Under the leadership of Environment Minister Dammika Patabendi, the government has formally declared eight mangrove forest systems in the Puttalam District as new reserves, with the gazette signed yesterday (27) at the Ministry of Environment.

The move forms part of the national program “Give Space for Mangroves to Breathe”, implemented in line with the government’s environmental policy “A Sustainable Biosphere – Evergreen Life.” 

Coinciding with International Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Day on July 26, the declaration marks another significant step under the broader “Vanaspathi” program.

The newly protected mangrove forests, Thilliyadiya, Sammattawadiya, Muthalapali, Kudawa, Kumbutu Kuliyawa, Karambe, Kandakuliya, and Mandala Kudawa, cover a total of 176.67 hectares.

Officials state the initiative aims to raise public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems, while promoting their sustainable management, conservation, and responsible use.

In 2025, several mangrove forests in the Puttalam and Chilaw range offices were also declared reserves under the same program, bringing about 67 hectares under protection.

Sri Lanka currently has approximately 12,500 hectares of mangrove land, the largest extent concentrated in lagoon and estuary areas of the Puttalam District. Research has identified 11 species of mangroves recorded across the island. (Newswire)

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US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has met with Sri Lanka’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Minister of Energy, Kumara Jayakody in separate meetings to discuss efforts toward climate adaptation, energy transition, and sustainability.

In her meeting with Minister Patabendi, Ambassador Chung highlighted shared priorities such as agricultural sustainability and energy transition.

“We discussed shared priorities like climate adaptation, energy transition, and agricultural sustainability, building on @USAIDSriLanka programs that align with Sri Lanka’s goals. As climate impacts continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, collaboration is essential,” the Ambassador said in a post shared on ‘X’.

During discussions with Minister Jayakody, Ambassador Chung reiterated a commitment to affordable, sustainable, and secure energy solutions for Sri Lanka.

She noted USAID’s support for local partners in driving climate resilience across sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, as well as advancing initiatives in waste management, circular economy practices, and green finance. (Newswire)

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A Gazette notification has been issued announcing the Ministerial Portfolio of Environment being brought under the purview of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The President has taken over the Ministerial Portfolio following the disqualification of Naseer Ahamed as a member of parliament due to his expulsion from the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC). 

In April 2022, the SLMC made the decision to expel Naseer Ahamed from the party after he changed his political affiliation and was subsequently sworn in as the Environment Minister in the Gotabaya Rajapaksa-led Government.

The Supreme Court recently determined that the expulsion of Naseer Ahamed from the SLMC was lawful.

Thereafter, the Elections Commission reportedly received a notice from the Secretary General of Parliament indicating that MP Naseer Ahamed’s seat had become vacant.

The Election Commission also announced that SLMC member Ali Zahir Moulana has been declared an elected Member of Parliament for the Batticaloa District, filling the Parliament seat vacated by Naseer Ahamed.

Following the disqualification of Naseer Ahamed, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has taken over his portfolio as Minister of Environment. 

Gazette: http://documents.gov.lk/files/egz/2023/10/2353-56_E.pdf (NewsWire)

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