The Ministry of Environment has decided to designate eight mangrove ecosystems in the Puttalam District as new protected reserves this year.

Accordingly, the relevant Gazette notification is scheduled to be signed on July 27, in conjunction with the National Programme marking the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.

The initiative forms part of the government's broader national programme to conserve Sri Lanka's forest ecosystems for future generations. In line with the new environmental policy, the Ministry has also launched a programme titled "Let Mangroves Thrive” aimed at protecting and restoring the country's mangrove ecosystems.

Under the programme, selected mangrove ecosystems across Sri Lanka will be declared protected forest reserves to ensure their long-term conservation.

The Ministry stated that the declaration of the eight identified mangrove ecosystems as protected reserves is being carried out to coincide with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July 26, 2026.

A total of 162.72 hectares of mangrove habitats will be gazetted as new protected reserves.

Sri Lanka is home to approximately 12,500 hectares of mangrove forests, with the largest concentration found around the estuarine areas of the Puttalam District.

Dense mangrove forests are also scattered along lagoons in the south-western, southern and north-eastern parts of the country. The Ministry further noted that research has identified 11 mangrove species currently found in Sri Lanka.