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Frequently Asked Questions!

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Before Arrival

Is there a Volunteer Application Form to complete?

If interested to volunteer with Bridging Lanka please complete the Volunteer Application Form located here:

This will enable us to contact you for a discussion about volunteer opportunities and plan for your visit to Sri Lanka.

Please read the Bridging Lanka Code of Conduct Policy before deciding to volunteer with us, the Policy can be accessed here:

  • The monsoon season runs from December to February. 
  • Night-time temperatures do not drop significantly from those during the day.
  • It is useful to have an umbrella for both sun and rain protection. These can easily be purchased in Mannar at a cheap price.

  • It will be appreciated if you email us with an offer to bring items. We regularly require restocking of small items such as peanut paste, and larger items. In addition, volunteers can sometimes bring in laptops that are no longer in use, or other electronic items, to donate.
  • An offer to bring/transport needed items is always appreciated.

    • Ensure you have a laptop, a USB stick, a power adaptor, and stationary. Stationary can be purchased in Mannar – it is not supplied by Bridging Lanka.

  • Yes there are a number of ATMs and Banks. It is useful to get small denominations when withdrawing money – E.g. 100/500 Rupee notes. 
  • Below is a link to find the AUD to LKR exchange rate.

    • It is a hot and humid climate. The temperature does not change much between day and night. Bring clothes suitable for such a climate. It is useful to bring clothes that are fast drying.

    WOMEN

  • Women need to dress according to local standards. If in doubt, go for the more modest option. 
  • Office wear - inside the office and when outside representing Bridging Lanka women should wear short sleeved shirts or loose-fitting T shirts. Pants or skirts should cover the knee. 
  • Outside of the office - it is recommended that women wear shirts that cover the shoulder. Shorts that go to the knee.

    • MEN

  • Office wear - Men need to wear long pants to work in the office.  Men should wear collared shirts or collared T shirts in the office. 
  • Outside of the office - Shorts and T shirts are acceptable outside of the office and work times.

    • FOOTWEAR

    Both at the office and outside the office males and females wear thongs/flip flops or sandals. It is sensible to wear shoes, sandals or thongs that are easy to remove as shoes are not worn inside. You will remove shoes at the door.

    Volunteers are required to provide their own equipment such as laptops, cameras, mobile phones and materials needed to carry out their volunteer work while in Sri Lanka.
    Please bring toiletries, medications, reading materials, snacks, favourite tea and coffee, as well as a towel with you.

  • A one-off admin fee of $250 (waged individuals) and $150 (unwaged individuals) will need to paid upfront when applying to volunteer with Bridging Lanka. This covers all administrative and staffing costs associated with organizing and coordinating a volunteer’s stay with the organization. 
  • Volunteers are also required to cover their own travel and living costs throughout the project. This includes the cost of return air travel to Sri Lanka, travel insurance, any necessary medical vaccines, the cost of domestic travel in Sri Lanka, and accommodation food and living expenses.

    • Sri Lanka primarily uses old and new UK power sockets. The old variety (Type D) has three round pins, and the new variety (Type G) has three square pins. There is a mix of these sockets in Mannar. The power voltage in Sri Lanka is 230V. http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeD.htm http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeG.htm

    Chocolates and small items from your own country.

    Because we operate a Preschool and some children’s programs at Hendro Illum, all volunteers must have a Working with Children check prior to arrival at Hendro Illum (please arrange this prior to travel to Sri Lanka). Each State in Australia provides a means of applying for your Working with Children Check online.

    Please arrange your own travel and health insurance before traveling to Sri Lanka. Bridging Lanka takes no responsibility of liability for your health and insurance requirements.

    Please visit your doctor before traveling to discuss your individual health situation and what medication and precautions you need before traveling to Sri Lanka.

    Arriving in Sri Lanka

    If my plane arrives late, can I still change my money into Rupees?

    Yes. No matter what time your plane arrives, there will be several bank counters open and staff on hand to change your currency at the airport arrival lounge. A number of local banks are represented here. Just show the counter staff your passport and hand over your currency. They will give you rupees and a receipt. The exchange rate is lower at the airport than money changers in town.

    Option 1 - Express Bus
    Option 2 - Ordinary Bus
    Option 3 - Taxi
    Option 3 - Uber/Pickme

    There is a large choice of accommodation in Colombo and using sites such as booking.com and airbnb will give you plenty of options.

    There is a growing number of high end hotels being built if you want a few days of luxury before heading North.

    The Fort area is most convenient for public transport as it is close to Colombo Fort Station and the Bus station.

    Bambalapitya is further South of the centre of town and is an easy tuk tuk ride to the transport hubs however has more choice of Mall shopping and restaurants.

    Pettah is a busy market area which is great to explore but may be a little overwhelming to stay in for some on their first visit to Sri Lanka or Asia.

    There are many boroughs of Colombo so take the time to find what’s best for you.

