BASL and WNPS sign MoU to strengthen environmental protection and enforcement

Saturday, 26 September 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

BASL President Rajeev Amarasuriya (left) and WNPS General Secretary Rapti Dirckze with the MoU signed between the two organisations. Others from left Nethmi Silva AAL, Suranee Samarasekara, Charaka Jayaratne AAL, Revan Weerasinghe AAL, Yohan Cooray AAL and Sachini Boraluwa AAL

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) being Sri Lanka’s oldest environmental conservation organisation have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for cooperation aimed at enhancing the enforcement of environmental law and promoting the protection and conservation of Sri Lanka’s natural resources.

The MOU was signed on behalf of the BASL by its President Rajeev Amarasuriya, and Secretary Nalin De Silva, and on behalf of the WNPS by its President Graham Marshall, and Secretary Rapti Dirckze.

Through this partnership, the two organisations will work together to increase awareness and education among lawyers on environmental law, encourage greater interest in environmental legal practice, and enhance understanding of environmental challenges facing the country.

The collaboration will include a range of initiatives, including orientation programs and workshops for lawyers, webinars on environmental issues, engagement with the Junior Bar, support for litigation involving significant environmental and wildlife matters, and regional awareness programs aimed at promoting environmental rights and responsibilities.

The MOU also provides for cooperation in responding to wildlife crimes, environmental incidents, and nationally significant environmental issues through legal guidance, professional support, and liaison with relevant authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives of both organisations reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing environmental justice, strengthening legal responses to environmental challenges, and fostering greater collaboration between the legal profession and environmental conservation stakeholders.

The MOU will remain in force for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.