Sri Lanka, June 2 -- Five forests located in the Galle, Kegalle, and Monaragala districts are set to be declared protected reserves through a special gazette notification today (2).

This declaration aligns with Biodiversity Conservation Day, observed today as part of Sri Lanka's National Environment Week, ahead of World Environment Day on June 5.

The designated reserves include Kottawa Forest in Galle, Nilgala Forest in Monaragala, and three forests in Kegalle: Udaliyadda, Tulhirikanda, and Werahankanda.

Meanwhile, Galapitamada, in the Kegalle District, will be declared a wildlife sanctuary.

This is to protect the Bandula Barb, a critically Endangered species found only in the Galapitamada area.

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