National Heritage Wilderness Areas Act (No. 3 of 1988). Country/Territory Sri Lanka Document type Legislation Date 1988 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to make provision for the declaration of National Heritage Wilderness Areas; for the protection and preservation of such areas and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Subject Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Basic legislation Cultural heritage Protected area Ecosystem preservation Offences/penalties Authorization/permit Protection forest Protection of habitats Protection of species Geographical area Asia, Asia and the Pacific, Indian Ocean, South Asian Seas, Southern Asia Abstract This Act establishes Natural Heritage Wilderness Areas for the purpose of preserving unique ecosystems, genetic resources and habitats as well as to promote the scientific study of the environment (sect. 2). The relevant Minister may by Order published in the Gazette declare any area of State land which has unique ecosystems, genetic resources or outstanding natural features to be a Natural Heritage Wilderness Area. There are provisions relating to restriction of entry into National Heritage Wilderness Areas and prohibited acts in those areas (sect. 3). Persons require a written permit from the competent authority in order to enter and remain within any National Wilderness Area. The Minister may make regulations in respect of the administration and management of National Heritage Wilderness Areas (sect. 5). The Conservator of Forests shall be the competent authority for the purposes of this Act (sect. 7). Section 12 relates to offences and penalties relevant to the Act. Full text English