Abstract:
Forest cover of Sri Lanka shows a decreasing trend, since the early 19th century. Population
growth, Agricultural and irrigation development activities, settlements, urbanization,
industrialization, and infrastructure developments are largely responsible for the increasing trend
of deforestation. 82% of dense forest cover in Sri Lanka in 1882 had been gradually decreased
to 27% in 2015. Due to the multifarious forestation programs; such as ‘Punarudaya’
environmental protection program, ‘Wana Ropa’ reforestation program and several
other tree planting projects implemented by the Government and non-Government
organizations after 2015; the forest cover has begun to show a slight increase thereafter. Sri
Lankan government has an intention to increase national forest cover to 30-32% by 2020.
Relevant stakeholders’ contributions to implement special projects to increase forest density
and to manage and conserve the existing forest at the same level are more vital. This analytical
essay was written with the objective of revamping the history/trend of the forest cover and suggesting probable action to develop the forest sector in the future to meet the 2020 target. The
qualitative approaches have been followed, utilizing only secondary data for this paper. We
had multiple plans, actions, and projects to enhance the forest cover in Sri Lanka since 1940 from
time to time changing Government; however, we as a nation still struggle to bring-up the
percentage of the forest cover up to a certain level. Hence, it is suggested to have a single
irrevocable policy/plan to develop forest cover in Sri Lanka, which cannot be stopped or
revoke by any Government or policy, rather adding value or benefit to maintain it in a
sustainable manner. It further requires a periodic review to evaluate the pros and cons of it and to
be incorporate adjustments, wherever necessary.
