The Publication on “Natural Resources of Sri Lanka: Conditions, Trends and Prospects” is an upgraded and updated version of the previous two versions published in 1991 and 2000.
Many developments have taken place in Sri Lanka since the last edition in terms of resource availability, potential for sustainable utilization for economic development, new opportunities for investment, prospects for industry and expansion of tourism. As such, there was a need for a substantial revision of the last published version which was given high priority consideration.
The publication focuses mainly on the current conditions and status of Sri Lanka’s natural resources, especially in relation to factors affecting the resources. The projections for the future development scenario, as well as challenges, threats and opportunities for nature conservation, are also highlighted in the revision where necessary.
The key projection of the publication is to disseminate information for national development. The Publication consists of the following 18 chapters written on invitation by well-recognized nationally reputed experts in the relevant areas.
- Natural and Cultural Environment of Sri Lanka - Mr Asoka T. De Silva
- Human Resources - Dr A. T. P. L. Abeykoon
- Economic Conditions, Growth Trends, Problems and Prospects - Prof. Nimal Sanderatne
- Land Resources - Prof. C. M. Madduma Bandara and Mr B.A. Jayananda
- Water Resources - Dr Herath Manthrithilake
- MineralResources-Vidyajyothi Prof. C. B. Dissanayake, Ms Deepani P. R. Weerakoon and Dr D. M. D. O. K. Dissanayake
- Potential for Petroleum Resources - Dr Saliya Wickramasuriya
- Energy Resources - Vidyajyothi Prof. K. K. Y. W. Perera, Eng. H.K. Wickramasinghe and Eng. D. A. U. Daranagama
- Biological Diversity - Dr Jinie D. S. Dela
- Forest Resources - Mr Anura Sathurusinghe, Prof. Nimal Gunatilleke and Prof. Savitri Gunatilleke
- Wildlife Resources - Prof. S. W. Kotagama and Dr Nishanthi M. P. Perera
- Agricultural Genetic Resources - Prof. D. K. N. G. Pushpakumara and Prof. G. L. L. P. Silva
- Natural Resources in Indigenous Medicine - Dr Danister L. Perera
- Coastal and Marine Resources - Mr Lesley Joseph
- Inland Aquatic Resources - Prof. J. M. P. K. Jayasinghe and Prof. Upali S. Amarasinghe
- Invasive Alien Species and their Impacts on Natural Resources – Prof. D. S. A. Wijesundara
- Environmental Pollution - Dr A. M. Mubarak and Prof. Oliver A. Ileperuma
- Legal Framework for Natural Resource Management - Ms Mihiri Gunawardane