Features
Deplorable Debt: Is Sri Lanka caught between IMF and IIF?

by Jayasri Priyalal
Jayasripriyalal59@gmail.com
The greatest challenges confronting the nation-states in the current era revolve around; deplorable debt, depleted natural resources, and degraded environment. Economic growth and future prosperity for all living beings are stalled due to the varying degrees of the 3D problems emerging out of ill-conceived policy divergences propelling the linear economic activities for centuries in many countries.
Sri Lanka hit its worst economic setback, since independence, in 2021, experiencing near bankruptcy short of a failed state. Still, the country is reeling from its socio-economic and political debacle without a clear visionary leadership putting the country on a recovery path. Showing resilience alone will not take us anywhere. Amongst many shortsighted policy debacles, including unmanaged debt without a semblance of fiscal discipline, remains unresolved. The unbridgeable mismatch between government revenue and expenditure is one such burning issue. Not a single political party, gearing for elections to secure political power, squarely addresses this challenge with viable options proposed.
Debt restructuring talks are dominating the media as the second IMF tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with access to SDR 254 million (about US$337 million), subject to the IMF Executive Board’s review in due course.
Time, Information, and Power (TIP) are critical elements for persuasive Negotiations
The delegation from Sri Lanka for debt restructuring with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) which consists of the majority of the private sector creditors, and sovereign bondholders, faces critical challenges. The author aims to highlight the various challenges and obstacles to unfold during the tough negotiations Sri Lanka faces in this essay. All Sri Lankans should endeavour to negotiate favourable terms in putting Sri Lanka’s debt on the path towards sustainable economic growth in a medium and long-term time frame.
As a nation, we should not burden those private creditors who hold our sovereign bonds, and it is our supreme responsibility to pay all our dues with reasonable compensation. Those who invested their money in Sri Lankan Sovereign Bonds are not at fault for the economic mismanagement of the corrupt politicians and their cronies. Sri Lanka, a sovereign nation, should take ownership to honour our commitments to settle all our creditors.
Unless Sri Lanka shows clear policy directions to revive and grow the stagnant economy, no one will be ready to put good money behind wasted bad money. Instilling trust and confidence in our ability to come up with viable and sustainable solutions to jump-start the growth of the economy is the way forward. This conditionality is paramount even to restructuring the existing debt instruments so that they can be traded in secondary markets to mobilize cash flows for stimulating the economic activities for growth.
In times of crisis, stakeholders are forced to sit and negotiate to find viable solutions, balancing the common and conflicting interests between the two sides. Hence, parties who sit down for negotiations are forced to deal with adversaries and not with friends or sympathizers ready to bargain to meet different expectations.
Time for Schock Doctrines
In an excessively financialized world cyclic financial crises are a common feature. Someone’s pain will always turn into another’s gain swiftly. The international financial system, consisting of private and public institutions, is well set to manage the crisis with the sole objective of privatization of gains and socializations of pains.
Many of their strategies anaesthetize weak policymakers looking for innovative and creative economic growth-led solutions to overcome the debt-burdened situations in the developing world. Capitalizing on this phenomenon, they force painful shock doctrines and austerities on the victims of financial crisis reversing all the socio-economic gains achieved thus far.
The classic example could be quoted from our own experience, currently, a quarter of Sri Lanka’s population is pushed below the poverty line. Moreover, the second IMF EFF assistance is a blessing in disguise for policymakers to hoodwink the public, especially on the eve of elections. Partners, with whom Sri Lankan Treasury and Ministry of Finance officials negotiate, are aware of the time-critical importance of this factor.
Media statements, following the various IMF official’s meetings, are loaded with praises but without any substance in handling the crisis for viable resolution. Instead, many are saddled in their comfort zone depending on further debt as the only recourse.
Pruning expenditure on social security and welfare, imposing unbearable income tax on the middle class – working poor – curtailing their purchasing power, reversing all progressive labour laws and regulations that mainstream inclusive growth and fairer distribution of wealth created in the economy, especially hampering the investment growth in the EPF, workers savings with arbitrary interest rate cuts, are some of the policy options concealed within the shock doctrine recommendations.
