50 forests to be gazetted as protected areas

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, March 17 (Daily Mirror) - Although this year’s International Day of Forests will not be celebrated with large-scale events, the Sri Lankan government has announced the protection of 50 additional forests under the ‘Vanaspathi’ programme, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said today.

Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Patabedi noted that the relevant gazettes for these forests will be signed on March 23 at the Environment Ministry, aligning with this year’s theme, “Forests and Economy.”

The 50 newly designated forests cover approximately 12,989.73 hectares (around 33,410 acres), primarily located in the Ampara, Badulla, and Nuwara Eliya districts. The Minister emphasized that the government aims to increase Sri Lanka’s forest cover to 31% by 2030.

“The ‘Vanaspathi’ initiative, launched in 2025, led to 29 forests being declared as reserves last year, including the Nilghana Forest, which is now recognized as the country’s second-largest forest reserve,” he added.

Originally, the government had planned a large-scale event in Nuwara Eliya on March 21, with extended celebrations on March 23, to mark the International Day of Forests. However, Dr. Patabedi said the events were cancelled due to the global economic situation, energy conservation needs, and related factors. Instead, the Ministry will host a series of environment-focused activities on its premises.

K.R. Uduwawala, Secretary of the Environment Ministry, assured that despite the cancellation of the main celebrations, conservation efforts and policy initiatives will continue uninterrupted. He said that awareness programmes targeting schoolchildren and youth will be conducted through the media.

“Our priority is to deliver tangible benefits to both the people and the environment, rather than incur high costs on celebrations,” Uduwawala said.

He also highlighted the introduction of new technologies in collaboration with the Forest Conservation Department to reduce forest destruction. The public is urged to report environmental damage via the 1995 Forest Protection Emergency Hotline, which operates 24/7. Authorities, including the police and military, will take necessary action against offenders.