Coast Conservation work was handled by various departments at various times prior to 1963. The realization of the government that a comprehensive approach to coastal resources management was required, led to establishment of a coast protection unit in the Colombo Port Commission in 1963. In 1978 Coast Conservation Division was established in the Ministry of Fisheries. This division was upgraded to a department, the Coast Conservation Department in 1984.

In 1981, parliament enacted the Coast Conservation Act — Act No. 57 of 1981. Amendments to this, Act was passed in 1988 with the Coast Conservation (Amendments) No. 64 of 1988. The Coast Conservation Act required to have a survey made of the Coastal Zone and on the basis of the survey to prepare a comprehensive National Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). CZMP prepared by the department was adopted by the government and implemented as Coastal Zone Management Plan 1990. A Resource Management strategy for Sri Lanka’s coastal region. “Coastal 2000 “was prepared in1992 which provided the direction for Coastal Resources Management of Sri Lanka. The second revised Coastal Zone Management Plan was prepared in 1997 and it is being implemented. The third revision of the National Coastal Zone Management is in progress and will be implemented in year 2004

Mission

The sustainable development of Coastal resources and the Management of Coastal processes to optimize social economic and environmental status of Sri Lanka.

Objectives

To improve the status of coastal environment

To develop and manage the coastline

To improve the living standards of coastal communities and resources users

To promote and facilitate economic development based upon coastal resources.

Functions

Administration and implementation of the provision of the Act No.57 of 1981.

Formulation and execution of schemes of work frr coastal conservation within the Coastal Zone.

Conduct of research in collaboration with other departments, agencies and institutions for the purpose of coast conservation

Activities

Implementation of the permit procedure.

Preparation and implementation of the National Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Implementation of Special Area Management planning process.

Monitoring of Coral and Sand mining activities.

Review of Environmental Impact Assess in the Coastal Zone

Coastal Engineering Investigation.

Construction of protective structures.

Emergency coast protection Work.

Coastal environmental education programme.

Other key statutes

Marine pollution prevention Act No. 1881 which provides for prevention, reduction and control of pollution in Sri Lankan waters has for panel action for any form of marine pollution or damage to live marine resources and wildlife

The fishries and Aquatic Resources Act. No. 2 of 1996 which promotes measures for the integrated management regulation, conservation and development of fisheries and aquatic resources in Sri Lanka enables declaration of fisheries reserves.

The National Aquaculture Development Authoritynof Sri Lanka Act. No. 53 of 1988 which set up the Aquqculture Development Authority (NAQDA) to develop aquaculture and inland fisheries in Sri Lanka.

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency Act No. 54 of 1981 which set up NARA for research and research application work on living and non living aquatic resources for development and management of the fisheries and ocean resources sector.

The Fauna and Flora Protection Ordience No. 2 of 1937 , and subsequent amendments including Act No. 49 of 1993 which provide for six categories of Protected Areas - among which are a marine Sanctuary and Natural Reserve. The Act also has provition to protect certain categories of animals and plants whereever they are found including threatened species of corals, fish, turtle and all marine mammals in Sri Lankan waters.

The National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980 and the amended Act No. 56 of 1988 which empowers project approving agencies to obtain an Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) from any developer for prescribed development projects.

The State Land Ordinance No. 8 of 1947 and its two amendments.

The Forest Ordinance No. 16 of 1907 and its subsequent amendments and

The urban Development Authority Law No. 37 of 1978 that provides for the development of environment standerds & Schemes for environmental improvement in area identified as UDA areas.

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