Today the Sinharaja stands as a symbol of inspiration for conservationists and scientists in Sri Lanka. Within the course of ten years, this patch of forest once threatened with total destruction has been transformed into a productive natural resources research laboratory. Scientific and economic reasons have now been brought in to justify its conservation. No less important are the aesthetic reasons. The impressive beauty and rich vitality of the forest are also reasons why the Sinharaja needs to be protected. Recognition of all these factors has led to the present protected state of the Sinharaja today. It is to be hoped that a similar fortunate fate awaits the other forests of the wet-montane regions and coastal lowlands of Sri Lanka, such as the Peak Wilderness, the Horton Plains, the Knuckles and the Hinidum Kanda.