Sinharaja by Thilak Jayaratne, Nadika Hapuarachchi, Vimukthi Weerathunga,Janaka Gallangoda

Sri Lanka’s rainforests, once extensive and continuous, have been dramatically reduced due to prolonged human exploitation. Over the past century alone, more than half of these forests have been destroyed, placing remaining ecosystems such as Sinharaja at serious risk. This decline reflects broader global patterns characteristic of the Anthropocene, an era in which human activity has become the dominant force shaping Earth’s ecosystems.

Tropical rainforests are among the most complex and biologically diverse systems on the planet, supporting a disproportionate share of global biodiversity despite covering a relatively small area of Earth’s surface. Their stability depends on intricate ecological relationships and specific climatic conditions. Human-driven deforestation and climate change have disrupted these systems at an accelerating rate, threatening not only wildlife but also the ecological services upon which human societies depend, including climate regulation, water cycling, and air purification.

The destruction of rainforests is not an unavoidable outcome of development but the result of deliberate choices that prioritize short-term economic benefits over long-term environmental sustainability. Despite significant advances in scientific knowledge, these ecosystems continue to be degraded at an alarming pace. Their loss is irreversible on human timescales and contributes to the growing risk of a sixth mass extinction event.

This book does not attempt to serve as a comprehensive scientific reference but rather seeks to present an accessible and engaging account of the Sinharaja rainforest. By highlighting the behaviors, adaptations, and challenges faced by its inhabitants, it aims to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of these ecosystems and to emphasize the urgency of their conservation.