Sri Lanka will activate a new Forest Protection Joint Operations Unit today, marking the first time the country deploys a 24-hour multi-agency command unit to combat illegal deforestation, wildlife crimes and destruction of natural forest reserves. The unit will function through hotline 1995 and will accept real-time public complaints on forest damage nationwide.
The operation will be run under the Ministry of Environment with officers from the Department of Forest Conservation, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Police Special Task Force and all three Armed Forces. Authorities say the goal is to create a rapid-response defence system against rising forest crimes, from illegal logging and land clearing to poaching and protected-area encroachment.
Officials also confirm that the unit will not only conduct raids and enforcement operations, but also act as a public information hub so citizens can report environmental violations with confidence and track follow-up action. The Environment Ministry says criminal networks involved in timber racketeering and forest land grabbing have expanded in recent years, making an inter-agency command structure essential.
The new unit will be launched today under the leadership of Environment Minister Dr Dammika Patabendi and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody. With Tri-Forces participation and direct STF support, the government claims it is sending a strong message that forest crime will now be treated as a national-security level threat.
The hotline 1995 will begin receiving complaints today, marking the official start of Sri Lanka’s most coordinated forest protection initiative to date.