    Tuk-tuks are easily available. Ensure you get one that has a meter (ask the driver, or look for it at the top left of the windscreen). You can book a Tuk-tuk by downloading the PickMe app

    Yes Legally you do need a Sri Lankan driving license to hire cars, motorbikes or tuk tuks. You can pre-order this in advance of your arrival in Sri Lanka and pick it up from the office of the Automobile Association of Ceylon. It costs around $30US

    There is currently 1 train per day to Mannar from Colombo. It leaves Colombo Fort at 09:35 (But please check this before you travel as times often change). It is supposed to take around 8 hours however can sometime be up to 10 hrs as the track after Anuradhapura is not very good and quite bumpy. Also, the train often has to stop for animals on the line. On the plus side, it costs around 520 rupees (US $2.5) so is the cheapest option. The “Trains – Sri Lanka” app is good for train timetables.

    There is an air-conditioned night bus available from Colombo to Mannar. It leaves at 9pm and currently costs 2000 rupees (US $8)

    Depart from Colombo Central Bus Stand (Pettah)

    A car and driver can be hired

    If you are travelling from elsewhere in Sri Lanka, trains and buses are likely to be available but you will need to check online for times and durations.

    People do not bargain, but be aware that you may be charged more than local people. Mostly the price is written on a pre-packed item. If you feel you are being overcharged you can simply go to another shop.

    Sri Lanka has three main languages. In the South of the country, including Colombo, most people speak Sinhalese. In the North, where Bridging Lanka is based in Mannar, the principal language is Tamil. English is commonly a second language in cities and most staff at Bridging Lanka speak good English. In more rural areas, the locals have a much more basic grasp of English, and a translator will likely be required.

    Arriving in Sri Lanka

    Where can I stay in Mannar?

    Bridging Lanka can provide accommodation for volunteers at Hendro Illum. Please book in advance.

    Category of Volunteer Duration of stay International (AUD)
    Includes Directors, occasional and one-off visitors, professional waged volunteers
    7 days or less
    $50/person/day (incl Board & lodging with 2 meals) Additional meal $10
    Over 7 days
    $35/person/day (incl Board & lodging with 2 meals) Additional meal $10
    Unwaged volunteers
    $20 (incl Board & lodging with breakfast)

    Fees are per person per day.

    Rooms may be provided on a shared room basis depending on the number of visitors. Rooms come with ensuite and kitchenette which include hotplates, sink and refrigerator.

    Your payment for accommodation and meals at Hendro Illum provide livelihood support to local people.

    Children under 16 years accompanying volunteers pay 50%.

    There are also Guesthouses on Mannar Island that provide a range of accommodation from basic to rooms with facilities such as a fan, or air-conditioning, and ensuite. Room rates range from $20 to $40 without meals. The guesthouse will provide a towel and soap. A laundry service is provided at a very reasonable rate. Most guesthouses do not have coat hangers and provide some hooks on the wall for clothes.

    You can arrange to be picked up from the bus stand or train station in Mannar for transport to Hendro Illum (about 12 km from Mannar Town).

    Local buses and tuk-tuks are available. Tuk-tuks in Mannar do not have meters like they do in Colombo. We recommend you agree a price with the driver before departing.

    Bridging Lanka has a very dynamic and flexible approach to work to suit the changing environment of our projects. You will find the team very friendly and accommodating and happy to help you find your feet in what is probably a very different environment to what you are used to at home.

      Before deciding to volunteer with Bridging Lanka, please communicate with Jeremy Liyanage, Executive Director, to discuss your volunteer placement and the type of volunteer work you will be involved in.

    Volunteers are expected to work 9-5 Monday to Thursday and 9-12 on Fridays.

    The charity does work 7 days a week, so we are flexible with regards to days and timings.

    Bridging Lanka can provide meals while you are staying at Hendro Illum - see the section above on accommodation and meal costs.

    If staying at Hendro Illum you will also have use of the kitchenette in your room to store food and prepare your own meals, tea and coffee. You can purchase groceries in Mannar Town or bring some supplies with you.

    Amma Russi is the Café located at Hendro Illum where you can purchase meals.

    There are also cafes and street stalls in Mannar Town.

    Is Alcohol available?

    As we are running residential programs for young people suffering substance and alcohol addiction, we ask that no alcohol is brought to Hendro Illum.

    The quality of water in Mannar is good, but most non-locals drink bottled water. Bridging Lanka will provide filtered water for you to drink while staying at Hendro Illam and this is included in your accommodation and meals fee.

    There is a Wi-Fi network available at the Bridging Lanka office. Additionally, some guesthouses have their own network available to guests. We recommend you get your own data plan on a Sri Lankan sim card. This way you can still have access to the internet if there is no Wi-Fi or if the power goes out at the office.

    Most peope eat curry for three meals a day. Tropical fruit, bread, butter, jam, curd and ice-cream are easily available. Fast food is not available. If you have a food you enjoy such as museli, chocolate, a particular sandwich bread, you should bring it with you.

    People eat with their hands – one hand only – therefore it is useful to carry hand santizer.

    Western toilets are available in guesthouses and at Bridging Lanka, and they are supplied with toilet paper. Squat toilets are also used, with a hose. There are no public toilets.

    If you take regular medication, ensure you have an adequate supply for your needs. There is a pharmacy in Mannar where you can buy a range of the usual pharmacy items.

    Town area: When you arrive you’ll be given a map of the town. After you explore the town you may wish to do the 4km walk along the causeway between Mannar Island and the mainland.

    Outside Mannar: There are a variety of tourist attractions within easy reach of Mannar. A day trip in an air-conditioned van can be arranged for you at a cost of approximately $90AUD. The van can be shared by up to 7 people.