– Five more forest areas will be declared as reserves to mark World Environment Day 2026, Environment Minister Dr. Dhammika Patabedi said.

Speaking at a media briefing today, the Minister said the forests identified for protection are the Ritigala Reserve, Aliya Watuna Wewa Reserve, Bulagala Reserve, Konkatiyawa Reserve and Kallanchiya Reserve.He said the five forest areas cover a total extent of 2,169 hectares and are all located in the Ratnapura District.The Minister further noted that 81 forest areas were declared as reserves in connection with World Environment Day 2025.

World Environment Day 2026 will be held on June 5 at Temple Trees under the theme “Let the Wind Blow – Let’s Rally for Climate Change,” under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

An Environment Week will also be observed from May 30 to June 5 alongside the program, he said.