Sri Lanka’s Parliament has approved a motion calling for a coordinated national approach to managing trees along road reserves, following concerns over inconsistent maintenance practices by public authorities and utility operators.
The motion was approved during the parliamentary sitting on November 6, 2026.
It calls for a systematic method of identifying road reserve boundaries, maintaining roadside tree cover and training personnel responsible for tree management.
Several agencies identified in parliamentary motion
The parliamentary record refers to the Road Development Authority, provincial road development authorities, local government bodies, electricity service providers and Sri Lanka Telecom.
These organisations carry out work that can affect trees growing alongside public roads.
The motion identifies the cutting of branches obstructing power lines and road signs as an area requiring more systematic management.
It proposes a greater role for trained personnel capable of assessing tree condition, maintenance requirements and potential hazards.
Road reserve boundaries require attention
The proposal calls for a method of accurately identifying the boundaries of road reserves.
Such boundaries determine which land falls under the control of road authorities and can affect responsibility for maintenance.
The motion does not identify a new authority that would be responsible for managing all roadside trees.
It also does not specify whether existing agencies would receive additional legal powers or whether new regulations would be introduced.
Training proposed for maintenance personnel
Parliament called for institutional training to improve the management of roadside trees.
The proposal addresses the need to preserve tree cover while reducing risks associated with poorly maintained branches and trees.
The parliamentary record does not identify a training provider, certification requirement or budget for the proposed programme.
No implementation date has been announced.
Motion awaits administrative action
Approval of the motion establishes Parliament’s support for the proposed approach.
It does not mean that new maintenance standards have already taken effect.
Further decisions would be required to establish responsibilities between national road authorities, provincial institutions, local councils and utility providers.
The November 6 proceedings contain no approved expenditure estimate for implementing the proposal across Sri Lanka’s road network.
Parliament of Sri Lanka, Business of the House, 6 November 2026
