Environmental Foundation Ltd.

23/03/2026

Day 02 | From knowledge to action

As the CARE Workshop continued, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Environmental Foundation Limited deepened their joint efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s response to wildlife trafficking.

At Jetwing Seven, participants moved beyond theory into applied learning, navigating real-life rescue scenarios, refining animal handling techniques, and strengthening coordination during live confiscations.

With guidance from Dr. Mahesh Bhatt, officers worked through the complexities of animal welfare under pressure, where every decision can determine survival.

Equipped, connected, and ready, this is what stronger wildlife protection looks like.

19/03/2026

Highlights from day 01 at the CARE Workshop

For the second time in Sri Lanka, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) partnered with Environmental Foundation Limited to conduct the Confiscated Animals Rescue and Enforcement (CARE) Workshop, focused on strengthening counter wildlife trafficking efforts.

Held at Jetwing Seven, Day 01 brought together frontline officers for hands-on training in live animal handling and care, from understanding the illegal wildlife trade in Sri Lanka to practicing safe rescue, transport, and emergency response protocols.

Led by wildlife veterinarian Dr. Mahesh Bhatt, the sessions combined real-world scenarios with practical skills, building the capacity needed when animals are seized from trafficking networks.

Because every rescue begins with the right response.

13/03/2026

Wind energy is vital for Sri Lanka’s

But when wind farms are built without proper environmental studies, the consequences can be severe.

Flood risks.
Loss of livelihoods.
Disruption to migratory birds.
Extinction of endemic species.

Regions like Mannar support globally important ecosystems and coastal communities. Poorly planned projects can damage fragile habitats, impact fisheries and tourism, and disrupt migratory bird flyways.

At EFL, we support renewable energy — but it must be science-based, lawful, and environmentally responsible.

A sustainable energy transition protects both people and nature.

13/03/2026

Wind energy is vital for Sri Lanka’s

But when wind farms are built without proper environmental studies, the consequences can be severe.

Flood risks.
Loss of livelihoods.
Disruption to migratory birds.
Extinction of endemic species.

Regions like Mannar support globally important ecosystems and coastal communities. Poorly planned projects can damage fragile habitats, impact fisheries and tourism, and disrupt migratory bird flyways.

At EFL, we support renewable energy — but it must be science-based, lawful, and environmentally responsible.

A sustainable energy transition protects both people and nature.

03/03/2026

Everything is connected.

Habitats support wildlife.
Wildlife creates ecosystems.
Ecosystems provide ecosystem services.
The ecosystem services sustain us.

When we destroy habitats, we don’t just lose species
we weaken the very ecological systems that keep us alive.

Conservation is not optional, It is self-preservation.

The circle doesn’t break somewhere “in nature.”
It breaks at us.

Let’s protect the circle, so we can protect us.

03/02/2026

02/02/2026

Wetlands are more than landscapes they are vital ecosystems. From providing food and freshwater to billions, supporting unique biodiversity, to buffering climate impacts, wetlands sustain life and communities.

Actions for their preservation through legal and scientific research means safeguarding these crucial treasures. From filtering water to sheltering wildlife and supporting livelihoods, wetlands are nature’s unsung heroes.

Let’s protect them from pollution and destruction for a greener, resilient tomorrow!

19/01/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐯 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

Following a legal challenge by Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited, the Government has revoked the Gazette that sought to degazette a portion of the Wedithalathiv Nature Reserve.
This marks an important step in safeguarding a nationally protected ecosystem that supports biodiversity, coastal resilience, and local livelihoods.

EFL remain committed to defending Sri Lanka’s natural heritage through public interest litigation and advocacy.

06/01/2026

𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

On 31 December 2025, Sri Lanka took a historic step for marine conservation with the formal establishment of the CORALL (Conservation of Reefs for All Lives and Livelihoods) Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) under the Sri Lanka Coral Reef Initiative (SLCRI).

Designed as a long-term, sustainable financing mechanism, the CTF will support the protection, restoration, and effective management of coral reefs and associated seascapes well beyond the lifespan of the SLCRI, ensuring these ecosystems thrive for generations to come.

The Fund will initially focus on Pigeon Island National Park, Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, and Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary, safeguarding marine biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting coastal livelihoods.

This milestone reflects a powerful collaboration led by IUCN, funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, with EFL playing a central role in establishing the Trust and ensuring strong governance and transparency.

More than a legal instrument, the CORALL Conservation Trust Fund represents Sri Lanka’s long-term commitment to safeguarding coral reefs and associated seascapes, enhancing climate resilience, and securing the livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.

