Sri Lanka, July 15 -- Sri Lanka today (15) launched the "Vanaspathi" National Programme, a long-term initiative aimed at conserving and protecting forest ecosystems, under the leadership of Minister of

Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.

The programme is a joint effort by the Ministry of Environment and the Department of Forest Conservation.

Aligned with Sri Lanka's new environmental policy and its commitments under the Paris Agreement, "Vanaspathi" aims to increase the island's forest cover to 32% by 2030, ensuring the protection of vital water sources, flora, and fauna.

As part of this initiative, 5,711.75 hectares of government forest lands have been officially declared as protected reserves.

The...