Lanka Mangrove Museum

The Lanka Mangrove Museum is a dedicated environmental education center focused on preserving and promoting the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s mangrove ecosystems. Located near the vibrant wetlands, the museum offers interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational resources that showcase the ecological significance of mangroves and their role in coastal resilience.

On October 2nd, the Environmental Pioneers from Dankotuwa Balika Maha Vidyalaya visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center. The students explored the exhibits and gained valuable knowledge about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastal ecosystems. During their visit, they also learned about the role of mangroves in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The program inspired the young pioneers to strengthen their commitment to environmental protection and to spread awareness among their peers.

Inspiring Young Minds: Environmental Pioneers from Dankotuwa Balika Maha Vidyalaya Explore Mangroves

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On October 2nd, the Environmental Pioneers from Dankotuwa Balika Maha Vidyalaya visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center.
The students explored the exhibits and gained valuable knowledge about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastal ecosystems. During their visit, they also learned about the role of mangroves in biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. The program inspired the young pioneers to strengthen their commitment to environmental protection and to spread awareness among their peers.

Inspiring Young Minds: Environmental Pioneers from Dankotuwa Balika Maha Vidyalaya Explore Mangroves Read More »

The mangrove ecosystems of the Pambala–Chilaw Lagoon are more than just forests by the sea – they are living laboratories of biodiversity. Beneath the tangled web of Rhizophora mucronata roots, an entire community of organisms thrives, playing vital roles in keeping these ecosystems healthy. 🔹 A Natural Reef System Barnacles, oysters, mussels, and worms settle on mangrove prop roots, turning them into miniature reefs. These layered surfaces provide safe havens for crabs, shrimps, juvenile fish, and countless small creatures. 🔹 Ecosystem Engineers Sessile filter feeders like oysters and barnacles clean the water by removing suspended particles, while crabs and mollusks recycle nutrients by breaking down fallen leaves. Together, they stabilize sediments, trap carbon, and protect shorelines. 🔹 Balancing the Food Web Root-dwelling species not only feed on algae and detritus but also serve as prey for birds and larger fish. This delicate balance maintains the health and productivity of the lagoon. 🔹 Foundation Species Oysters and mussels act as “foundation species” – creating structures that allow other organisms to settle, grow, and flourish. Their presence transforms simple roots into complex, multi-layered habitats. 🔹 Three Unique Study Sites Researchers explored three areas of the lagoon: Open Lagoon – brackish waters with slower flow, rich in sediments. Bata Canal – lined with 1995 mangrove plantations, offering diverse habitats. Dutch Canal – with stronger tidal exchange and higher salinity, creating distinct settlement patterns. 🐚 From camouflaged crabs and black tiger shrimp hiding among roots, to oysters building reefs that support countless others, the mangrove root zone is a bustling underwater city. These hidden ecosystems remind us that conserving mangroves means protecting not just trees, but the entire web of life they support. 🌊🌿

🌱 Life Beneath the Mangrove Roots – A Hidden World of Biodiversity 🌱

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The mangrove ecosystems of the Pambala–Chilaw Lagoon are more than just forests by the sea – they are living laboratories of biodiversity. Beneath the tangled web of Rhizophora mucronata roots, an entire community of organisms thrives, playing vital roles in keeping these ecosystems healthy. biodiversity

🌱 Life Beneath the Mangrove Roots – A Hidden World of Biodiversity 🌱 Read More »

On 24th September 2025, 27 students of the Environmental Society of Madawakkulama M.M. Vidyalaya, along with their teachers, visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center. During their visit, the students explored the exhibits and gained valuable knowledge about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastlines, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. The programme was an inspiring experience, encouraging the young Environmental Society members to strengthen their commitment to conservation.

Students of Madawakkulama M.M. Vidyalaya Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center

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On 24th September 2025, 27 students of the Environmental Society of Madawakkulama M.M. Vidyalaya, along with their teachers, visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center.

During their visit, the students explored the exhibits and gained valuable knowledge about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastlines, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. The programme was an inspiring experience, encouraging the young Environmental Society members to strengthen their commitment to conservation.

Students of Madawakkulama M.M. Vidyalaya Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center Read More »

On 26th September 2025, the Lanka Mangrove Museum held a special programme for the students of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The event featured Prof. Padmalal and other distinguished lecturers, who engaged the students in an insightful discussion on mangrove conservation.

Special Programme for Open University of Sri Lanka Students at the Lanka Mangrove Museum

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On 26th September 2025, the Lanka Mangrove Museum held a special programme for the students of the Open University of Sri Lanka. The event featured Prof. Padmalal and other distinguished lecturers, who engaged the students in an insightful discussion on mangrove conservation.

