in Sri Lanka - Ministry of Environment

Message of the Minister of EnvironmentAccording to the 1978 Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, it isthe duty of the state and every person in Sri Lanka to protect, preserve and improve theenvironment for the benefit of the community. The Ministry of Environment has taken theresponsibility of implementing the constitution in sustainable management of the environment.Sri Lanka is considered as a biodiversity hotspot due to its richness in Flora and Fauna andthreats to their survival. As the policy makers of the country it is very important to identifyand prioritize the species for conservation activities. I believe the National Red List 2012 hasprovided a solid base in this aspect by evaluating all flowering plants, ferns, all terrestrialvertebrates and major groups of invertebrates of the country.Together with the National Herbarium of the Department of Botanic Gardens, the BiodiversitySecretariat of the Ministry has taken the leading role in preparation of National Red List 2012.I wish to thank the Fauna and Flora coordinators, the staff of National Herbarium and themembers of the expert committees for their voluntary collaboration in successfully achievingthis nationally important activity. I also congratulate the Director and the staff of the BiodiversitySecretariat of my Ministry for their effort in completing this event.I hope this document will be taken as an important tool in future development activities inbecoming the immerging Wonder of Asia in a sustainable manner while conserving thebiodiversity of the country for the generations to come.Anura Priyadharshana Yapa,Minister of Environment.xv