Sri Lanka, July 21 -- Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabendi announced that eight mangrove forests in the Puttalam District will be officially declared as protected reserves on July 26, in celebration of World Mangrove Day. The announcement was made at a media briefing held today (21) at the Department of Government Information under the theme "Let the Mangroves Bloom."

The Ministry of Environment, along with its Biodiversity Division, the Department of Forest Conservation, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, has organized several conservation programs to mark the occasion. One of the main events will take place at the Anawilundawa Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. on July 26.

At 12:00 a.m. on the same day, the Ministry of Environmen...