Deforestation stands as the permanent destruction of forests to open up land for other purposes. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports a staggering loss of approximately 18 million acres (7.3 million hectares) of forest each year, roughly equivalent to the size of Panama.

Forests are indispensable to our planet, serving as vital stores of carbon, guardians of soil integrity, and sanctuaries for diverse species. These non-timber benefits, referred to as "ecosystem services," are crucial.

Accurately assessing ecosystem services for policy and decision-making poses a challenge, especially when some hold clearer monetary values than others. Nevertheless, the multitude of ecosystem services provided by forests is increasingly being recognized and evaluated by resource agencies.

The benefits bestowed by forest ecosystems encompass a wide array:

1. Essential goods like timber, food, fuel, and bioproducts
2. Ecological functions such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, water and air purification, and the preservation of wildlife habitats
3.  Social and cultural advantages including recreation, traditional resource utilization, and spiritual significance

Deforestation emerges as one of Sri Lanka's most pressing environmental issues. From a 49 per cent forest cover in the 1920s, the island saw a drastic decline to around 26 per cent by 2005. Between 1990 and 2000, an average of 26,800 hectares of forests were lost annually, translating to an average deforestation rate of 1.14% per year. This rate escalated to 1.43% per annum between 2000 and 2005.

Forests in Sri Lanka are cleared for agricultural expansion, plantation development, and the extraction of fuel and timber. Population pressure exacerbates this issue, compounded by the encroachment on forested areas. Corrupt politicians have exploited population pressure and post-civil war resettlement issues to facilitate deforestation, with over 3,400 acres of the Wilpattu Forest Reserve falling victim to political manipulation.

I advocate for halting deforestation in Sri Lanka and taking measures to bolster forest cover.

The Sri Lankan government must urgently address deforestation. Additionally, international environmental organizations, governments, and the global community should exert pressure on the Sri Lankan government regarding this critical issue. Let's protect our environment together.