Overview
This elephant conservation project in Sri Lanka focuses on reducing human-elephant conflict while supporting rural communities living alongside wild elephants near Wasgamuwa National Park. Volunteers contribute to long-term conservation efforts in forest reserves and village landscapes where shrinking habitats and agricultural expansion have brought people and elephants into increasing conflict. The project combines wildlife research, community-based mitigation, and livelihood support, helping make elephants more valuable to local communities alive rather than dead. This is a field-based conservation programme, not a sanctuary or captive experience. Volunteers work alongside experienced local staff and researchers, supporting data collection, monitoring, and practical mitigation activities that directly inform conservation action.
Testimonial
“I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for bringing me this opportunity to be part of the Elephant Conservation Program. It was a truly meaningful and memorable journey for me. I deeply enjoyed spending the week in the village and working closely with the field staff on-site. Visiting the village every day, engaging with local people, and being immersed in such an authentic environment made my experience very special.
What impacted me most was the philosophy behind the program: protecting elephants by helping people. I learned so much about this approach, not just as a concept, but as something being lived and practiced every day. I would absolutely love to come back again in the future with my boyfriend and other friends. ”
Ada Xinjia Wang, China
About Elephant Conservation
Elephants are under pressure across Asia and Africa as habitat is lost and shared landscapes become more crowded. In Sri Lanka, the biggest threat is human–elephant conflict, where elephants and people can both be harmed as farms and elephant corridors overlap. This project focuses on coexistence: reducing conflict through research, community-led mitigation, and practical protection measures that help elephants stay wild and help communities stay safe. Read more in our World Elephant Day blog.
Highlights
- Live and work within a rural Sri Lankan community bordering elephant habitat
- Contribute to real-world solutions addressing human–elephant conflict
- Support conservation research on elephants, carnivores, and biodiversity
- Gain insight into community-led conservation and coexistence strategies
Location
The project is based in Wasgamuwa, Central Province, close to Wasgamuwa National Park. The volunteer field house sits near the village of Pussellayaya, overlooking a mosaic of forests, farmland, and rural settlements where conservation and daily life intersect. This remote setting offers a rare opportunity to understand the realities of wildlife conservation in shared landscapes.
Free Time
Volunteers typically have at least one day off per week. During this time, you may explore the surrounding area, rest at the field house, or join informal outings organised with fellow volunteers and guidance from local staff. Or you may head to the beach or the cultural triangle over the weekend where you can enjoy visiting a range of stunning Buddhist temples.