Aside from the above privatization of profitable State-Owned Enterprises was mismanaged by appointing cronies by the various governments, including appointing ‘yes’ men to serve the political interest, including in the banks, allowing the henchmen to rob the banks from inside. Commercially viable enterprises are loaded with debt, restraining them from coming out with any turnaround strategies.
And many national wealth is now offered on a platter for privatization as a remedial measure to the current crisis. These are part and parcel of the shock doctrine proposed to serve the interest of those foreign investors to grab the national wealth. A classic case, outsourcing the on-arrival visa issuance to tourists, at the BIA, to a private company hiking the visa fees at a disproportionate increase impacting the resilient tourism industry. On top of that, the private company charges US$ 18.50 as their fees on each tourist applying visa.
However, many economists, and advisors are keen to measure productivity gains, even at times of crisis, on factor inputs such as Labour, Land and Entrepreneurship, except Capital. At times of Financial Crises, private-public partnerships strongly advocate Quantitative Easing options as a remedy to maintain market stability by subsidizing the Capital Markets with zero and negative interest rates.
Those civic-conscious officials, consisting of the Sri Lankan delegation who sit for negotiations with the OCC, should bear in mind, for the sake of sustainability of the debt and stimulation of future growth in the economy, should not pass on the advantage of time factor to the opponents across the table. They need to put the country’s interest first, not to serve the interest of the bankrupt political propaganda, merely to deceive the electorate on the eve of elections.
Sadly, there isn’t any form of social dialogue between the policymakers, officials, private sector chambers, and academia to propose policy recommendations, at least, to identify and cut the avoidable expenditure in the parallel administration structures in the island state. A culture of meaningful stakeholder consultations before policy formulation is a must in the desired new system that Sri Lanka is aspiring for.
Information Asymmetry and the Role of the Institute of International Finance (IIF)
The second critical element that is vital in negotiations is information. In any negotiation process to achieve desirable goals all parties need to act in good faith and be fully informed of the facts and circumstances.
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) is a powerful organization that represents the interests of private creditors and financial institutions. IIF members include a wide range of financial firms operating globally in the sovereign debt markets, with common and divergent interests. The mission and basic lobbying position of the IIF are enshrined in its by-laws, namely, to be the most influential financial lobby organization at the international level that promotes voluntary market-based approaches to financial or debt crisis prevention and management.
According to Netherlands Amsterdam-based Stichting Onderzoek Multinationale Ondernemingen (SOMO), Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations) October 2021, report highlights serious imbalances in relationships between the IIF and private creditors, on the one hand, and the other hand public international and national financial decision-makers, parliamentarians, citizens, and other affected stakeholders. Furthermore, reports contend, that the IIF’s strategy leads to even higher indebtedness to private creditors and promotes a profitable sustainability-linked financial industry, which the IIF actively supports in the interest of its members. https://www.somo.nl/the-iif-debt-relief/
The Sri Lankan delegation needs to be aware of the advantages enjoyed by the counterparties with whom they negotiate. As per findings of the SOMO research, IIF membership covers the largest international financial conglomerates with common and diverse interests regarding sovereign debt of middle-to-lower income countries: from private and public Chinese banks and Wall Street investment banks to credit rating agencies, asset managers and hedge funds. Official authorities, like the IMF and World Bank, and even the central banks of some middle- and low-income countries, are IIF members.
On the one hand, this diversity of members involved in the international debt market can enable members more easily to exchange views and coordinate. On the other hand, members’ very diverse interests may block positions and solutions that are proposed in the IIF’s lobbying activities.
Lazard the French Asset Management company Sri Lanka consults for the debt restructuring and the law firm Clifford Chance both could be members of IIF, if so the conflict of interest between the parties will become a stumbling block in reaching a favourable solution to the benefit of Sri Lanka as highlighted in the SOMO report. This fact must receive the best attention of the Sri Lankan delegation to the negotiation, bearing in mind that no one subordinate could work for two masters’
honestly – the adage often quoted as a warning to be cautiously optimistic in similar circumstances.
