A peer-reviewed study published in January 2026 by an international research team including scientists from Yale University and the University of Colombo assessed the long-term resilience of Sri Lanka's rainforests under projected climate scenarios. The findings revealed mounting evidence that rising temperatures, altered rainfall seasonality, and increasing drought stress are shifting the ecological balance in ways that could see parts of the rainforest become net emitters of carbon dioxide rather than net absorbers.
Sri Lanka's rainforests, concentrated in the wet zone and centred on the Sinharaja World Heritage Site, represent one of the planet's richest biodiversity hotspots per unit area, with high concentrations of endemic species. The study warned that species with narrow altitudinal ranges face acute extinction risk if temperature changes outpace their capacity to adapt. Researchers called for an immediate expansion of protected forest areas, a moratorium on conversion of forest margins to agricultural land, and investment in climate-resilient reforestation using native species. Sri Lanka's Forest Department confirmed that updated management plans incorporating climate projections are under development.
Scientists Warn Sri Lanka's Rainforests Risk Switching From Carbon Sinks to Carbon Sources
