Capital(s)

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte & Colombo

Official Language(s)

Sinhala & Tamil

Fun Fact

The island made history when Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first elected female head of government in 1960

National Animal

Grizzled Giant Squirrel

National Bird

Sri Lankan Junglefowl

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Animal Laws of Sri Lanka

The Animal Laws of Sri Lanka PDF contains the general animal protection laws and related statutes for Sri Lanka. Uncaged World updates these bi-annually. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date legal status.

Animals of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Junglefowl

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Sri Lankan Junglefowl is a colorful bird found only in the forests and scrublands of Sri Lanka. Males are recognized by their brilliant golden-orange plumage, dark purple body, and bright red comb with a distinctive yellow center, while females are mottled brown for camouflage. They feed on seeds, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates while foraging on the forest floor. As the national bird of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan Junglefowl is an important symbol of the island's unique wildlife.

Grizzled Giant Squirrel

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

The Grizzled Giant Squirrel is a large tree squirrel found in the forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. It is recognized by its grizzled gray-brown fur, long bushy tail, and agile movements through the forest canopy. Feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, flowers, and bark, it plays an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy forests. Habitat loss and fragmentation have made this unique squirrel increasingly vulnerable.

Purple-faced Langur

Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

The Purple-faced Langur is an endangered monkey found only in the forests of Sri Lanka. It is recognized by its dark gray to black fur, pale face, and long tail. Living high in the forest canopy, it feeds mainly on leaves, fruits, flowers, and seeds. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation have made the Purple-faced Langur one of Sri Lanka's most threatened primates.

Sri Lankan Elephant

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Sri Lankan Elephant is the largest subspecies of Asian elephant, found only on the island of Sri Lanka. Recognized by its massive size, relatively small ears, and darker skin with pink patches, it lives in forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Sri Lankan Elephants feed on grasses, leaves, bark, and fruit and play a vital role in shaping ecosystems by dispersing seeds and creating forest pathways. Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict have made this iconic subspecies endangered.

Blue Whale

Conservation Status: Endangered

The Blue Whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth, found in oceans around the world. Recognized by its enormous size and blue-gray coloration, it can grow over 100 feet (30 meters) long and weigh more than 150 tons. Blue Whales feed almost exclusively on tiny shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, consuming several tons each day during feeding season. Although protected from commercial whaling, ship strikes, ocean noise, and climate change continue to threaten this magnificent marine mammal.

Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper

Conservation Status: Least Concern

The Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper is a venomous snake found only in the rainforests and montane forests of Sri Lanka. Recognized by its bright green coloration and heat-sensing facial pits, it is an ambush predator that feeds on frogs, lizards, birds, and small mammals. Its excellent camouflage allows it to blend seamlessly into surrounding vegetation while waiting for prey. Habitat loss poses an ongoing threat to this unique endemic species.