Walauwewatte – Wathurana, which is the only existing fresh water swamp forest is 6.2045 Ha, in extent.  This swamp-forest, is located in the Kalu Ganga (=river) basin in the Kalutara District, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka.  The swamp forest is presently owned and managed by M/s Walawuwewatte Estate Company Limited.

This swamp forest is significant due to its high species diversity, and for existence of nationally, and globally threatened, and endemic plant species.  Stemonoporous moonii, (Horawel) and Mesua stylosa (Suwanda) which were believed to be extinct has been re-discovered, after 160 years by Botanists Kosterman & Gunatilake in 1979.  (Kosterman & Nimal Gunatilake, 1979). It is also known as the only site worldwide, where these two species are found in the wild.  Walauwewatte - Wathurana swamp forest is unique due to its wetland type, and for its rare animal & plant communities.

As this swamp forest is presently privately owned and managed, the threat by encroachment and other human activities of the surrounding area has impacts upon this unique wetland ecosystem.

Considering the need of providing a legal protection status and the need to conserve this unique ecosystem with which Sri Lanka has been endowed, the Central Environmental Authority has declared the Walauwewatte – Wathurana Swamp Forest, as an Environmental Protection Area.