Features
Origins and Achievements of Colombo Law Faculty

75th anniversary celebrations Sept. 22, 2023
by Dr. Dinesha Samararatne
I feel like an apology is in order as my opening line. A reflection on the 75 years of the Faculty of Law was to be shared by Justice Saleem Marsoof PC, who, unfortunately is not available to join us this evening. I stand here before you as a substitute challenged by the lack of the long and personal view of this institution and its graduates. Unlike Justice Marsoof, my association with it is relatively short. I am not aiming to be comprehensive, but I most certainly am aiming to offer you some thoughts to prompt your own reflections as we mark this significant milestone of an institution that is close to our hearts and one that has been central to the life of this nation.
The physical origin of the Faculty of Law, the College House, is the same as the origins of the University of Ceylon. It also happens to be a location from which at least aspects of the constitution of independent Ceylon were drafted. It is apt that the birth of the Faculty of Law is entangled with the political independence of this country. The Department of Law was established in July 1947 within the Faculty of Arts of the newly minted University of Ceylon.
The Department shifted to Peradeniya only in 1959. In 1965, it was relocated to Colombo and by 1967 it was upgraded as the first, and to date, only, Faculty of Law in Sri Lanka. By 1978, the Faculty of Law became a part of the newly established University of Colombo.
Early Days
It is a well-known fact that the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Ceylon, Sir Ivor Jennings was a key figure instrumental not only in the establishment of the then Department of Law alongside of Ceylon’s first University but that he also played a key role in drafting the independence constitution of Ceylon as well as of several other new states. Together with Sir Ivor Jennings who taught Constitutional Law Justice Francis Soertsz QC, Professor T Nadaraja and Justice (Dr) H W Tambiah QC were the illustrious founding academics of this new Department.
The first batch of graduates of the Department in 1950, were destined to be leading legal personalities of Sri Lanka. They were Mr RKW Goonesekere (who later served as a Principal of Sri Lanka Law College and a Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya), Mr Shiva Pasupati (who went on to serve as an Attorney General), Mr Ana Seneviratne (who was later the Inspector General of Police) and Mr Hema Rupasinghe (who went on to serve as a prominent Advocate).
The second batch of students were admitted directly to the Department of law and went on to serve in similarly significant public roles: namely Mr. Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike who took to politics and held office as a prominent Minister, Miss. Lakshmi Jayasundera (who later married Mr. Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike and who passed away recently), Mr. H.L. de Silva PC, a learned and erudite counsel, and Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar PC, who worked as Director of WIPO before taking to politics and holding office as a Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Department of Law was the training ground for leaders of a new nation and arguably, remains so, to this date.
Graduating with a First Class
The first ever Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) First Class honours pass was conferred on Mr. K. Shinya, of the third batch that graduated from the University of Ceylon, in 1952 who went on to become a prominent Advocate. The second First Class honours went to Mr. H.M.Z. Farouque, in 1960 and he went on to serve as the Registrar-General of Sri Lanka.
Men and women who graduated with First Class Honours from the Department of Law and subsequently the Faculty of Law reflect the exceptional quality of legal education and formation that this institution has had to offer. This honour roll includes Emeritus Prof. Savitri Goonesekere who as the first woman Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo made a singular contribution nationally and internationally in law and policy making. I have had the honour of being a student of the last class she taught, before retirement from the faculty, in 2004 where Prof Goonesekere taught us the Law of Delict.
First class honours degrees were also awarded to Prof. L.J.M Cooray, Prof. Wickrema Weerasooria and Prof M Sornarajah, all of whom excelled in academia and distinguished themselves internationally, Justice Mark Fernando PC, one of the most illustrious justices of the Sri Lankan Supreme Court and Emeritus Professor GL Pieris, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo and a former Minister of Constitutional Affairs.
More recently First-Class Honours degrees were awarded to Mr. Thusantha Wijemanne, a banker turned diplomat who also worked as a Director-General of the SAARC Arbitration Council, to Ms. Shermila Anthony who currently serves on the academic staff at the Faculty and to Dr Nishara Mendis who until recently also served on the academic staff.
