Sri Lanka, June 2 -- The Government has taken initiative to gazette five more forests situated in ecologically sensitive zones under the 'Vanaspathi Programme' on June 05, 2026 to add to the existing 81 forests that have been declared as reserves through gazette notifications. The addition of these five forests - Ritigala, Aliyawetunuwewa, Bulagala, Konkatiyawa and Kallanchi - to the existing 81 reserves located in multiple districts will increase the total forest reserves in the country to 86.

Speaking at a media briefing held yesterday (01), Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi stated that this forest reserve programme was launched in 2025 by the Government and includes forests across multiple districts. The upcoming five reserve...