16 govt forests declared as reserves under National “Vanaspathi” Conservation program

15 July 2025 05:56 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - A gazette notification has been issued today officially declaring 16 government forests as protected reserves under the national “Vanaspathi” forest conservation program.

The announcement was made during a special event held today at the open-air theatre of the Bajjangoda Forest Reserve in Gampaha, with the participation of Environment Minister Dhammika Patabandi. The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.

The “Vanaspathi” program is a key initiative under the government’s national environmental policy and is aligned with international commitments under the Paris Agreement. Sri Lanka has pledged to increase its forest cover to 32% by the year 2030.

As part of this effort, several significant forest areas have been newly designated as reserves, including the Kudapala Kadonala Forest in Akkaraipattu (Ampara District), Jarangawa Government Forest (Ampara), Badulugoda Forest in Maha Oya, Panama North Forest in Lahugala, and the Rilagala and Rajagala Forests in the Kandy District.

In total, 5,711.75 hectares of government-owned forest land have been declared as conservation reserves under today’s declaration, marking a significant step toward safeguarding the country’s ecological heritage.

Comments - 5

Practice Practical Dressing Tuesday, 15 July 2025 06:45 PM

Can’t understand the need to wear formal attire in such a forested environment! Politicians must be practical and humble whenever possible when attending functions. Just follow how your leader (AKD) is behaving and always using “common sense”. Remember, country is still Bankrupt and all politicians should behave and act accordingly.

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D P P Prasad Tuesday, 15 July 2025 09:05 PM

The declaration of the certain state forests that are consisted of endangered endemic species as the forest reserves is highly commendable. Through this process certain provisions that are mentioned in the forest conservation act will be strengthened. However still The lower grade forest officers who are strenuous to protect the forests are encountering numerous hardships. They are yet to receive satisfactory commuted travelling allowance They are not enjoying a satisfactory fuel allowance. They don't have sophisticated weapons other than shotguns while the timber racketeers are using sophisticated weapons. Besides the declaration of forests. Hon minister Mr Patabadi should look into the above grievances being faced by the lower grade forest officers. Because the top ranking officers of the forest department ever conceal the real facts pertaining to the lower grade officers.

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R. K. D. C. Bernard Thursday, 17 July 2025 12:05 AM

Sir , you revealed the reality and those minor staff should be saved constantly for a successful protection of forest as well as your suggestions are appreciable never high ranking officer done yet according to my knowledge sir. Thank you for your effort instead of junior officers in the FD.

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M Fernando Wednesday, 16 July 2025 03:44 AM

Vanaspathi... Creating future Kotipathis when they decide to cut it down for timber !!

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R. K. D. C. Bernard Thursday, 17 July 2025 12:13 AM

Great initiate of designated and declared of those forest in island wide. As well as many people don't like for this type of entrenchments for our nations that's why wild vision. It is our source of life but some don't love to the forest. According to that, this declaration of these environmental wealth is appreciable for all people and also biodiversity in Sri Lanka compulsively. Thank you.

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