Five forests to be declared reserves for World Environment Day 2026

By Mangala Pavithrani

Colombo, May 25 (Daily Mirror) - Five more forest areas will be declared as reserves to mark World Environment Day 2026, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said.

Speaking at a media briefing today, the Minister said the forests identified for protection are the Ritigala Reserve, Aliya Watuna Wewa Reserve, Bulagala Reserve, Konkatiyawa Reserve and Kallanchiya Reserve.

He said the five forest areas cover a total extent of 2,169 hectares and are all located in the Ratnapura District.

The Minister further noted that 81 forest areas were declared as reserves in connection with World Environment Day 2025.

World Environment Day 2026 will be held on June 5 at Temple Trees under the theme “Let the Wind Blow – Let’s Rally for Climate Change,” under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

An Environment Week will also be observed from May 30 to June 5 alongside the programme, he said.

Meanwhile, he added that the Water Resources Board and the Central Environmental Authority have jointly initiated steps to declare “Kuda Bubula” springs as water reserves.

The Minister also urged environmentalists and environmental organisations to contribute constructively to environmental protection and global environmental efforts without acting on political agendas.