November 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Environment has announced the establishment of the ‘Wana Surakuma’ Joint Operations Unit, which will be inaugurated today (03) to enhance the protection and sustainable management of Sri Lanka’s forest resources.
Operating under the supervision of the Ministry, the new unit will serve as a central mechanism for coordinating forest conservation and law enforcement efforts. It will include representatives from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Forest Department, the Police Special Task Force, and the country’s Tri-Forces.
The public will be able to contact the unit via the 24-hour hotline 1995 to report incidents of forest damage, illegal logging, or other environmental violations. The information received will be used to coordinate joint field operations and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of forest-related crimes across the country.
According to the Ministry, the ‘Wana Surakuma’ initiative also aims to improve public awareness and ensure the dissemination of accurate information regarding the condition of Sri Lanka’s forests and ongoing conservation activities.
The official launch will take place under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody.
