INFORMATION ABOUT TIMBER MARKET IN SRI LANKA

I can provide you with some general information about the timber market in Sri Lanka based on available data up to my knowledge cut-off of 2021.

Sri Lanka has a rich forest resource base and a long history of utilizing timber for various purposes. However, unsustainable logging practices, encroachment of forest land, and other factors have led to a decline in the country's forest cover over the years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Sri Lanka's forest cover stood at around 29% of the total land area in 2020, down from around 49% in the 1950s.

The timber industry in Sri Lanka is relatively small compared to other countries in the region, and most of the timber used in the country is imported. The country has a ban on the export of timber logs, which was imposed in 1995 to conserve the country's forests. However, processed timber products such as sawn timber, plywood, and particleboard can be exported.

According to a report by the Sri Lanka Timber Exporters' Association, the country's timber exports generated around $14.7 million in revenue in 2020. The report also notes that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the industry, leading to a decline in both production and exports.

In recent years, the Sri Lankan government has taken several steps to promote sustainable forest management and increase domestic timber production. These efforts include the establishment of forest plantations, the promotion of community-based forest management, and the introduction of stricter regulations to combat illegal logging and timber trade.

Overall, the timber market in Sri Lanka remains relatively small and faces several challenges, including the need for sustainable forest management practices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production and exports.