
National “Vanaspathi” Program Launched today to Protect Sri Lanka’s Forests

The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Pallepitiya, with the participation of Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody, foreign diplomats, and special invitees.
Launched in line with Sri Lanka’s new national environmental policy and the Paris Agreement, the “Vanaspathi” program aims to enhance forest conservation, water resource protection, and biodiversity preservation. As part of this initiative, Sri Lanka targets increasing its forest cover to 32% by 2030.
Starting today, state forests in Monaragala, Ampara, and Kandy districts covering 5,711.75 hectares will be declared as protected reserves. These include several significant forest areas such as Agare, Bandarawadiya, and Kudagodakanda in Monaragala; the Palakuda mangrove forest in Ampara; and the Rilagala forest in Kandy.
“Vanaspathi” is set to continue as a long-term initiative supporting ongoing environmental conservation efforts and strengthening national policy implementation.