Sri Lanka, July 26 -- Eight mangrove forests in the Puttalam District have been declared protected reserves today, the 26th of July, in commemoration of International Mangrove Conservation Day.

The declaration was made during a ceremony held in Palavi, Puttalam, with the Minister of Environment, Dr. Dammika Patabendi, presiding.

Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody stated that a gazette notification will be issued soon to formalise the protection of these eight mangrove forests, which include Panirendawa in Madampe and Marambattiya Mukalana.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....