Wildlife law in Sri Lanka

This is a plain-language overview, not legal advice. Check the current Acts and regulations or ask the authorities for your situation.

Who looks after what

• Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) — national parks, strict nature reserves, nature reserves, sanctuaries and protected animals, under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of 1937 and its later amendments.
• Forest Department — forest reserves and conservation forests such as Sinharaja and Knuckles, under the Forest Ordinance.

What the law protects

Most wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are protected. It is an offence to hunt, shoot, trap, kill, injure, keep, sell or export protected animals or their parts — including tusks, turtle eggs, pangolin scales and star tortoises — without a permit.

In parks and reserves

• Enter only with a valid ticket or permit, and only on permitted roads and trails.
• Stay in your vehicle except where getting out is allowed.
• Do not feed animals, play loud music, chase or crowd animals, or leave litter.
• Strict nature reserves are closed to the public except for approved research.

Report it

If you see poaching, illegal trade, an injured animal or an animal in danger, contact the nearest DWC or Forest Department office or the police.