Features
TWO ACCLAIMED LAWYERS FROM CEYLON WHO MIGRATED DURING THE DAYS OF “WHITE AUSTRALIA” IMMIGRATION POLICIES

by Hugh Karunanayake
The names Leslie de Saram and Aubrey Martensz are not likely to evoke sentiment of any kind from contemporary Sri Lankans. They were two outstanding lawyers who not only dominated legal practice and legal education, but also were very influential members of the profession and of Colombo’s social scene.
Both de Saram and Martensz were at various times partners of the well known legal firm FJ and G De Saram, founded by Leslie de Saram’s grandfather, FJ de Saram Senior, in 1841. F.J. De Saram (Snr) was the grandson of Maha Mudaliyar Christtofel de Saram, the son of Johan Henriques de Saram who was only 14-years old when taken to England by Governor Maitland, handpicked from among the leading “native” families as suitable for higher studies. That head start created a dynasty of lawyers.
It is widely acknowledged that the transformation of the island’s economy from a peasant based subsistence economy to a surplus making plantation economy after the British conquest of Ceylon, was characterised by a massive transfer of ownership of both crown land and private holdings. Lands were sold to entrepreneurs from Britain who initially planted coffee, and later tea and rubber.
The legal conveyancing which was necessary to establish ownership was dominated by three legal practices, viz that of FJ de Saram, VA Julius and FC Loos. All three virtually monopolised the conveyancing associated with the sale of crown land, as well as commercial properties associated with the plantation sector in Colombo.
FJ de Saram later formed a partnership with his relative George de Saram to form the well known firm of FJ and G de Saram. FC Loos whose son Hermann is best remembered for the Hermann Loos trophy, awarded to the best cadet contingent among competing schools did not perpetuate his legal practice through succeeding generations. VA Julius in association with his partner, Harry Creasy, formed the redoubtable firm of lawyers Julius and Creasy, which virtually monopolised the legal work of British companies in Ceylon during the Twentieth Century.
The partnership created by FJ de Saram (senior) is now in its 181 st year of existence and still in command of extensive legal work from the country’s large mercantile sector.
It may be appropriate if we discuss the lives of Leslie de Saram and Aubrey Martensz in relation to their family and its position in Sri Lankan society in order give better perspective to their roles in public life. A fact that is hardly remembered today is that the family was dominant in national life from the beginning of the 19th Century when the British took over the administration of the country, continuing well into the 21st century.
The De Saram and Martensz families began their association when FJ de Saram (Snr) commenced work under Proctor Andries Martensz on May 13, 1841. Proctor Martensz was the administrator of de Saram’s grandfather, Maha Mudaliyar Christtofel de Saram’s Estate. De Saram just 19- years of age at the time applied for enrolment as a Proctor two years later.
The association between the two families became closer when De Saram sought the hand of Martensz’s daughter Ann in marriage. The couple married on October 12, 1843, the groom just over 21-years old and the bride over 16-years of age. While the De Sarams considered themselves Sinhalese in ethnicity, Ann Martensz ‘s mother and maternal grandparents were Dutch. The link between the two families bonded by marriage, was to last over 140 years.
FJ de Saram’s (Senior) marriage to Ann produced 12 sons and daughters. He died at 49- years of age. His son FJ de Saram (jnr) was only 22 years of age at the time.
The partnership continued with FJ de Saram (Jnr) and his brothers until the entry of Leslie de Saram the eldest son of FJ de Saram Jnr who had two other sons Stanley and Eustace. Eustace died in 1919. Stanley joined the firm and was a partner until he was invited by Leechman and Co to be a Partner on its Board, and was its first Ceylonese Chairman.
He was appointed Chairman over the heads of many Senior British executives who were assured by the departing Chairman that Stanley De Saram’s position will enhance both the reputation and the business outreach of the firm.
Leslie continued to be the senior partner of FJ and G de Sarams, a position he reached in 1918. It has been said that Leslie’s father FJ de Saram (Jnr) trebled the volume of business to which he succeeded and it could be safely concluded that under Leslie’s leadership, the business would have even expanded more.
Like his grandfather, Leslie married a Martensz; Theodora Martensz who was a first cousin, thus continuing the close links between the De Saram and Martensz families. Three of Theodora’s brothers became partners of the firm. Two of them Aubrey and David became Senior partners.
Leslie was known to be an avid collector of antiques of which he had amassed a large and unique collection and was on display at his home “Brentham” in Cambridge Place. Some of the more notable unique items in his collection included a grandfather clock once owned by a Dutch Governor. He also had guns, swords and other implements of warfare used by the last King of Kandy Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe.
