Five forests in ecologically sensitive zones are scheduled to be declared as reserves on June 5, raising Sri Lanka’s total number of forest reserves to 86.
Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendi announced the decision today (01) at a media briefing held at the Government Information Department.
The forests to be declared include Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa, and Kallanchi.
These areas have been identified as ecologically sensitive zones requiring special protection.
According to the Environment Ministry, 81 forests have already been gazetted as reserves under the forestry programme launched in 2025.
With the addition of the five new reserves, the overall count will rise to 86. (Newswire)