Sri Lanka, June 16 -- Environmentalists warn that sea turtles are increasingly threatened by human activities. The widespread disposal of plastic and polythene into the ocean, entanglement in fishing nets, poaching of turtle eggs and excessive tourist activity along coastal areas have contributed to a rapid decline in turtle populations.

The warning comes as Sri Lanka joins the global community in marking World Sea Turtle Day on June 16, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of one of the ocean's most iconic species.

Sri Lanka is considered one of the most important nesting sites for sea turtles in the Indian Ocean, with five of the world's seven sea turtle species regularly visiting the island's southern and west...