Information is Power – Markets are good When you are on the Right Side
The third element that is crucial in handling negotiation effectively rallies around the power that the parties to the negotiation garner. Readers would understand better by the foregoing how the balance of power tilts between the parties to negotiations.
IIF is committed to protecting the interests of its members by lobbying for voluntary market-based approaches to financial or debt crisis prevention and management. Towards achieving these goals IIF functions with a few committees such as IIF Committee on Sovereign Risk Management (CSRM), G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), IIF Debt Transparency Working Group (DTWG), IIF Emerging Markets Advisory Council (EMAC). They are very well equipped with data on capital market flows and debt situations in countries and markets across the region. IIF is committed to serving the interests of its members to spot investment opportunities and secure the assets with returns.
Following the recent rounds of negotiations with the Sri Lanka delegation with OCC, media reports revealed that in principle understanding was reached with a set of frameworks for further negotiations. Furthermore, there appear to be some discussions to extend the maturities with varying haircuts and interest rates reclassifying the Sovereign Bonds linked to either Macro or Governance parameters. We are forced to agree weighing the pros and cons to make the bonds marketable in the secondary markets to overcome the short-term constraints knowing how the Creditors team up to serve their interest.
Breaking the Vicious Debt Cycles – Focus on Growth instead of Distribution Sri Lanka is battling with the current crisis because of irresponsible borrowing and investment in wasteful projects. The Supreme Court has given a ruling pointing out the responsible policymakers and concerned government officials who contributed to the mismanagement of the economy. But it is good to remember stupidity is not a crime in the eyes of law, hence marginalized and vulnerable population sacrifice future prosperity for sins of the corrupt and greedy.
To offer a viable counter-proposal to the OCC at the next round of negotiations, the Sri Lankan delegation must be prepared with viable policy options that stimulate economic growth in the long-term enabling us to repay the debts and move away from the debt traps. To make that happen Sri Lankan policymakers will have to move away from popular distribution-led policy directives offered to deceive the electorate to growth-led directives for bottom up transformation.
A May Day promise by the President to increase the daily wage of Workers in Plantations to Rs. 1700 is one such gimmick. This writer fully supports the upliftment of the quality of life of the plantation workers. But that must come as a non-wage benefit as a form of social security measure, without destabilizing the plantation industry. There is enough money saved by the plantation workers in their EPF/ETF to be invested in such projects getting a reasonable return to sustain the viability of the fund. Such projects will serve the growth and distribution needs of the country.
Sri Lanka has been depending too much on the advice from the neo-liberal pundits aiming at realizing fake prosperities widening inequality in wealth, income, health, and education. We need to count on organic growth-focused economic policies and directives instead of synthetic short-term policies grappling with deplorable debt.
Facts, issues highlighted in the essay; assumptions made and actions proposed are to stimulate discussion and debate amongst the like-minded. Critics’ comments are welcome to encourage meaningful social dialogues among various stakeholders and policymakers to think of creative and innovative growth led options to overcome the eternal debt crisis.
Features
NPP govt. and its take on foreign relations

by Neville Ladduwahetty
Following President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit, first to India and then to China, Foreign Policy analysts and Commentators of repute have cautioned the NPP government the need to exercise BALANCE particularly in respect of its relations with India and China. The question is how balancing could be the guiding policy in Sri Lanka’s relations with India and China, when balancing is only a strategy? For instance, is the prospect of a 200,000 barrels a day refinery by China in Hambantota to be balanced by a prospective refinery by India in Trincomalee even if it is not in Sri Lanka’s best interests? Is this what some commentators call “pragmatic balancing”?
