Stay at the Foundation of Goodness
Down South Sri Lanka
Lahiru Villa – OYOB Centre of Excellece, Seenigama, Hikkaduwa
Lahiru Villa, a sanctuary nested within the OYOB Centre of Excellence. Once the ancestral home of Kushil Gunesekara, Founder of the Foundation of Goodness, this villa has been a haven for global visitors, including celebrities and volunteers. It mirrors the Foundation's exceptional efforts in rejuvenating a village decimated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, emerging even stronger.
Positioned at Seenigama's heart, the hub of the Foundation's rural development initiatives, Lahiru Villa guarantees comfortable lodging and unique volunteer experiences at the Women’s Empowerment Centre, Finding Dreams Unit for special needs students, and the Lahiru Pre-School, located on the same premises for convenience. Beyond cozy rooms, a pool, and authentic local cuisine, guests can actively engage in on-site empowerment projects. A few meters away from the picturesque Seenigama beach, visitors can seamlessly blend volunteering, community engagement, captivating tours, and immersive cultural escapades. Discover Lahiru Villa – where meaningful journeys and transformative experiences unite. Book your stay today.
Amenities at the Villa
- Comfortable AC rooms single/double/triple with attached washrooms
- Private Swimming Pool
- Living and dining area
- In-house chef – Authentic Sri Lankan Meals can be prepared on request
- Located walking distance from the Seenigama Beach
Highlights
- Volunteer at the multiple programs at the Centre on-site.
- Nature Cruise – This boat safari has views of the natural flora and fauna of the region which includes mangroves, and sightings of different species of monitor lizards and bird watching.
- Dive for good – The Dive Centre provides training and PADI licensing and coral replanting initiatives. Take a tour of the Centre and learn more about how the Dive Center is helping to conserve and replant the destroyed coral beds in Seenigama.
- Plates of Goodness – Learn how to cook a delicious Sri Lankan meal from scratch. Get hands on experience of local food and flavors when you sign up for a session.
*Activities charged separately and can be organised on request
Seenigama Village – Sports Academy
Dormitory style/Shared rooms
For larger groups and individuals looking for a lower cost alternative, we can offer hostel style accommodation based in the Sports Centre. The accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen, including a washing machine, for guests to use and there is a communal area with WiFi & Satellite TV and we also provide sheets and towels.
Meals could be arranged at the centre on request, but the volunteers can opt to bring in their own provisions or get the accommodation centre staff to purchase them on their behalf for which a fee will have to paid to the staff.
Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre – Udumulla
Dormitory style/Shared rooms
PLEASE NOTE that this centre is NOT located at the Seenigama premises.
Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre – Rathgama
Dormitory style/Shared rooms
- 1 bunk bed with attached bathroom/ Non - A/C
PLEASE NOTE that this centre is NOT located at the Seenigama premises.
Central Sri Lanka – Up Country
Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre – Bandarawela (Badulla District)
Located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, this Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre was the 9th Centre opened to empower rural Sri Lankans. The climate in the area is generally colder than other areas of Sri Lanka.
- Single room - 1 Single bed with attached bathroom – Non-A/C
- BB Basis. Lunch and dinner can be provided on request).
Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre – Dambulla (Matale District)
This Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre is one of our newest facilities and empowers over 800 rural children from the area. Stay and volunteer at the Centre, for a truly fulfilling experience.
- Double room - 2 beds with attached bathroom/Non-A/C
Northern Sri Lanka
Village Heartbeat Empowerment Centre – Mathagal (Jaffna)
The 6th Village Heartbeat was opened in 2017 and has a library, a computer training centre, English & Sinhala classes, volunteer expertise-oriented programmes which form the core of the village. Mathagal is a quiet rural village situated by the beach and can be a little cut off from the urban bustle. The nearest large city is the Jaffna Town situated 24 kilometres away.
- Single room - 1 Single bed with attached bathroom/Non-A/C
- BB Basis. Lunch and dinner can be provided on request
