Plans are underway to establish a plant conservation centre, basic research laboratory and new eco-tourism zone at Hakgala Botanical Garden, with the aim of promoting tourism while protecting the area’s unique montane biodiversity.

A special field observation visit was conducted at the Hakgala Botanical Garden on Thursday (28) under the patronage of Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody to assess the proposed developments.

Environment Ministry Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, the Director General of the Department of National Botanic Gardens and other officials also participated in the visit and subsequent discussions.

One of the key proposals is the establishment of a plant conservation centre dedicated to protecting rare and unique plant species endemic to the Hakgala area. Officials are considering the garden’s distinctive geographical and environmental characteristics when developing plans for the facility.

Discussions also focused on establishing a basic research laboratory to support studies of Hakgala’s flora and fauna. The proposed facility would provide researchers with the necessary space and resources to study and document the area’s biodiversity.

A new eco-tourism zone featuring walking trails and footpaths is also planned. The development is intended to provide local and international visitors with opportunities to experience Hakgala’s natural environment while keeping the impact of tourism activities on the ecosystem to a minimum.

The programme further includes the construction of greenhouses to protect identified rare and endemic plant species. Facilities will also be developed to allow both visitors and researchers to learn more about the plant and animal life found within the area.

Authorities are additionally considering transforming Hakgala into a “zero-emission” zone, allowing visitors to experience its natural surroundings while limiting activities that could negatively affect the ecosystem.

The proposed developments could enhance Hakgala’s appeal as a nature-based tourism destination while creating greater opportunities for visitors to experience Sri Lanka’s unique highland biodiversity in a controlled and sustainable manner.

Deputy Minister Jayakody emphasized that the primary objective is to promote sustainable tourism while conserving montane biodiversity for future generations. He also instructed officials to expedite the preparation and implementation of the formal proposal.