Sri Lanka’s policy regarding relations with other countries is stated at times as Non-Aligned and neutral at other times depending on the occasion and the forum. In the Joint Statement with China, the Policy is Non-Aligned. During a press conference, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made comments that undoubtedly amounted to “reaffirmation of Neutrality” according to a report in the Daily FT (Oct. 9, 2024). Such inconsistencies are not in the best interest of relations with India or China or with any other country. It is therefore imperative that the NPP government adopts a Policy and conducts its affairs in a manner that abides by the stated Policy if its credibility is to be respected
OBJECTIVES to PRECEEDE POLICY
However, whatever policy the NPP government adopts, what needs to be understood is the fundamental premise that prior to developing a Policy there has to be a clear and unambiguous Objective. For instance, the Foreign policy of India is often expressed as “Neighbourhood First”, and Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). Such a policy would entitle India to realise its objective of being accepted as a Regional Power in South Asia and therefore recognised as a global power where its currency is internationally recognised, a place in the UN Security Council, etc., and other symbols of a global power. On the other hand, China’s objective is to become first among equals among global powers. The Policy to achieve such an objective is its Belt and Road Initiative.
Similarly, the US Declaration of Independence sets out its objective as being: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men ….”
It is therefore clear that the Objective of a Nation is a declaration of the goals the Peoples of a Nation craft for themselves. Therefore, Sri Lanka has to define unambiguously its Objectives. To state that Sri Lanka’s Objective should be based on Self-Interests is to state the obvious because Self-Interest is what drives Foreign Relations. Foreign Policy of a Nation is how it conducts itself in its relations with other Nations in the process of pursuing its Objectives. For instance, the Objective of the NPP Government is to create “A thriving Nation and a beautiful life”. Thus, having declared its Objective, the NPP government has to decide whether a Foreign Policy of Non-Alignment, Neutrality or any other would enable it to realise its stated Objective of a thriving Nation and a beautiful life.
On the other hand, balancing is not an objective nor is it a policy. It is only a Strategy that could be resorted to within the context of Non-Aligned or Neutral Policies. Thus, its application is limited in scope to specific countries such as India and China and to infrastructure projects as part of Balancing interests of geopolitical rivals at a cost to Sri Lanka’s national interests.
NON-ALIGNMENT v. NEUTRALITY in PRACTICE
From a security perspective, non-alignment does not guarantee territorial inviolability. On the other hand, a neutral state is protected by international law. Therefore, neutrality offers greater guarantees in respect of territorial inviolability. Furthermore, since Neutrality defines duties and responsibilities of a Neutral State, other Nations are forewarned of what to expect from Sri Lanka – in short there are no surprises nor is there a need to go out of its way to ensure the security of India or any other State. This fosters trust and credibility among nations. However, if any country decides to violate Sri Lanka’s territory for whatever reason, as it was when India violated Sri Lanka’s air space, Sri Lanka has to accept the fact that no one would be coming to its defence other than the protection of International Law.
The real test between Non-Alignment and neutrality is when it comes to infrastructure projects. Furthermore, under a Policy of Non-Alignment, infrastructure projects invariably become part of balancing and therefore end up with unsolicited proposals, as in the past. Attempts to balance the refinery in Hambantota by China that was reported to have been based on expressions of interest called for by Sri Lanka, with a possible Refinery in Trincomalee for India would be unsolicited and to different standards. A variation to the theme of unsolicited projects is to tempt Sri Lanka by funding projects that serve the interests of the funding agency and not that of Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, a policy of neutrality requires that strict and open procedures are followed in order to ensure that all are treated as equals. This makes it imperative for Sri Lanka to first define the scale and scope of the project and call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from parties for evaluation in a transparent and open manner. Thus, practices that require a Neutral State to adopt fosters Credibility and Trust in the eyes of other Nations; characteristics critically needed to create a Thriving Sri Lanka. These characteristics together with reliance on International Law become the combined armory of a Neutral State such as Sri Lanka that is relatively small, but strategically located for aspiring Global Powers to go out of their way to foster abiding relations.
CONCLUSION
The foreign policy options explored and commented on by analysts, think tanks and during panel discussions are; Non-Alignment, Neutrality, Balancing and Self- Interest, etc., not realising that some proposed Policies, such as Balancing, are not Policies but Strategies. These explorations fail to define the objective that determines which policy to adopt as in the case of India, China and the USA cited above. Additionally, the context in which the Policy works, becomes a factor that shapes and Influences Policy. In the particular context of Sri Lanka, its strategic location that is akin to a key stone in the arch of Indian Ocean Rim countries in the geopolitical equation has molded Sri Lanka as a Nation State over Millennia to an extent that its geographical size has become a secondary factor.
