The Current Status of Conserving Tropical Forests in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sri Lanka has a long tradition of forest conservation. Colonial powers exploited the country’s forests yet, since the late 1800s modern conservation was begun by the British. Today about 14% the land area is under complete protection and in the recent past protected areas as well as forest plantations have increased despite that natural forest cover has plummeted to about 22% of the land, area. Institutional deficiencies and some agricultural practices and illicit fellings pose threats to forest conservation in Sri Lanka. However overall situation does not seem to be unsatisfactory.