Sri Lanka plans to increase forest cover from currently 29.3 percent to 30 percent by 2025 by cultivating rubber plants over an area of 500 hectares. The inter-ministerial plan also aims to enhance the livelihood of people in the region. 

“In 2022 we have to work with a new twist. We must pay special attention to the conservation of the environment……Especially this year we have been allocated Rs. 2000 million ( roughly $10 million) so we have to work very efficiently,” Anil Jayasinghe, environment secretary, was quoted as saying by Colombopage.

He said the Ministry of Environment had planned to cultivate 500 hectares of rubber this year with two objectives: increasing forest cover to 30 percent by 2025 and improving the standards of living of the people in the region. 

The plan will be executed by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation. So far rubber plantations were not considered the natural forest cover in Sri Lanka. However, many countries across the world consider it naturalized forests. 

“Therefore, I request the Secretary to the State Ministry of Forest Conservation to take steps to include rubber cultivation in our country in the natural forest cover,” Secretary Jayasinghe said. He further said officials had suggested five sites in the proposed plantation areas, where tourism opportunities could be developed. 

(SAM)