Main legislations

Key policies and plans

The Forest Ordinance No. 16 of 1907, and its subsequent amendments, including Act No. 23 of 1995 and Act No. 65 of 2009

The Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance No. 2 of 1937, and subsequent amendments including Act No. 49 of 1993 and Act No. 22 of 2009

The National Heritage Wilderness Area Act No. 3 of 1988

Plant Protection Act No. 35 of 1999 (replacing Plant Protection Ordinance No. 10 of 1924). Legislation is being drafted to implement the Protocol on Biosafety

The National Zoological Gardens Act No. 14 of 1982.

The Botanic Gardens Ordinance No. 31 of 1928. (This Act is being amended)

Key policies

The National Environmental Policy of 2003

The National Wildlife Policy of 2000

The National Forest Policy of 1995

The National Wetlands Policy and Strategy of 2006

The National Watershed Management Policy of 2004

The National Land Use Policy of 2009

National Ecotourism Policy (2003)

Plans

The National Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan of 1999 (Biodiversity Conservation in Sri Lanka: a framework for action) termed the BCAP and the Addendum to be BCAP of 2007

The National Environmental Action Plan of 1991 and its subsequent revisions (the current being Caring for the Environment, path to sustainable, 2008) which has a chapter on biodiversity conservation, forests and wildlife

The Forestry Sector Master Plan of 1995 which has an entire chapter on biodiversity conservation needs

National Strategy for Sri Lanka Tourism (This deals with incorporating nature, culture and adventure tourism to develop the tourist industry)

Ecotourism Development Strategy of Sri Lanka (2003)

Ecotourism Action Plan (2003)