August 30, Colombo (LNW): Nearly 1,500 hectares of forest land in the Nuwara Eliya District are expected to receive protected status under a new Gazette notification, with particular attention being given to areas around important water sources and upper catchment zones.
The move follows a special District Coordinating Committee meeting in Nuwara Eliya, where authorities discussed strengthening environmental safeguards while supporting responsible tourism and protecting the region’s vital water resources.
The meeting brought together Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Education Dr Madhura Seneviratne, the Mayor of Nuwara Eliya and other government officials and stakeholders.
Officials were also directed to accelerate the processing of Environmental Protection Licences for hotels, resorts and other businesses operating within the Nuwara Eliya tourism zone. Authorities stressed that applications should be dealt with promptly while ensuring that all environmental and regulatory requirements are properly followed.
The discussions also highlighted the need for stricter monitoring of activities that could threaten local water sources. Officials were instructed to carry out regular inspections and ensure that wastewater and other waste generated by businesses are disposed of in accordance with environmental standards.
The measures are expected to strengthen protection of Nuwara Eliya’s sensitive ecosystems while helping the district pursue tourism development without placing additional pressure on its forests, waterways and catchment areas.