Abstract:
In Sri Lanka, approximately 12,000 km2 out of the total land area o f65,000 km2 are under grasslands. The
use of grassland resources for livestock has a long tradition. In climatic and vegetation contrast, these
grasslands are much more diverse. They are likely to play an economically vital role in livestock farming
sector in Sri Lanka. With the increase of human population, these ecosystems have been acutely restricted
due to various reasons associated with development activities. Therefore, a continuing need should be to
maintain a broad spectrum of production and conservation, for sustainable management of the grassland
resource for the future.
This paper reviews the current background of the grassland resource with a purpose of livestock
perspective through experiences of local studies carried out by many workers including authors. The
constraints and opportunities, and policymaking and research and, development priorities for long term
sustainable management are also discussed.
