Sri Lanka Coastal Zone and Coastal Resource Management Plan, 2018

The Coastal Zone and Coastal Resource Management Plan of 2018 is designed to ensure sustainable use of the coastal environment and its resources in the long term, consistent with the national development goals. The 2018 Plan focused on five major areas, namely, Shoreline Management, Coastal Pollution Control, Management of Coastal Habitats, Special Management Areas and Regulatory Mechanism. In the preparation of the Plan, the mission sought to be accomplished is "the sustainable development of coastal resources and the management of coastal processes to optimize  social, economic and environmental status of Sri Lanka."

Furthermore, there are four objectives: 

• Improve status of the coastal environment
• Develop and manage the coastline
• Improve the living standards of coastal communities and resource users
• Promote and facilitate economic development based upon coastal resources

With these, Sri Lanka hopes to achieve the following results: 

1. Quality of coastal lands and waters improved
2. Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity ensured optimal economic potential of coastal lands realized
3. Development of the Coastal Zone regulated
4. New economic opportunities created
5. Quality of life of coastal communities improved
6. Facilities for recreational use provided
7. Scientific/scenic/historical/archaeological and cultural sites conserved