A total of 245 coral species have been identified along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, highlighting the importance of protecting the country’s diverse marine ecosystems. Against this backdrop, conservation and restoration efforts are being strengthened through the Coral Conservation Centre and Laboratory being established in Nilaveli, Trincomalee.

The facility is focusing particularly on the conservation of rare coral species, including Black Coral and Red Coral, while also carrying out programs to artificially propagate them.The laboratory is designed to recreate natural marine temperatures and environmental conditions required for coral cultivation. The corals produced through the process will subsequently be transplanted onto the seabed to support the restoration of coral reefs.Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody inspected the facility on August 25.Construction of the centre is expected to be completed by the end of September. It is planned to eventually operate as a Coral Museum and Research Centre, providing opportunities for university students, researchers and the public to engage in marine research and learn about coral conservation.The project is part of broader Government efforts to protect marine biodiversity, promote sustainable management of ocean resources and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems from the impacts of climate change.