Rainforest Conservation and Education Center

The past couple of months has been extremely challenging around the world but more so in Sri Lanka due to the economic crisis. Sri Lankans are faced with 13 hour power cuts, lack of fuel, shortage of food and medicine as a result of the ongoing economic crisis triggered primarily by corruption, endless money printing, mismanagement of funds by the Government, Covid and a war in Ukraine. Inflation is skyrocketing in Sri Lanka as well as around the world, which has resulted in hardworking, tax paying citizens stretched to the limit.

The current inflationary environment is hitting hard for non-profit organizations as donations are decreasing significantly. Rainforest Protectors Trust has seen total donations during the last 2 months reduced by 30%. Despite the challenging times, a large group of volunteers from MAS Intimates (Pvt) Ltd visited one of our conservation forest lands bordering Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest on February 25th to create a live fence by planting native Hal and Puwak (Arecanut) trees along the boundary.

Having protected 4 forest lands totaling 24 acres, Rainforest Protectors Trust is now focused on purchasing a suitable and easily accessible property nearby for setting up its first Rainforest Conservation and Education Center. Once setup it will also enable Rainforest Guardians (villagers employed to protect the conservation lands as well as Sinharaja rainforest) to carry out their work.

While costs are increasing due to inflation, the recent dramatic devaluation of the Sri Lanka Rupee provides overseas donors to double their positive impact if acted now. Therefore, we wish to urge foreign donors and Sri Lankan expatriates living overseas to please consider making a onetime or better yet a recurring monthly donation for any amount. Together, we can make a difference and achieve the goal of creating a protected buffer zone for Sinharaja World Heritage Rainforest.