In such a context, its security, and the goal set by the NPP government of a “Thriving Nation and a beautiful life” is best served by international law and the Soft Power of a neutral state that requires it to conduct its International Relations in an open and Transparent manner that ensures equality among Nations in a manner that fosters Trust and Credibility. The dividends from such an approach would foster a “Thriving Nation”.
Features
Appropriate scaled-down celebration; probable statesman; misinterpretation

This year the scaled-down Independence Day celebrations were just right. There was pageantry but no pomp. We must celebrate Independence Day and fortunately it was done. Every item was commendable: the mixed in race and gender choirs rendering so well the National Anthem, the Jayamangala Gatha and chant of blessing, directed at the President. Cass’ thought that after a long time he really deserved these chants of blessing, and good fortune for the country too. The National Anthem was sung in Tamil too by students. The President’s address was excellent in substance and delivery. The cultural event was superb. The best was that no armed vehicles drove past.
Statesman
A niece sent Cassandra a video clip of Prez AKD being mobbed – joyfully, admiringly, affectionately – on a recent visit to Velvataturai. He just got into the crowd, shook hands, patted little ones and posed for innumerable selfies, all smilingly with not a trace of self-promotion. He was just one of them. To have Tamils, Muslims, Catholic priests and nuns, Hindu dignitaries greeting him gladly brought tears to Cass’ eyes – tears of joy and the fact of reconciliation being evidently shown by the Tamil people. Accompanying the video Cass’ niece wrote: “Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought a Sinhala leader would be made so welcome in the North. They seemed to love him. He definitely has qualities of a leader.” And then she adds: “But I seriously fear for his safety, the way he is running around.” Agreed but not with crowds in the North, now that the suicide bombers are no more (or so we hope).
Judging the President and his manner of presenting himself (behaviour for short) locally and overseas in India and China within one hundred and something days of becoming Prez of the country, Cassandra declares she at last sees a potential statesman in him.
The only statesman we have had so far – D S Senanayake was a person of the people by his actions, notwithstanding his exclusive ancestry. He came from a land and plumbago mine owning, well to do family, but felt sincerely for the common people and hence his foremost policy being agriculture, since food is one of the three requirements for basic life. Air is free, and unpolluted then; water is/was plentiful through rain or containment in wewas, the largest of which he got constructed in Gal Oya, Ampara. DS seemed happiest when surrounded by villagers.
AKD was born to a simple family – but of integrity and worth – and thus he remains honest, simple, sincere, with very high ideals and love for Sri Lanka and its people, determined to do well by them. His head has definitely not been turned or swollen by the obvious adulation shown by our people and the VVIP welcome received in the two countries that dominate the world now. That is almost a humanely impossible achievement but he has succeeded in keeping his head while most other leaders before him lost theirs. That was principally because leaders of the past, starting from SWRD, had themselves and their political success in mind, later added to by greed of enrichment.
These qualities so far are missing in AKD and thus Cassandra’s prophecy – he will reach statesmanship because he has the qualities inherent in him and he gives the promise of not changing to be self-gratifying through imbibing greed for riches, greed for continued power, greed for the strength it gives a person to grab material wealth for himself and his family and cohorts.
Revenge
MTV 1 on Saturday February 1, carried the news of MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena visiting Mahinda Rajapaksa in his government-paid-for palatial home in Colombo 7 just to see to his well-being, as the MP said.
Now, the gist of what Rohitha A said, seated in his luxury car as he drove out of the ex Prez’s premises; “It is very wrong of the government to ask this great man to vacate the state-owned residence. Then he made this typical below par, oft used political accusation that government leaders were taking revenge on Ex Prez Mahinda R. Revenge for what act of the Ex Prez’s, pray? Cassandra cannot bear to hear the two words ‘jealousy’ and ‘revenge’. These two accusations are often made on political platforms by defeated leaders and lesser politicians.
