{
  "id": 13294297,
  "title": "Measures underway to protect Diyagama Forest as a Reserve — Deputy Minister of Environment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/measures-underway-to-protect-diyagama-forest-as-a-reserve-deputy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T01:26:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Island Sri Lanka",
    "slug": "the-island-sri-lanka",
    "url": "http://island.lk/measures-underway-to-protect-diyagama-forest-as-a-reserve-deputy-minister-of-environment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Diyagama Forest, situated in Homagama, Colombo District, is set to receive protection as a reserve, according to Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody. This transformation from an abandoned plot to a thriving rainforest ecosystem is a result of natural regeneration over the past two decades. With the rapid urbanization in the Colombo District, countless wildlife species have found refuge in this environmental sanctuary.\n\nUpon analysis by scholars from the University of Colombo, including Prof. S.W. Ranwala, Prof. Ileperuma, and Prof. Abeykoon, it was determined that the area supports around 120 species of flora and fauna. Among these, several are endemic to Sri Lanka, alongside rare wildlife such as the red slender loris. The presence of pregnant animals nearing delivery also underscores the rich biodiversity within this habitat.\n\nStrategically located near the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium and the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Baseball Ground, this green zone plays a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide released by athletes and residents nearby. Beyond its immediate environmental impact, the forest also serves as a vital catchment area for the Bolgoda water basin, contributing to Sri Lanka's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Paris Agreement.\n\nWith the Colombo District Coordinating Committee's approval, government officials and environmentalists are set to submit a Cabinet paper to formally designate the area as a forest reserve.",
  "summary": "The government is taking all necessary measures to protect the Diyagama forest area located in Homagama within the Colombo District, Deputy Minister of Environment, Anton Jayakody, stated on Friday (9) while delivering a special address in Parliament. Originally an abandoned plot of land, it has regenerated naturally over the past two decades into a sensitive […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Diyagama Forest to be protected as reserve, says Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody",
    "120 species of flora and fauna identified, including endemic and rare wildlife",
    "Forest reserve to aid carbon absorption and water basin catchment"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}