All five marine turtle species found in Sri Lanka are globally threatened and have been afforded legal protection nationally. But marine turtles are still exploited, and turtle egg poaching, slaughtering of turtles for their flesh or carapace and turtle hatcheries that operate illegally, are common occurrences along the coastline. IUCN has finalised the preparation of a National Action Plan for marine turtle conservation in collaboration with the Department of WildlifeConservation. In taking this initiative forward, IUCN also proposes to play a role in the implementation of priority issues highlighted in this Action Plan. The Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya areas constitute an important section of the Sri Lankan coastline with a multitude of valuable ecosystems, such as marine turtle nesting beaches of regional significance, lagoons, mangroves and bird habitats.
Poverty is considered one of the core problems in the area.
Building upon initiatives such as the Special Area Management Plan for Rekawa and the Wetland Site Report for Kalametiya, IUCN will assist in the preparation of an overall plan for the area in collaboration with the local communities,community based organisations. NGO's, and the Coast Conservation Department. Emphasis will be given to the establishment of a collabarative management framework for the coservation programmes for marine turtles and mangroves. Although marine mammals such as small cetaceans have been legally protected in Sri Lanka since 1993, they are still being caught deliberately and as incidental catches. IUCN has, in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry and Environment, carried out a conservation programme for small cetaceans.