In line with World Environment Day and Sri Lanka’s National Environment Week, the Nilgala Forest was officially declared a protected reserve on June 2, marking a major step in biodiversity conservation.
The declaration ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Damitha Pathabendhi at the Ratugala Indigenous Heritage Centre in Bibile.
The newly protected area spans 40,683 hectares and includes key forest zones in Madagama, Bibile, Nilgala, and Inginiyagala. The Bibile region remains the main conservation section of the forest. (Newswire)