Special Programme for Open University of Sri Lanka Students at the Lanka Mangrove Museum Read More »

On September 22, 2025, a group of 50 students and teachers from Kingston International School, Dambulla, visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center. During their visit, they explored the exhibits and learned about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.

Kingston International School Dambulla Visits the Lanka Mangrove Museum

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On September 22, 2025, a group of 50 students and teachers from Kingston International School, Dambulla, visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center. During their visit, they explored the exhibits and learned about the importance of mangrove ecosystems in protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.

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Tropical mangroves are rich in carbon and play an important role in reducing climate change by storing carbon dioxide in their trees and soils. However, in Sri Lanka, little research has been done on how restored mangroves contribute to carbon storage. This study looks at mangrove restoration and afforestation efforts in the Chilaw lagoon, which began in 1994 with the planting of Rhizophora mucronata and R. apiculata. Research was carried out in a 25-year-old mangrove plantation covering about 0.25 hectares. We identified the species present, measured tree height and girth, and estimated above- and below-ground biomass and organic carbon using standard methods and equations.

Carbon sequestration potential of 25-year-old planted mangroves: effects of monoculture cultivation, natural species colonization, and multi-species transition

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Tropical mangroves are rich in carbon and play an important role in reducing climate change by storing carbon dioxide in their trees and soils. However, in Sri Lanka, little research has been done on how restored mangroves contribute to carbon storage.

This study looks at mangrove restoration and afforestation efforts in the Chilaw lagoon, which began in 1994 with the planting of Rhizophora mucronata and R. apiculata. Research was carried out in a 25-year-old mangrove plantation covering about 0.25 hectares. We identified the species present, measured tree height and girth, and estimated above- and below-ground biomass and organic carbon using standard methods and equations. Carbon sequestration

Carbon sequestration potential of 25-year-old planted mangroves: effects of monoculture cultivation, natural species colonization, and multi-species transition Read More »

On 9th September 2025, a group of teachers from Siyane National College of Education, Veyangoda visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center to participate in a special awareness programme on mangrove ecosystems.

Teachers from Siyane National College of Education Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum

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On 9th September 2025, a group of teachers from Siyane National College of Education, Veyangoda visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center to participate in a special awareness programme on mangrove ecosystems.

During the programme, the teachers explored the museum’s exhibits and gained valuable insights into the ecological importance of mangroves in protecting coastal areas, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. The session also highlighted the role of education in promoting sustainable environmental practices and raising awareness among future generations.

Teachers from Siyane National College of Education Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum Read More »

The primary purpose of their visit was to collect valuable data and gain a deeper understanding of the Pambala Lagoon ecosystem and its surroundings. Their research focuses on mapping the Chilaw–Pambala Lagoon using satellite imagery, a study that will contribute to improved environmental monitoring and sustainable management of this vital coastal ecosystem.

Japanese Researchers from the University of Tsukuba Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center

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On 8th September 2025, Japanese Researchers Professor Emeritus Yuji Murayama and Assistant Professor Takehiro Morimoto from the Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan, visited the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center.

The primary purpose of their visit was to collect valuable data and gain a deeper understanding of the Pambala Lagoon ecosystem and its surroundings. Their research focuses on mapping the Chilaw–Pambala Lagoon using satellite imagery, a study that will contribute to improved environmental monitoring and sustainable management of this vital coastal ecosystem.

Japanese Researchers from the University of Tsukuba Visit the Lanka Mangrove Museum and Learning Center Read More »

Taxonomic Classification of Scylla serrata:  Kingdom: Animalia  Phylum: Arthropoda  Subphylum: Crustacea  Class: Malacostraca  Order: Decapoda  Infraorder: Brachyura  Family: Portunidae Common Names: Mud crab, Mangrove crab, Giant Mud Crab, Green Crab

Giant Mud Crab- Scylla Serrata

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Giant Mud Crab- Scylla Serrata
The larvae develop in the marine environment until they reach the juvenile stage, at which
point these juvenile crabs migrate from the ocean to mangroves, brackish waters, estuarine
regions, or lagoon areas. Subsequently, these juvenile crabs mature into adult crabs within
the mangroves, brackish waters, estuarine regions, or lagoon areas. Intertidal mangrove
forests are essential as they provide food, shelter, nursery habitats, and refuge for juvenile
S. serrata. The intricate root systems, such as the prop roots of Rhizophora sp. species,
create hiding spots for these juvenile crabs, protecting them from predators. The mangrove
environment offers safety during their molting phase, a time when crabs are particularly
vulnerable, and it maintains stable conditions—such as reduced water turbulence,
consistent water temperatures shielded by mangrove trees, and suitable salinity levels—
that are conducive to their growth.

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