President to table Central Highlands Protection Authority Bill in Parliament

The President has indicated that a bill to establish the Central Highlands Protection Authority will be presented to Parliament in the coming sessions. The proposed legislation is designed to create a specialized institutional framework for the management and conservation of Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, a region of significant ecological, cultural, and economic importance.

The Central Highlands, encompassing areas such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Matara districts, are home to critical biodiversity, tea plantations, and tourism infrastructure. The establishment of a dedicated authority is intended to coordinate protection efforts, regulate land use, and ensure sustainable development across the region.

The bill's introduction reflects government efforts to strengthen environmental governance and address conservation challenges in the highlands. Officials have emphasized the need for coordinated management to balance economic activities with ecological preservation in one of the island's most strategically important regions.

Parliamentary consideration of the bill is expected to follow standard legislative procedures. The initiative comes as Sri Lanka continues to prioritize environmental management and the protection of its natural heritage.