SLEJF is an independent, public interest media organization established in 1987, with support from the Sri Lanka Government,UN-ESCAP,UNEP and Media related bodies.SLEJF's mandate is to training, communicate and promote sustainable human development with equity, participation and democracy. It is the only organization in Sri Lanka to have won the coveted UNEP Global 500 Award.

SLEJF emphasizes monitoring and coordination, vigorous advocacy of environmental education, public awareness ,justice principles and practical assistance programs. SLEJF has developed special media training programs in environmental and Development Journalism, Since its inception, SLEJF has trained over 10,000 journalists. Its SLEJF Library of nearly 1,500 press clipping books has access to research CDs, DVD’s and other material. SLEJF is former President of Thailand based Asia Pacific Forum of Environmental Journalists (APFEJ),Founder Editor of Paris based International federation of Environmental Journalists(IFEJ) and it is also the Founder of Bangladesh based Commonwealth Environmental Journalists Association (CEJA). SLEJF is the former Asian Director of the Environmental Liaison Centre International (ELCI) based in Kenya. SLEJF has a membership of nearly 1000. Secretariat receives the assistance of 11 full-time staff, 17 Consultants and many volunteers.

Inclusive of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the SLEJF holds membership in 17 international media and environmental organizations. It also holds membership in 27 state/community/UN environmental and media committees. At the same time, the SLEJF functions as the coordinator inSri Lanka of seven active networks of international environmental & media organizations. As much as 931 local NGOs & CBOs, 1123 school environmental clubs, 2973 schools and 2918 public libraries maintain direct contact with the SLEJF.