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
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Centre at 1800hrs today (5th December) confirms that 607 persons have died due to the adverse weather conditions while the number of missing persons has reduced to 214.
The number of persons affected topped the 2 million mark (2,082,195).
The Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) formally took delivery of the EX- United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC DECISIVE, provided by the United States to SLN, at a ceremony held at the United
States Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore on 02 Dec 25. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
The ship formally joined the SLN fleet on 02 December under the pennant number P 628 and the main mast of the ship will fly the National Flag effective from that date.
Aiming to strengthen and develop partnerships to overcome common challenges in the maritime domain, the U.S. Coast Guard has previously provided 03 ships to SLN and they are currently patrolling island waters under the names of ‘Samudura’ (P 621), ‘Gajabahu’(P 626), and ‘Vijayabahu’ (P 627).
As an extension of partnership ties that bring value to each other’s services, Ex-USCGC DECISIVE was transferred as the fourth ship to be handed to SLN.
Ex-USCGC DECISIVE, a ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’, measures 64m in length, and having endurance of 6000 NM at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for a
crew of 100 and is equipped with weapons and machinery.
The ship which was used by the U.S. Coast Guard has rendered exceptional service during her tenure by curbing illegal activities, including smuggling of narcotics in U.S. waters.
Sri Lanka inherits an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that is seven times larger than the landmass. In such a backdrop, the Navy is determined to deploy this vessel in wide-ranging
operations that include the conservation of marine resources in the region and the search and rescue of naval and fishing communities in distress. Thereby, the Navy will be able to utilize
this vessel efficiently in the future to achieve the national aspiration, while ensuring safe and secure seas for all economic affairs.
The formal handing over – taking over ceremony was also distinguished by the presence of the Deputy Chief Acquisition Officer and Director of Domain & Integration Services U.S. Coast
Guard, James L. Knight, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for South and Southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Commanding Officer designate of P 628, Captain Gayan Wickramasuriya as well as a group of officials from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in United States and the State Department
of the United State
The situation report issued by the Disaster Management Center at 0600hrs today [5th December] confirms that 486 persons have died and another 341 persons are missing after the devastating weather conditions in the past week.
171,778 persons have been displaced and have taken refuge at 1,231 safety centers established by the government.
Death toll rises to 607, missing persons reduce to 214 at 1800hrs today (5)
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486 dead, 341 missing, 171,778 displaced as at 0600hrs today [05]
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