Abstract:
“Rumassala” is an Evergreen Rain Forest with regional variations situated in the Galle
district. It extends up to about 150 ha and currently inherits a number of degradating
environmental values. This study attempts to assess whether the existing policies are
sufficient enough to conserve this forest belt, and whether they are practically active. Here,
the attention was paid on the collection of both primary and secondary data. Questionnaire
survey, focused group interviews, case studies and field observations were the methods
used to collect primary data.
Improper colonization due to development projects was identified as the main reason
for the degradation of Rumassala forest. Also, the absence of proper government
intervention, absence of a substantial enforcement of laws, regulations, policy issues and
ignorance of the community remarkably contribute to the enhancement of degradation of
this forest belt.
As a recommendation, it can be suggested that boundaries of the holdings owned by
settlers should be marked through a proper land survey and remaining land should be
acquired, maintained and managed by the government as state lands. Settlers should be
made aware of the importance and value of this forest and agro forests should be
established in order to develop the Green Cover in the settlement areas with community
support. Also, the places where there is a potentiality for tourist attraction could be
acquired by a responsible institution and the regional development could be brought about
by introducing Eco-Tourism.
