Nawimana, Matara
Nawimana, an 11-acre property in Matara, Southern Sri Lanka, joined the PLANT initiative in September 2024. Owned by Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga, the site is located within the Nilwala River Basin and features a unique hilltop that offers panoramic views of Matara town and the Indian Ocean on one side, and the lush Nilwala Valley on the other.
The land is characterized by mixed vegetation, including patches of existing forest, and is surrounded by cinnamon cultivation and the Nawimana village. While part of the site was previously impacted by land clearance for sale, restoration efforts began in earnest and are now showing promising ecological recovery. Nawimana lies within the Sri Lanka Lowland Rainforest Ecoregion, part of the Indian Tropical Coastal Forest Bioregion (IM2)- a globally significant zone for biodiversity. The site is also recognized as a High Biodiversity Area under the Global Safety Net, highlighting its importance for species conservation and climate resilience.
The long-term vision for Nawimana includes native forest regeneration, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable land management practices that harmonize with surrounding agroforestry. The site will also serve as a platform for community engagement, ecological education, and scientific research.
