As EFL continues its journey, the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the forests and oceans that sustain life. Four decades on, EFL stands not just as an institution, but as a living testament to what passion, integrity, and perseverance can achieve- a reminder that when justice is sought for nature, it is humanity that thrives.
Who We Are
Our Found Story
Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) is Sri Lanka’s pioneering public interest environmental organization, founded in 1981 by a collective of passionate advocates. Guided by the principle of “Justice for Nature,” EFL champions environmental protection through legal action, scientific research, policy reform, and community empowerment to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.
From its inception, EFL has been guided by a simple yet profound principle: Justice for Nature. Over four decades, this vision has shaped a legacy of defending ecosystems, empowering communities, and promoting accountability in environmental governance. EFL’s multidisciplinary team- comprising lawyers, scientists, researchers, and communicators, works at the intersection of law, science, and civic action to safeguard the country’s unique biodiversity and ensure that rights of both people and nature are upheld.
EFL’s journey has been defined by landmark victories and quiet perseverance alike. In 1984, it filed its first legal case before the Supreme Court against encroachment in the Gal Oya National Park, marking the beginning of a long history of public-interest litigation. Since then, EFL has taken up more than two hundred cases of national significance, including the Eppawala Phosphate, Kandalama Hotel, Galle Face Green, Noise and Air Pollution cases, each contributing to Sri Lanka’s evolving jurisprudence on environmental protection and sustainable development. These cases have helped enshrine the principle that the environment is not a privilege for a few, but a right shared by all.
Beyond the courtroom, EFL remains rooted in the community. The organization conducts scientific investigations into environmental degradation, publishes data that inform public policy, and carries out advocacy and awareness initiatives across the island. Through
partnerships with government agencies, academic institutions, youth groups, and civil society, EFL works to build an environmentally literate citizenry, empowered to act as stewards of their surroundings. Capacity-building programmes for state officials, the judiciary, students, and the general public have further strengthened environmental governance and accountability at all levels.
EFL’s work is made possible through the generosity of local and international donors and the dedication of individuals who share the belief that protecting Sri Lanka’s natural heritage is a collective duty. Whether by supporting conservation projects, engaging in policy reform, or enabling litigation that defends public trust, these partnerships form the backbone of EFL’s mission.