from airport in the evening.

Accommodations
Our team will stay in simple, safe lodging, typically in double-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms. Breakfast will be taken at the hotel. Lunch is usually provided by Habitat Sri Lanka and taken on site. Dinner will be eaten at local restaurants.

Program cost
US$1,870
(For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village program cost.)

Increase your impact: Take the GV Challenge
Habitat for Humanity is accelerating its work to end poverty housing, and we need Global Village teams to help. Set a goal and fundraise to make your impact last longer than the days you’re in the field. Your support builds more homes, creates resource centers, educates families, and advances our projects to build sustainable communities. We’ll even provide tools to make fundraising easy. Take the GV Challenge – join us in sharing our story and building a better world.

Team leader
Stan Duda became involved with Habitat in 2005 when he took his first trip to El Salvador with his wife Louise. Since that trip he has traveled on Global Village builds to Honduras, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Alaska and to Nepal in October 2012 to assist with the Everest Build. In 2013, Stan returned to Kenya and is leading a team in his home state of Vermont. He has retired from the construction industry and is spending more time on Habitat projects around the globe. He has a passion for traveling and exploring the natural beauty and culture of all the countries visited. He enjoys working in a team environment and is looking forward to the upcoming return to Sri Lanka and working with a new and exciting team. 

Stan can be contacted via email at standuda44@msn.com.