Sri Lanka, with 17 million people and a coastline of about 1,585 km, has nearshore coral reefs of varying quality along about 2Vo (up to 32 km) of the linear coast. Reefs are mostly of fringing type in nearshore waters or patch reefs on rocky sub­ stratum varying distances from the shore on the continental shelf. True coralline reefs are few, and most with their general locations known have been surveyed. The most extensive coral reefs occur off the northwest and east coast up to and around the Jaffna Peninsula. Offshore barrier reefs of good condition occur at two loca­ tions along the western coast, as well as on two submerged ridges off the southeast coast (Great and Little Bases). Sixty-five coral genera (171 species) and 35 species of butterflyfish are recorded from Sri Lankan reefs. Reef condition is generally poor and declining in nearshore waters• The only relatively pristine reefs are offshore patch or barrier type reefs located away from population centers in a few locations. Sedimentation and coral mining are damaging many nearshore reefs, while the use of explosives and bottom-set nets in fishing are damaging offshore reefs in specific sites. Although institutions and laws are sufficient in theory to manage and protect the reefs in Sri Lanka, authorities in the field have taken little effective action.