• Making volunteerism work for our future

There is a word in Sri Lanka that captures a profound idea: ‘shramadana’ – the voluntary offering of one’s time and labour for the common good. It reflects a simple but powerful belief: communities are strongest when people act together, not out of obligation, but out of shared responsibility.

Volunteerism in Sri Lanka did not begin with formal programmes or institutions. The instinct to contribute to something larger than oneself has long been an inherent part of Sri Lankan society.  

When floods displace families, when financial difficulties arise, or when a neighbour is in distress, Sri Lankans do not wait to be told what to do; they step forward. Meals are shared, money is raised, time is given. This impulse to serve, rooted in traditions like ‘shramadana,’ has shaped how communities respond, not only in moments of crisis, but in everyday life.

Global recognition 

This spirit of community service has gained global recognition. Sri Lanka has, in the past, ranked number one in the world for volunteering time, in the World Giving Index. Beyond rankings, this reflects something more meaningful: Sri Lanka already possesses an important ingredient for sustainable development – a population that is willing to step forward and contribute when needed. 

Globally, there is growing recognition that volunteerism is not only an act of goodwill, but a powerful driver of progress. Through platforms such as the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, greater efforts are being made to support citizen-led action in addressing development challenges, including in Sri Lanka.

Volunteerism brings something formal systems often struggle to build: trust. Because volunteers emerge from within communities, they understand local realities, cultural nuances, and everyday challenges. When they act, they do so not as outsiders, but through shared experience. This positions volunteers uniquely to bridge the gap between policy and people, ensuring that well-intentioned plans translate into tangible impact.

In Sri Lanka, this bridging role has long been evident. From traditional ‘shramadana’ initiatives to modern grassroots movements, community-led action has often filled critical gaps, particularly when formal systems are under strain. These experiences show that when people are empowered to act collectively, responses are often more grounded, responsive, and inclusive.

Addressing gaps 

Yet despite the strength of this tradition, much of this volunteerism remains informal. It takes place in homes, neighbourhoods, religious spaces, and grassroots initiatives that rarely appear in official records. As a result, its scale and contribution are not always visible. Without reliable data and recognition, volunteerism risks being overlooked in broader national conversations, despite its role in strengthening resilience and social cohesion.

There is also a practical gap. Many people, especially young Sri Lankans, are willing to contribute but do not always know how to begin. Opportunities can be fragmented or difficult to access. At the same time, organisations that would benefit from volunteer engagement often lack the systems needed to effectively mobilise, manage, and support volunteers. 

Recognition matters too. While volunteering is grounded in service rather than reward, acknowledging contributions helps reinforce a culture where civic participation is valued and encouraged. Without recognition, volunteerism risks being taken for granted. 

Volunteerism is also one of the few spaces that naturally brings together people from across generations, professions, and backgrounds. A student contributes time and energy. A professional offers skills and expertise. A retiree shares decades of knowledge and experience. Each contribution is different, yet equally valuable.

Importantly, volunteerism should not be seen as a substitute for formal systems, but as a force that can strengthen them. Volunteers extend the reach of public services, improve responsiveness, and help ensure programmes reflect the needs of communities. In sectors such as education, public health, and climate resilience, this kind of engagement can be critical to delivering timely and effective support.

Strengthening volunteerism 

The question, then, is not whether Sri Lanka has a culture of volunteering; it clearly does. The question is whether we are ready to better recognise, support, and organise it. 

As the world prepares to mark the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development in 2026, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to reflect more deliberately on the role volunteerism can play in advancing national priorities. 

Globally, there is increasing emphasis on national ownership and stronger systems to support volunteer action. For Sri Lanka, this is an opportunity to build stronger coordination and clearer structures around how people contribute to and engage in their communities. 

This requires action on three fronts. First, visibility: Sri Lanka must tell its volunteer stories more consistently so that volunteerism is recognised as a core part of civic life and not viewed as a standalone gesture. Second, systems: People who want to volunteer should be able to find clear and accessible opportunities. 

Finally, evidence matters. If volunteerism is to be better supported, we need to understand its scale, impact, and gaps. Stronger data can help inform policies and support more effective planning. 

Volunteerism cannot be advanced by a single institution acting alone. It requires leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment. Government, civil society, academia, the private sector, the media, and volunteers all have a role to play in ensuring that volunteerism is visible, valued, and able to connect the right people with the right opportunities, so that this enduring tradition continues to strengthen Sri Lanka’s future.

(The writer is the Country Coordinator for the United Nations Volunteers [UNV] programme in Sri Lanka. With more than 30 years of experience in international development, she has worked alongside communities, government institutions, civil society organisations, and United Nations agencies at every level. She is a long-standing advocate for inclusive volunteerism across all ages, backgrounds, and abilities)

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication)