News
Sri Lanka prepares to mark World Mangrove Day with urgent call for coastal conservation
As the country prepares to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi has called for intensified national efforts to restore and protect Sri Lanka’s dwindling mangrove forests, highlighting their significance in the face of climate change and coastal degradation.
Speaking to journalists, Patabendi said Sri Lanka’s mangroves—though covering just a small fraction of the country’s land mass -played an outsized role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and sustaining biodiversity.
“Although we contribute only 0.03% of global carbon emissions, Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Mangroves act as vital buffers, absorbing wave energy and shielding our coasts during extreme weather events,” the Minister said.
Organised by the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), in collaboration with the Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Coast Conservation Department, the event drew participation from stakeholders across government, academia, and civil society.
Patabendi noted that the 2024 theme for World Mangrove Day, “Reviving Coastal Ecosystems through Mangrove Restoration,” was particularly relevant to Sri Lanka, where mangrove cover is under constant threat from urbanisation, illegal harvesting, and unsustainable development.
“We are taking a multi-pronged approach—combining science, policy, and community action—to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas,” he said. “We are also engaging schools and youth to build a culture of environmental stewardship.”
Sri Lanka is home to approximately 15,670 hectares of mangrove forests. However, these fragile ecosystems continue to shrink due to encroachment and lack of awareness. The Environment Ministry is currently working on updated mapping and restoration initiatives, with particular emphasis on community-based nurseries and the empowerment of women in conservation.
“We must view mangrove restoration not only as an environmental imperative but as a socio-economic opportunity,” Dr. Patabendi said. “Healthy mangroves support fisheries, tourism, and livelihoods.”
The event also showcased school exhibits, coastal conservation tools, and interactive awareness programmes aimed at building public understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
Patabendi concluded with a call to action: “Let World Mangrove Day be a turning point—where we move from awareness to meaningful action in saving our coasts and securing our future.”
By Ifham Nizam
Latest News
Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara
Due to heavy rainfall received in the upper catchment areas of the Mahaweli River over the past few hours, there is a risk of minor flooding in the low-lying areas surrounding the Mahaweli River within the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara.Residents living in the above mentioned areas and motorists using roads passing through these areas are urged to exercise extreme caution and remain highly vigilant regarding the prevailing situation.
Furthermore, residents living in close proximity to the Mahaweli River in these areas are advised to remain highly alert to the situation and take all necessary precautions to protect themselves from any potential flooding.The relevant disaster management authorities are requested to take all necessary measures in response to this situation.
The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide Red Alerts to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya effective from 14:00 hrs on 20.09.2026 To 14:00 hrs on 21.09.2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL III [RED] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Dehiowita, Aranayake, Deraniyagala, Mawanella and Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district and Kothmale West, Kotmale East, Ambagamuwa and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district
LEVEL II [AMBER] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Padukka in the Colombo district, Nagoda, Thawalama and Neluwa in the Galle district, Bulathsinhala, Palindanuwara, Walallawita and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ganga Ihala Korale in the Kandy district, Bulathkohupitiya and Kegalle in the Kegalle district, Akuressa and Pitabeddara in the Matara district, Thalawakele in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ratnapura, Ayagama, Kuruwita and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I [YELLOW] Land Slide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Seethawaka in the Colombo district, Niyagama and Baddegama in the Galle district, Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Ingiriya in the Kalutara district, Udapalatha and Yatinuwara in the Kandy district, Galigamuwa, Warakapola and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle district, Kotapola, Pasgoda and Athuraliya in the Matara district, and Eheliyagoda, Kalawana and Elapatha in the Ratnapura district.
News
Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common, people-oriented objective.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while participating in a discussion held on Friday [September 18] at the Western Province Council Auditorium to review the progress of the development project to rehabilitate Rathmalana Kandawala Road and the drainage system on either side of the road, within the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council limits in the Colombo District.
The project, which commenced on September 10, 2026, is scheduled to be completed before June 30, 2027. Implemented by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA), the project includes the construction of a bridge at a cost of Rs. 64 million, the rehabilitation of the drainage system at a cost of Rs. 930 million, and the rehabilitation of the road at a cost of Rs. 115 million.
The Prime Minister also paid special attention to the progress of the responsibilities assigned to the Western Province Council, the Irrigation Department and the Ratmalana Divisional Secretariat in accordance with decisions taken at the previous committee meeting. Attention was also given to the current status of the plans being carried out by the Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLRDC), as well as the construction and maintenance activities being undertaken by the Provincial Road Development Authority (PRDA).
Commending the expedite and commendable progress of the project, the Prime Minister particularly appreciated the commitment demonstrated by officials of the relevant government institutions to work in close coordination with one another and in collaboration with the political authority.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the importance of taking measures well in advance to control flooding and minimise its impact on Colombo and several other districts in view of the rainy weather that may affect the Western Province during the latter part of this year.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Lakshman Nipuna Arachchi, Chairperson of the Ratmalana Divisional Coordinating Committee and Member of Parliament Samanmalee Gunasinghe, Chairman of the Roads Sub-Committee of the Colombo District Coordinating Committee Dewananda Suraweera, Mayor of the Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia Municipal Council Parakum Shantha, Chief Secretary of the Western Province K.G. Pradeep Pushpakumara, along with a number of government officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Flood warning issued to the Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Ganga Ihala Korale, Udapalatha, Doluwa, Udunuwara, Yatinuwara, Gangawata Korale, Harispattuwa, and Pathadumbara
Landslide Red Alerts issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle and Nuwara Eliya
Shafali dazzles with 49-ball unbeaten 100 and India march into Asian Games final
Development projects can deliver results to the people more quickly when the political authority and the public service work together towards a common goal – PM
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Colombo, Galle, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 83 leads Sri Lanka into final
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Opinion7 days agoFrom Galkissa (Mount Lavinia) to Tambuttegama
-
News4 days agoUS embassy won’t comment on IGP’s probe into joint drug raid
-
Features6 days agoThe emptying university: why are academics leaving?
-
Features7 days agoSri Lanka’s university crisis: Brain drain and union action demand urgent reform
-
Business4 days agoAll-new Bolero MaXX unveiled in Sri Lanka
-
Opinion7 days agoAshraff: From the SLMC towards the National Unity Alliance
-
News3 days agoBid for Basil’s extradition nears final stage: Police
-
Editorial7 days agoMuscle flexing, astroturfing and dog-and-pony shows