Sri Lanka is home to a rich diversity of elephants, birds, animals, and plant species, many of which are increasingly threatened by environmental degradation. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Little Hand Foundation has dedicated significant effort to protecting the country’s natural habitats and biodiversity. As part of these conservation efforts, we launched a major project to eradicate the invasive Lantana plant from the Udawalawe Reserve—a critical step in safeguarding endangered wildlife and restoring ecological balance.
Lantana is a highly destructive invasive species that threatens native plants, reduces food availability for wildlife, and disrupts natural ecosystems. By removing this harmful species, the project aimed to revive natural habitats and protect vulnerable animal and plant populations. In addition, we constructed several large water tanks within the reserve to ensure that wildlife in the area has consistent access to clean, life-sustaining water.
The core message this project carries is profound: to build a better society, we must first protect the environment. Humanity is an inseparable part of
nature – if the environment is destroyed, human existence itself is endangered.
This initiative was made possible through the generous support of the local community, international volunteers, and the invaluable guidance of environmental and wildlife experts. The project received official commendation from relevant government authorities, and evaluation certificates issued by Sri Lanka’s Forest Conservation institutions are attached with our records.
Through this undertaking, we successfully preserved a vast ecosystem that was nearing collapse. The project received recognition and appreciation from both national and international communities for its significant environmental impact.
Project Status: Completed (2015 / 2016 / 2017)