Considering the case of ex-presidents being asked to vacate the huge houses bequeathed them by previous governments, started by JRJ, is a travesty of justice. Many of the past Prez’s contributed by the policies they followed and personal acts to the downfall of the country. A second reason: why should they live in absolute comfort and luxury, guarded by hordes of security personnel, when a large proportion of the population of the country have no decent housing nor adequate food to eat. In MR’s case particularly, he has many mansions in his name and his sons’ names. How about that Malvana grand house that finally had no owner?
Yes, what Rohitha A threatened could easily happen. Give a gang of ne’er-do-wells a large tot of kasippu, a bath packet and a monetary inducement and they will rise up with deadly rampaging anger anywhere and against anyone. Did we not see this happen against the Aragalaya protesters and rampage of Gotagogama on May 9, 2022, by an inebriated but ferocious horde that poured out of Temple Trees when Mahinda R was PM and in residence in this house?
A ray of sunshine
Along with a daily presentation of how money was wantonly wasted by previous governments in starting expensive projects in different parts of the country and then abandoning them, named What happened to the Village, MTV Channel One in its news presentation includes feel good happenings in the country named Happy Headlines. It’s so good to view a happy happening, a successful person, sports event, occurrence in nature within the daily dose of dismal news. It is a merciful occurrence for which the present government is thanked that news is no longer so dismal and we in Sri Lanka are fortunate to be living in a reviving country unlike Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, even Pakistan and the US of America which has a daily new edict proclaimed by President Trump, which sends shivers down American backs unless they are the white Supremacists who believe this proven to be dishonest businessman is set to Make America Great Again.
Features
Mangroves in Sri Lanka : Guardians of the Coast Facing Uncertain Future

By Ifham Nizam
Mangroves, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” play a crucial role in maintaining coastal ecosystems. These salt-tolerant trees and shrubs thrive in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions, forming a unique and highly productive ecosystem.
In Sri Lanka, mangroves contribute significantly to biodiversity, fisheries, coastal protection, and climate resilience. However, despite their immense ecological and economic value, these forests are under severe threat due to human activities and climate change.
“Mangroves are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems on the planet. They not only support marine biodiversity but also act as a natural buffer against coastal erosion and extreme weather events,”
says Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakse, a scientist on Plant Taxonomy.
As the world observed World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2025, Sri Lanka faces a critical moment in its efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
The Importance of Mangroves in Sri Lanka
Mangroves provide a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Sri Lanka is home to more than 20 species of mangroves, which are mainly found along the western, southern, and eastern coastlines. Notable mangrove-rich areas include the Puttalam Lagoon, Maadu Ganga Estuary, Negombo, Batticaloa, Mannar, Trincomalee, and Jaffna.
Biodiversity Hotspots
Mangrove forests support an array of wildlife, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, birds, reptiles, and marine mammals. Their dense root systems create breeding and nursery grounds for many commercially valuable fish species.
“Without mangroves, Sri Lanka’s fisheries industry would be severely impacted. These ecosystems serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, ensuring a steady supply for local fishermen,”
explains Wildlife Guard, Nuwan Jayawardena.
Mangroves also provide habitat for endangered and migratory birds, as well as reptiles like saltwater crocodiles and various marine mammals. Some species, such as Avicennia marina (Grey Mangrove) and Rhizophora mucronata (Red Mangrove), have unique adaptations like pneumatophores (aerial roots) and salt glands to survive in extreme coastal environments.
Coastal Protection and Climate Resilience
One of the most critical roles of mangroves is coastal defense. Their extensive root systems stabilize shorelines, preventing erosion and reducing the impact of tsunamis and storm surges.
“During the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, coastal areas with dense mangrove cover suffered less damage compared to those without. This underscores their importance as natural barriers,”
says Dr. Rajapakse.
Additionally, mangroves are powerful carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. Studies show that mangrove forests store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, making them crucial in the fight against climate change.

