The theme of wildlife conservation has been an ancient concept in Sri Lanka. It was considered noble in keeping with the teachings of Gouthama Buddha and later essential to the Island.
| "...... ordering by beat of drum that no animals should be killed within a radius of seven gau from the city (Anuradhapura) the King gave security to animals. He gave security also to the fish in the twelve great tanks and bestowing on Kambodin-gold and cloth and whatever other kind of wealth they wished, he commanded them not to catch birds and so gave security to birds." Royal decree of King Kirthi Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa (2nd Century AD) Stone inscription at Ruwanveli Dagaba, Anuradhapura. |
Sri Lanka, because of her diverse physical environmental and tropical situation, harbours rich biological diversity of global significance far larger in proportion to her size. While her cultural traditions have always enshrined the concern for all life, the Island has nearly fourteen per cent of her land area earmarked for the conservation of biodiversity and wildlife. Of the fourteen per cent, twelve per cent are Protected Areas under the Department of Wildlife Conservation. This stands out in comparison with most other countries in South Asia Region.
