Forest Department was started as the Office of the Conservator of Forests in 1887 denoting the commencement of forest conservation and scientific forestry in Sri Lanka. The first Forest Ordinance of Sri Lanka was passed in 1885. On 25th June 1887, British official, R. Thompson, a technical man from the British Indian Forest Service took charge of Forestry Activities as the first Conservator of Forests of Ceylon. Mr. Thompson was a senior Forester with wide tropical experience and at the start his role was that of an adviser to the Government Agents. Objectives To ensure that the management and development of forest resources in the country are in accordance with the National Forest Policy and in line with the principles of Sustainable Forest Management. To conserve natural forest areas mainly for the purpose of soil, water, and biodiversity conservation. To enhance and maintain the carbon socks in forests by sustainable management of forests and tree resources. To ensure sustainable utilization of forest resources to sustain socio economic benefits. To ensure that sufficient trained man power and expertise are available to carry out sustainable forest management professionally. To device and implement enforcement strategies to safeguard forest resources. To increase public awareness on forest conservation and Sustainable Forest Management. To promote the public participation on tree growing and forest plantation management. To ensure that sufficient funds, technological expertise, and other logistical supports are available for the Sustainable Forest Management.