The Wetland Newsletter of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) was first published in 2012 to share valuable information about wetlands. It is released twice a year and distributed among school children, undergraduates, government officials, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts. The advisory committee consists of M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of the DWC; Ranjan Marasinghe, Director (Operations) and Manjula Amararatne, Director (Protected Area Management) and edited by Dr. Nilanthi Rajapakse. The first volume of each year is launched on February 2nd in celebration of World Wetlands Day, while the second volume is released on October 1st to commemorate the founding anniversary of the DWC. This year, the official launch took place on Monday at the Ministry of Environment Auditorium during the national ceremony, where it was presented to the Chief Guest, Dr. Dhammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment. The event was also graced by Anton Jayakodi, Deputy Minister of Environment; Rohitha Uduwawala, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; M.G.C. Sooriyabandara, Director General of the DWC; and Tilak Hevawasam, Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority.
Threats to Mangrove Ecosystems
Despite their significance, Sri Lanka’s mangroves are facing an existential crisis due to:
Human Activities
· Deforestation: Mangrove forests are being cleared for shrimp farming, agriculture, and urban expansion. The destruction of mangroves for economic gain often leads to long-term environmental and economic losses.
· Pollution
: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution degrade mangrove habitats, affecting water quality and marine life.
· Unregulated Development
: Coastal infrastructure projects, such as hotels and resorts, encroach on mangrove areas, disrupting their delicate balance.
Climate Change
· Rising sea levels threaten the very existence of mangroves by increasing salinity levels beyond their tolerance.
Stronger storms and extreme weather events
lead to physical damage and habitat loss.
· Temperature fluctuations
affect the reproductive cycles and growth of mangrove species.
“If we do not act now, Sri Lanka could lose a significant portion of its mangrove forests within the next few decades,”
warns Dr. Rajapakse.
Conservation Efforts and Restoration Projects
Government and International Initiatives
Sri Lanka has taken several steps to protect and restore mangroves. The country is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which emphasises the conservation of wetland ecosystems.
The establishment of protected areas and national parks has helped safeguard some mangrove habitats.
However, enforcement of environmental laws remains a challenge. Conservationists argue that stronger policies, stricter regulations, and better coordination between government agencies are necessary to curb illegal activities.
Community-Based Conservation
Engaging local communities in mangrove conservation has proven to be one of the most effective strategies. Several NGOs and local organisations are working to:
· Educate coastal communities about the importance of mangroves.
· Promote sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.
· Conduct mangrove restoration projects, where degraded areas are replanted with native mangrove species.
“When local communities understand that their livelihoods depend on healthy mangroves, they become active participants in conservation efforts,”
explains Dr. Rajapakse.
Successful Restoration Projects
Several mangrove restoration projects have yielded positive results. In some areas, mangrove saplings have been replanted in degraded zones, leading to the regeneration of native species. International organisations have also collaborated with Sri Lankan researchers to monitor mangrove health and develop strategies for long-term sustainability.
The Road Ahead: A Call to Action
While progress has been made, conservationists emphasise that more action is needed to protect Sri Lanka’s mangroves. The following key steps are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of these ecosystems:
Strengthening Environmental Laws
– Enforcing stricter regulations against illegal deforestation and pollution.
Expanding Protected Areas
– Designating more mangrove forests as protected zones.
Promoting Eco-Tourism
– Developing sustainable tourism models that benefit both conservation and local communities.
Investing in Research
– Supporting scientific studies to better understand the impact of climate change on mangroves.
Empowering Coastal Communities
– Providing training and financial incentives for sustainable livelihoods.
“Protecting mangroves is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic and social necessity,”
says Dr. Rajapakse
Sri Lanka’s mangroves are priceless assets, offering countless benefits to people and nature alike. Yet, without urgent and sustained conservation efforts, these ecosystems could disappear, leaving coastal communities vulnerable and biodiversity at risk.
As the world celebrated World Wetlands Day 2025, the call for immediate action has never been clearer. Governments, conservationists, and local communities must work together to protect and restore Sri Lanka’s mangrove forests. The choices made today will determine whether these vital ecosystems thrive or vanish in the years to come.
Mangroves are not just trees—they are lifelines.
Preserving them is essential for a sustainable and resilient future for Sri Lanka and the planet.
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