Forest Cover: Current Status and Historical Change

Sri Lanka's lush green landscapes have always been our pride, from the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya to the dense canopies of Sinharaja. But have you ever wondered how much of that green cover remains today, and how it's changed over the decades? As locals, we're on the front lines of this story—our tea plantations, rice fields, and urban sprawl have reshaped the island's forests, yet conservation efforts are fighting back. Let's dive into the current status of our forest cover and its historical shifts, backed by the latest 2026 data.

Current Status of Forest Cover in Sri Lanka

Right now, in 2026, Sri Lanka's forest cover stands at approximately 21,067 square kilometres, covering about 34% of our total land area.^[1]^[2] This figure comes from the World Bank's latest indicators, defining forests as natural or planted stands of trees at least 5 metres tall, excluding agricultural tree systems or urban parks. That's a vital carbon sink for our island nation, helping combat climate change while supporting biodiversity hotspots like our endemic species.

Recent monitoring by Global Forest Watch shows ongoing challenges: between 6th and 13th February 2026, there were 6,459 disturbance alerts across 79 hectares, though none were primary forest loss.^[6] Earlier, from late December 2025 to early January 2026, 92 alerts covered just 1 hectare.^[5] These alerts highlight pressures from illegal logging, gem mining, and agriculture, particularly in the dry zone.

Protected Areas: Our Conservation Strongholds

About 14% of Sri Lanka's land—roughly 3,000 square kilometres—is under formal protection, managed by the Forest Department and Department of Wildlife Conservation.^[3] Here's a breakdown:

Forest Reserves (366 sites): 6,124 sq km, mostly wet zone biodiversity hotspots.
National Parks (20 sites): 5,262 sq km, including Yala and Wilpattu.
Sanctuaries (61 sites): 3,491 sq km for wildlife corridors.
Strict Natural Reserves (3 sites): 316 sq km, off-limits to humans.
World Heritage Sites like Sinharaja: 350 sq km.^[3]

Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO site since 1988, exemplifies success—its primary rainforest remains largely intact thanks to strict controls.^[3] The Forest Department oversees 50% of natural vegetation, focusing on wet zone forests rich in endemics.

Historical Changes in Forest Cover

Our forests have shrunk dramatically over a century. In the 1920s, nearly 49% of Sri Lanka was forested; by 2005, it dropped to about 23%, and 2017 estimates pegged it at 29.7%.^[3] The steepest losses hit between 1990-2000 (26,800 ha/year, 1.14% rate) and 2000-2005 (1.43% rate), totalling around 29,800 ha lost annually in the latter period.^[3]

World Bank data tracks this decline: forest area fell from higher coverage in the 1990s to 21,067 sq km (34.06%) by 2022.^[1]^[2] Deforestation peaked due to colonial-era clearances for plantations, post-independence agriculture, and civil conflict-era encroachments in the north and east. The dry and intermediate zones suffered most, while southern highlands fared better due to rugged terrain and protections.^[3]

Key Drivers of Deforestation

Several factors have driven these losses:

Agricultural Expansion: Slash-and-burn (chena) cultivation for rice and cash crops, especially in the lowlands.
Timber and Fuelwood Demand: Rising from 2 million cubic metres in 1995 to projected 2.7 million by 2020, fuelling households and industries.^[3]
Infrastructure and Mining: Roads, hydropower, and gem pits fragment habitats.
Population Pressure: With 22 million people, land conversion for settlements is rife.

Yet, primary forest loss rates dropped 35% since the late 1990s, thanks to policies like the 1995 National Forest Policy.^[3]

Government Policies and Conservation Efforts

Our constitution mandates environmental protection, and we've built a robust framework. The Forest Conservation Department enforces the Forest Ordinance of 1907 (amended), banning unauthorised tree felling with fines up to LKR 100,000 or jail time. The Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance protects wildlife habitats.^[3]

Recent Commitments: NDC 3.0

In Sri Lanka's Nationally Determined Contributions 3.0 (2026-2035), submitted to UNFCCC in 2025, we pledge to boost forest cover to at least 32% by 2035 through sustainable management, restoration, and tree-planting outside forests.^[4] This targets a 4.49% rise in net carbon sequestration (8.48 million MT CO2e), prioritising nature-based solutions and blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves.^[4]

Initiatives include commercial plantations for sustainable timber (backed by World Bank and USAID), reducing reliance on natural forests.^[3] Community forestry programmes empower locals in Anuradhapura and Monaragala to manage resources.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite progress, human-wildlife conflict—like elephant crop raids—and climate impacts like droughts threaten gains. Global trends show persistent deforestation (8.1 million ha worldwide in 2024), underscoring our need for vigilance.^[9]

Opportunities abound: eco-tourism in Sinharaja generates revenue while protecting habitats. Reforestation drives, like the "Million Tree Programme" by the Forest Department, invite public participation.

Practical Tips for Locals to Help Preserve Our Forests

As Sri Lankans, we can make a real difference. Here's actionable advice:

Plant Native Trees: Join Divisional Forest Office drives; species like Hora (Dipterocarpus zeylanicus) suit lowlands. Get free saplings from local offices.
Report Illegal Activity: Use the Forest Department's hotline (Fonamaliya: 1949) for logging or encroachments.
Opt for Sustainable Fuel: Switch to LPG for cooking; plant Gliricidia for fuelwood on home plots.
Support Eco-Friendly Products: Buy FSC-certified timber and reduce plastic to protect mangroves.
Visit Responsibly: Stick to trails in national parks; use DEAT apps for virtual tours.
Advocate Locally: Engage Grama Niladhari on land-use planning in your area.

These steps align with our NDC goals and empower communities.^[4]

FAQ

What is Sri Lanka's forest cover in 2026?
Around 34% or 21,067 sq km, per World Bank data.^[1]^[2]

How much forest have we lost historically?
From 49% in the 1920s to 29.7% by 2017, with accelerated loss in 1990-2005.^[3]

What are the main protected forests?
Sinharaja (UNESCO site), Knuckles Range, and 366 Forest Reserves covering 6,124 sq km.^[3]

What's the government's target?
At least 32% forest cover by 2035 via NDC 3.0.^[4]

How can I report deforestation?
Call the Forest Department's 1949 hotline or visit a local range office.

Are there recent deforestation alerts?
Yes, 6,459 alerts in early February 2026 over 79 ha, mostly non-primary.^[6]

Next Steps for You and Our Island

Our forests aren't just scenery—they're our life support against floods, landslides, and a warming planet. Start small: plant a tree this Avurudu, support local conservation NGOs like the Sri Lanka Nature Group, and stay informed via the Forest Department's website. Together, we can reverse the losses and hand over a greener Sri Lanka to our children. Check official resources, get involved, and let's protect what makes our island home.