Abstract:
Sustainable forest management is one of the most important tools to manage the extraction from forests, ensure the
ecological characteristics and the coverage of forests. Though the government has implemented several policies to
manage the forests, the effectiveness of those has not been studied. Therefore this study mainly focused to analyze the
impacts of National Forest Policy-1995 (NFP) to sustainable forest management in Sri Lanka. As the policy
formulation and implementation are completely vested on higher authority of the forestry sector organizations, the
study sample was mainly consisted of 40 executives of Ministry of Environment. Simple random sampling technique
was used. Primary data were collected using a structured type pretested questionnaire. Data were analyzed with
Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. Results revealed that majority (98% ) were positive about adaptation and
implementation of sustainable forestry concept through the NFP. Among the various activities, it has been found that
zoning and boundary demarcation were progressive. Results showed that actions taken to enhance the joint
management, industrial plantations, incentive schemes and bottom up approach were not very much effective in
forestry sector m aster plan (FSMP). Multi-disciplinary decision making and leasehold forestry concepts were not
succeeded. Recognizing home gardens and agro-forestry systems as a supplier of wood has become successful (86% ).
Majority (90% ), identified plantand seed distribution as popular incentive schemes. Lack of green accounting system
was one of the major constraints identified. Results further emphasized that law enforcement should be regulated
while enhancing awareness among the people. Animal corridors should be considered in boundary demarcation.
Green accounting system should be implemented and financial incentives should be granted to develop home
gardens. It is concluded that National Forest Policy implemented in 1995 has considerably contributed to the
sustainable forest management.