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This is a breeding resident species found through out the country except for the highest hills. Other than in Sri Lanka it is found in India and Nepal. The sub species, which is found in the country, is referred to as Prinia sylvatica valida. This species prefers open country such as grasslands, Chena lands, and Tea Estates and Savannah forests.
The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

The highest altitude at which I have seen this species is at lower Ohiya at 1400 meters. In the north I have recorded it in the Jaffna Peninsula and the Mannar Island. Even though it is more common in the dry zone it can be found in reasonable numbers in the wet zone areas as well. The continuous calls of the male can often be heard during the mornings and evenings while seated on the top most branch of a bush or a boulder of a tree.

In Wilpattu this species can be seen in the open areas such as the Chena lands adjoining the park and the grassland areas such as Pomparippu, Periya Villu and Kollan Kanatta.