The Silent Guardians of Water, Wildlife and Climate | The Day 20 Sri Lankan Forests Found Protection

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Sri Lanka has officially granted protected status to 20 forests covering a total land area of 9,538.68 hectares across multiple districts, adding to approximately 65,000 hectares declared as reserves over the past two years. Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi highlighted that the initiative aims to safeguard biodiversity, protect watershed areas, mitigate human-elephant conflict, conserve high-altitude forests, and foster eco-tourism. Additionally, a Forest Conservation Museum was opened at the Sandathenna Forestry Institute in Nuwara Eliya to advance environmental education and research.