Feb 04, 2007 Colombo: Officials in charge of the World Heritage Sinharaja Rainforest say they are facing serious difficulties in conserving the forest for future generations.

They say illicit fellers, who are destroying the peripheral forests, are approaching the main forest as well. The peripheral forests are essential for the well-being of the main forest.

The Sinharaja Rainforest has now dwindled to a strip 21 kilometres long and 3-7 kilometres wide. There is only one forest controller, four beat forest officers, seven field assistants, one forest expansion officer and 18 casual labourers to protect and maintain this World Heritage forest.