Trade and the Environment: A Sri Lankan Perspective

Abstract

The significant expansion of trade and growth of tourism in Sri Lanka over the past decade has led to increasing concern about the impact this is having on the environment. The rapid expansion of industrial production has been emphasised without corresponding attention being paid to environmental protection. Moreover the primary concern of foreign investors and their local collaborators has been the promotion of exports, rather than ensuring environmentally sound industrial development. Tourism has also contributed to, and has been affected by, environmental degradation. This chapter will focus on these issues, with particular emphasis on their impact in Sri Lanka.