Deforestation in Sri Lanka (2001-2024): Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications

Sri Lanka, an island known for its rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, is facing a critical environmental challenge. A comprehensive analysis of satellite data from 2001 to 2024 reveals a clear and concerning trend: the nation's forests are disappearing at an accelerating rate, with net losses that threaten its ecological integrity and natural heritage. This report presents the findings of this analysis, providing a data-driven look at the scale, location, and causes of tree cover loss across the country.

- BY NIPUN RANASINHE- MARGA INSTITUTE

The central finding is unambiguous: the overwhelming driver of this decline is the expansion of permanent agriculture, which accounts for nearly 90% of all tree cover loss. This modern pressure is the latest chapter in a long history of land-use change in Sri Lanka. The colonial era saw vast tracts of forest cleared for coffee, tea, and rubber plantations. After independence in 1948, national development projects, most notably the massive Mahaweli River Development scheme, converted further forest land for agriculture and settlement. Today, in the post-conflict era, a combination of infrastructure development, smallholder farming, and commercial agriculture continues to exert intense pressure on the remaining forests.

This report utilizes high-resolution data from Global Forest Watch to move beyond general statistics and provide a precise understanding of this complex issue. By analyzing over two decades of change, we can identify where and why deforestation is happening, offering a crucial evidence base for policymakers, conservationists, and the public. The following pages will detail the key findings of this analysis, covering the loss of vital primary forests, the primary causes of deforestation, the geographic hotspots of loss, and the hidden crisis of forest degradation. Finally, we will discuss the urgent policy implications and offer recommendations for a more sustainable path forward.

The Accelerating Loss of Tree Cover

Over the past two decades, Sri Lanka has experienced a significant and accelerating loss of tree cover. "Tree cover" is defined as any vegetation taller than five meters and includes natural forests as well as commercial plantations. It is important to note that "tree cover loss" can include harvesting in plantations, but in the context of the identified drivers, it largely reflects permanent land clearing.