Unplanned de-forestation has caused an imbalance in environment conditions.

Dispite this situation the need for special types of timber is significant and growing. Among the varieties are Teak and Sandalwood.

Sadaharitha Plantations which commenced operations in 2002 is involved in a programme of providing part of Sri Lanka's Teak and Sandalwood requirements.

Some of this timber has also been ear-marked for exports within the regional countries.

In order to maintain the sustainability of this projects Sadaharitha has initiated large scale cultivation of these two types of trees said the Chairman Sathis Navarathne.

In addition to being a source of high quality raw material it also provides an avenue of employment to large numbers, added Mohan Palliyaguru, the Marketing Director.

Sri Lanka presently enjoys an advantage in the supply of sandalwood due to Indian resources being scarce and also due to its quality and fragrance.