The government has announced plans to designate five additional forests located in environmentally sensitive areas as protected reserves on June 5, increasing the total number of forest reserves in the country.
Speaking at a media briefing held today (01) at the Government Information Department, Environment Minister Dhammika Patabendi said the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental conservation.
The forests identified for reserve status are Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa and Kallanchi, all of which have been recognized as ecologically important areas requiring enhanced protection.
The Ministry of Environment stated that selected forests have already been declared reserves under the national forest conservation program launched in 2025.