30/12/2025

Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited (EFL) was pleased to participate in the official announcement of the CORALL (Conservation of Reefs for All Lives and Livelihoods) Conservation Trust Fund on World Fisheries Day, 22 November 2025, held at the Aqua Planet exhibition in Colombo. Convened by IUCN in Sri Lanka, the event marked a significant milestone in advancing sustainable, long-term financing for coral reef conservation and coastal livelihoods, with the Trust Fund implemented by IUCN in partnership with EFL.

As part of these efforts, the Sri Lanka Coral Reef Initiative (SLCRI) is taking major steps to establish the Conservation Trust Fund (CTF) as a sustainable, long-term financing mechanism dedicated to the protection and restoration of coral reefs within the Bar Reef Sanctuary, Pigeon Island National Park, and Kayankerni Marine Sanctuary. CTF is a core component of SLCRI, a six-year national program funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and implemented by IUCN, with EFL serving as an implementing partner.

EFL was formally represented at the event by our Chairperson, Ms. Deshini Abeywardena, Director & a Trustee of the CCT, Mr. Nalin Karunatileka and then Head of Legal, Ms. Nimshi Hirimbura, who highlighted EFL’s role as the Settlor of the Conservation Trust Fund. EFL carried out a comprehensive feasibility study that identified the legal, policy, and institutional barriers to establishing Conservation Trust Funds in Sri Lanka and drafted the Trust Deed to formally establish the CTF as a charitable trust.

EFL’s presence at the announcement reaffirmed its commitment to transparent, accountable, and long-term conservation financing. By securing reliable and sustainable financing for coral reef conservation, the Conservation Trust Fund strengthens sustainable fisheries, protects vital marine ecosystems, and supports resilient coastal communities across Sri Lanka. Through its continued partnership with IUCN, GFCR, and national stakeholders under SLCRI, EFL remains committed to advancing long-term ecological resilience and sustainable coastal development in priority seascapes across the country.

14/12/2025

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐅𝐋’𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Environmental Foundation (Guarantee) Limited is proud to announce that one of our landmark initiatives, the 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦, has been awarded the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 – 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚, under the 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 a prestigious accolade recognising outstanding local champions dedicated to protecting and restoring Sri Lanka’s critical water resources.

Established by the 𝐔𝐀𝐄 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚, in collaboration with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the award honours initiatives that demonstrate excellence in environmental stewardship and inspire meaningful action to safeguard freshwater resources. This year’s winners were selected from 25 applications, reflecting Sri Lanka’s growing national commitment to water security.

The award was presented by 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐚, Minister of Justice and National Integration, and 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka, at the Water Awards Ceremony held on 10th December 2025 at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, as part of the 𝟓𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐥 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐝 (𝐔𝐀𝐄 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲) celebrations. Mr. Madhava Botejue, Head of Science at EFL, accepted the award on behalf of the organisation.

Implemented in three phases with the generous support of 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, the Kelani River program delivered systematic scientific assessments, comprehensive pollution source mapping, strengthened community-based monitoring, and enhanced coordination among regulatory authorities and river-dependent communities creating a strong evidence base for long-term river protection.

We are also honoured that this recognition provides EFL with the opportunity to participate in the 𝐔𝐍 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐀𝐄, offering a global platform to share Sri Lanka’s experiences and lessons in addressing water quality challenges.

𝐄𝐅𝐋 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 to the dedicated project team, led by Ms. Chamila Weerathunga and Dr. Chaturangi Wickramaratne, whose technical expertise, and commitment were central to the design and successful implementation of the program. Their dedication to rigorous science, inclusive community engagement, and effective coordination with authorities laid the foundation for this national recognition.

We also thank all scientists, legal professionals, the Central Environmental Authority - Sri Lanka , the Department of Irrigation, other national and local government authorities, Community-Based Organizations, and the river-dependent communities whose collective efforts made this initiative a success.

As Sri Lanka faces escalating water quality and scarcity challenges, EFL remains firmly committed to advancing science-based policy advocacy, strengthening environmental governance, and empowering communities to take collective action. This award reaffirms our mission of 𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, ensuring healthy freshwater ecosystems and water security for generations to come.

10/11/2025

In an insightful interview with Kaleidoscope, EFL’s Head of Legal, Nimshi Hirimbura, shares how legal action and citizen vigilance are shaping Sri Lanka’s fight for environmental justice.

Read the full article: https://www.themorning.lk/articles/RsYeyXc4pzo12yQC9gPr

From fighting air pollution in Colombo to protecting the Galle Face Green and safeguarding Wilpattu, the Environmental Foundation Limited (EFL) has taken some of Sri Lanka’s most critical environmental battles to court.