Since 2010, more students graduated with First Class honours and include Ms Chathurika Akurgoda, Mr Supun Jaywardena, Dr Sachintha Dias, Ms Pramoda Vithange, Mr Minaal Wickremesinghe and just this year, Ms Shabnam Hilal and Mr Ishan Arachchi. Of the many significant achievements of these more recent graduates with First Class Honours, it is worth mentioning that Dr Sachintha Dias completed his D Phil at Oxford University and Mr Supun Jaywardena is the first ever law graduate with visual impairment in Sri Lanka to have achieved significant academic success and has recently returned to Sri Lanka after successfully reading for his Master’s degree at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Illustrious Alumni
Over the course of its 75 year long history, graduates of this institution have achieved the highest levels of recognition not only in law but also in other spheres such as public service and politics. It is not possible to do justice to their service in this short speech and tonight, I can only name but a few of them. Graduates of international renown in academia include Prof CF Amerasinghe, Emeritus Professor Suri Ratnapala, Dr Neelan Tiruchelvam, Emeritus Professor Sharya Scharenguivel, Dr Nirmala Chandrahasan, Professor Deepika Udagama, Dr Mario Gomez, Mr Rohan Edrisinha, Dr Sharika Marasinghe and Prof Sumudu Atapattu.
Notable scholarly and professional contributions have been made by many of our graduates including Mr DC Amerasinghe, Mr Sriyan de Silva, Dr Sunil F Cooray, Ms Priyanee Wijesekere, Dr Rohan Perera PC, Dr Palitha Kohona, Dr Jayantha de Almeida PC and Ms Kishali Pinto Jaywardene. Esteemed members of the judiciary who graduated from the Faculty include Justice ARB Amerasinghe, Justice Mark Fernando PC, former Chief Justice Asoka de Silva, Justice Gamini Amaratunga, Justice Suresh Chandra, Justice Saleem Marsoof PC, Justice Eric Basnayake, first woman Justice of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka’s first woman Chief Justice, Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake, Justice Chitrasiri, Justice Prasanna Jayawardene PC and currently, Justice Mahinda Samayawardhana.
One cannot but help but pause here to note the remarkable contribution made to Sri Lanka’s jurisprudence particularly in the 1990s by Justice ARB Amerasinghe, Justice Mark Fernando, Mr RKW Goonesekere and Mr HL de Silva. The jurisprudence thus developed was replicated to some extent more recently by Justice Prasanna Jayawardene. Today, the Faculty counts for the first time a head of state among its own, President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
There is no doubt that this institution has produced women and men who have served humanity well, whether in Sri Lanka or beyond. In my own work it has been wonderful to hear glowing reports about alumni of this institution often at leading institutions of the world such as Harvard University, Oxford University and at the United Nations. Annually, our graduates secure admission to the best law schools in the world, often securing prestigious scholarships.
It is customary and meaningful, when marking significant anniversaries of an institution, to name and celebrate the achievements and contributions of notable products of the institution. While we do that, in keeping with the emancipatory vision for university education in Sri Lanka, it is important to acknowledge the many other graduates who have also served well, in ensuring that legal systems function fairly and efficiently.
They may not be well known illustrious personalities but graduates of this institution who served professionally, ethically and generously to whoever who sought their services. In my view, it is in the ability of producing those types of graduates that the true test of the effectiveness or greatness of this institution is to be found.
On that score, let us acknowledge that this institution has served this land well. Could it have done better? I most certainly think so but it is fair to say that the emancipatory vision of universal education has been made available in our lecture halls for many, without any discrimination, over the years. It is fitting that this celebration tonight will contribute to that emancipatory dimension of this institution by providing support for undergraduates in financial need.
The faculty admits students from all parts of the country and from all walks of life. We have all experienced that min-cosmos of the Sri Lankan university where the generationally privileged student rubs shoulders with the generationally marginalised with strong prospects for transformation of the lives of both students through that encounter. For this emancipatory project to continue at this time of crisis, helping hands are essential. Our hope is that each of you will extend your generous support to our institution at this time and pay forward the support this land and its people extended to you, when you were pursuing your legal education as an undergraduate.
