This study aims to identify the main problems and issues that demand policy attention in developing forest-based ecotourism in Sri Lanka, to identify the existing management approaches of forest-based ecotourism, followed by an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses, to review policies and legislations relevant to development of forest-based ecotourism and to recognize existing policy gaps in addressing the identified issues. Finally, it presents key policy implications and recommendations for promoting ecotourism as a sustainable tool for forest conservation in Sri Lanka. The study makes use of data and information gathered through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary information sources. The study finds that there is lack of awareness and understanding on benefits of ecotourism among relevant stakeholders. Also, there is no coordinated effort among the relevant government stakeholders of ecotourism. It is a challenge to bring the resource owning state agencies and the private entrepreneurs in forest-based ecotourism. Some businesses are presenting themselves as ecotourism, without complying with true ecotourism practices. In addition, education services provided to the tourists on environmental and socio-cultural aspects of the area are not up to the standards. From policy level, there is no agreed definition on ecotourism among resource managing agencies and tourism agencies. It is a major policy gap that ecotourism has not been recognized as a tool for forest conservation and generating economic benefits in environment policies. The present legislative framework is not comprehensive enough to provide legal regulations for ecotourism. Present policy and legal framework shows barriers for active private sector and community involvement. Finally, in the latter part of the publication the recommendations of the study are presented.

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