Sri Lanka takes steps to protect natural forests, wetlands, wildlife

Sri Lanka's cabinet of Ministers, on Wednesday, approved to implement several proposals to protect its natural forests, wetlands and wildlife and to minimize the destruction of animal shelters risked by various illegal activities.

Cabinet Spokesperson, Rajitha Senaratne said that following a proposal made by Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, the cabinet had approved to declare certain forest areas as national parks and sanctuaries and marine areas and coral reefs as marine sanctuaries.

Sri Lank's Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, earlier last year said the government was looking to restrict the rate of visitors to each of its national parks after a spate of vehicular accidents had injured and killed wild animals.

Wickremesinghe also said his government was also looking at methods of implementing strict speed limits in order to create an environment that is safe and secure for the wildlife. Endit