Student Life
Many of us hold and sweet and perhaps bitter-sweet memories of our formative days at University. This evening as we reconnect, our conversations will go back to the joys and horrors of our undergraduate days. Justice Marsoof, recollects his student life as an undergraduate in the second batch of students admitted to the newly established Faculty in 1968 in an essay published in Pursuing a Vision of Justice edited by Senaka Weeraratne, published in 2022. He notes that the faculty as a small place but, and I quote ‘hallowed portal of learning.’
Justice Marsoof notes that at the time of his admission to the Faculty of Law, they had two lecture halls with a small staff room adjoining the Science Faculty building on the main campus. The Law Faculty Library was then located across Reid Avenue. Today, the Faculty itself is on that same side of Reid Avenue and comprises two buildings. These two buildings house approximately 1,000 students and 40 academic staff.
Much has changed since the 1960s. The Bachelor of Laws degree which was originally offered as a three-year degree programme is now offered as a four-year programme thereby offering students extended opportunity for knowledge gathering, development of critical thinking and their overall formation. The latest revision of the curriculum is aimed at offering undergraduates more breadth in terms of course offerings and will be taught only in English.
From a Department of Law with a first batch of four students, over the course of 75 years, under the Deanships of Prof Nadarajah, Prof GL Peiris, Dr Anton Cooray, Prof Sharya Scharenguivel, Justice Dr Shirani Bandaranayake, Prof N Selvakkumaran, Prof VT Thamilmaran, Prof Indira Nanayakkara and presently Prof Sampath Punchihewa, this institution has evolved and grown in significant ways. In addition to the Bachelor of Laws degree for 350 students in a batch, the Faculty now also offers extension courses as well as postgraduate courses.
Co-curricular activities such as mooting offers students the opportunity to develop discipline specific as well as generic skills which they require for their professional development. It is a matter of pride for the Faculty that our students have often excelled in international mooting competitions even though the human and financial resources available to them are minimal.
Looking back to look forward
Marking a significant milestone of any institution, is a time for celebration, but I do think that our task would be incomplete, and even partial, if we do not pause to reflect critically on our institutional history in order to seek guidance for thinking meaningfully about our future.
The Faculty of Law was founded on, what I think, was an enduring vision that included at least three dimensions. The first was that of universal access to university education. The second is a commitment to developing critical thinking and excellence in legal education and the third is that of education as means for human flourishing and for developing democratic citizenship. Tonight as we celebrate the 75 years of this institution, it would be fitting for us to consider how well the Faculty and its graduates have realised this enduring vision.
On many occasions our graduates have fulfilled their professional and ethical responsibilities by defending constitutionalism, by ensuring respect for human rights and by working for the causes of the vulnerable and the voiceless. However, in 2023, when Sri Lanka seems to be standing again at cross-roads and is in crisis, we have an opportunity to ask ourselves about our responsibility for the state of the law, constitutionalism and respect for human dignity in Sri Lanka today.
I often try to imagine what the 1940s was like for the Ceylonese. A new state was being formed in the wake of two world wars and the collapse of an Empire on which the sun was never expected to set. Surely it must have been a tumultuous time. In 2023, as we mark 75 years of the Faculty of Law, we are once again in a tumultuous time. Visionary leaders of the 1940s laid a foundation for an institution in which they imagined a better collective future for us, despite the turbulence and uncertainty of their time. We, in 2023, face severe challenges in continuing quality universal education and higher education, in preserving the rule of law and in ensuring respect for human dignity.
Our challenge today, is twofold: to preserve the founding vision of this institution and to adapt it to deal with the new challenges that we face. I think it is fitting that the 75th anniversary of this institution is synchronised with the 75th anniversary of the Sri Lankan state. It is a powerful reminder of the responsibility and promise of this institution and of yours and mine, as its alumni. How we fulfil that responsibility and realise its promise in the next 75 years, is up to us and history, as always, will be our judge.
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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