Sri Lanka’s environmental laws form a critical framework for protecting the country’s diverse ecosystems, regulating natural resource use, and ensuring sustainable development. At the centre of this framework is the National Environment Act No. 47 of 1980, which establishes the foundation for environmental governance, pollution control, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. Complementing this is the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of 1937, the country’s oldest wildlife legislation, which safeguards protected areas and regulates activities that threaten endangered species.

Sri Lanka’s rich coastal belt and marine ecosystems are protected under the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Act of 1981, which regulates development in coastal zones, while the Forest Ordinance of 1997 provides legal safeguards for forests- crucial for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and watershed protection. The Marine Pollution Prevention Act strengthens the country’s ability to prevent, monitor, and respond to oil spills and maritime pollution, protecting marine life and coastal livelihoods.

The Mines and Minerals Act of 1992 addresses the extraction of mineral resources, ensuring these activities do not compromise environmental integrity, while the Soil Conservation Act of 1951 plays an essential role in combating land degradation, soil erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Together, these legal instruments help maintain ecological balance, regulate the use of natural resources, and hold public and private actors accountable for environmental harm. They underpin Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable development and safeguard the natural heritage that supports communities, economies, and future generations.