The clock and and his collection of rare books were donated to the newly established Peradeniya University, the Vice Chancellor of which Sir Ivor Jennings had been a close friend. The clock however came to a sorry end during a student uprising, the students apparently unaware of the historical significance of the antique clock, or perhaps not bothered about its significance even if they were aware.
Another notable donation was his donation of his 35-acre farm at Gurutalawa to St Thomas College. Although Leslie, his, father, grandfather, and great grandfather had all received their education at Royal College, ( the school of their fathers who learnt the way before them!) they were all very supportive of the Anglican Church, hence the donation to S Thomas College of which he was a member of the Board of Governors.
Another notable donation was the gift of two personal contributions of 5000 British pounds each, to the war effort during World War 2. The gift was made with the request that the source be not revealed but the Governor, Sir Andrew Caldecott, made a personal request that the gift be given publicity as it would encourage others to follow suit.
Philanthropy was nothing new to the de Sarams as FJ de Saram Jnr, Leslie’s father had donated the cost of an aircraft to the British war effort in World War 1. Leslie’s brother, Stanley. like Leslie, also resided in a large mansion in Cambridge Place called “The Eyds.” He and his wife Aimee, were gracious hosts to Lady Clementine Churchill, the wife of Sir Winston Churchill who spent a fortnight’s holiday with the de Sarams in January 1956.
Clementine was recuperating from an illness and desired to spend some time in Ceylon. The British High Commission in Colombo felt that it would have been good if the visitors were hosted in a private home rather than in an impersonal hotel. They were aware that Stanley de Saram and his wife lived in a splendidly fitted home and served by a dozen domestic staff including a butler, chef and others.
At the time social life at the upper end in Colombo was dominated by British expatriates who dominated the Mercantile sector of Ceylon. However the High Commissioner felt that Stanley de Saram was the best suited and equipped to play hosts to the VIPs and approached the de Sarams who readily agreed.
That visit by Lady Clementine Churchill and her cousin and closest friend Sylvia Henley was reciprocated by an invitation to spend a holiday with the Churchills in their home Chartwell in Kent where the de Sarams enjoyed a memorable holiday a few months later. Both Leslie and Stanley had no children. Leslie however adopted the two children of a sister of his.
A man described as “to the manor born” Leslie chose to spend his retirement in England, but later decided on Australia as he could not withstand the cold winters of England. His home in Cambridge Place, opposite the Colombo Museum was purchased by the Australian Government and served as its Embassy for several decades.
Leslie de Saram settled down in Canberra but also had a home in Sevenoaks, Kent, in England where he passed away at the age of 84 in in 1961. A great Ceylonese who had played a significant role in the development of the country passed away as quietly as he lived.
J Aubrey Martensz born on September 5, 1885 and educated at Royal College was a Senior Partner of the firm of FJ and G de Saram in 1947 and 1948. He was a close friend of the Prime Minister DS Senanayake who appointed him as Ceylon’s first High Commissioner to Australia in July 1948.
In April 1947 the First Australian High Commissioner in Ceylon, Mr CW Frost, cabled to Canberra on the impending appointment of Mr Aubrey Martensz. His cable stated “Mr Martensz, aged 63 is a nominated member of the House of Representatives. He is a Burgher and a prominent Solicitor until he discontinued practice on appointment to Parliament. Of high social standing he is well liked by all communities and all members of Government.”.
After completing his tenure as High Commissioner, he returned to Ceylon where he was appointed Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd. Mr Martennz was a bachelor and he later migrated to Australia where he lived in Canberra in retirement. He died in March 1963 aged 78 years. In the biographical note which was maintained by the Australian Government regarding Mr Martesnz’s ethnic makeup was described as 62 ½ % Dutch, 25% Scottish, and 12 ½ % Sinhalese.
On looking back at the family structures of the De Sarams and the Martenszs the many intermarriages between the two families suggest that they were from one composite family rather than of two branches. Both Leslie de Saram and Aubrey Martensz were legal professionals who shone in their sphere of work, and were elite members of an urban society dominated by European manners and customs.
Their philanthropy, the concern for the less fortunate, and the leadership given to setting the pace for high public standards, integrity in public life, and dedication to the country, are some values sadly lacking in Sri Lanka of recent times. Their lives however could be hailed as of such quality and standard as could be emulated by contemporary and future Sri Lankans.
(Acknowledgement: “160 year practice of a Law firm in its historical setting” published by FJ and G de Saram, Colombo 2001. This essay was contributed by Hugh Karunanayake to a compendium of essays published under the title “Pursuing a Vision of Justice” Essays in honour of Maitri Panagoda, published by Vijitha Yapa May 2022.)
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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