Yala Block One closed from Sept. 2 to Oct. 31

13 August 2018 03:45 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Block one of the Yala National Park, considered to be the main tourism zone of Yala, would be closed from September 2 to October 31, Director General of the Wildlife Conservation Department, M.G.C. Sooriyabandara said.

“This is to ease the stress on animals considering warm season,” he said.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said the department used to close down one of the five blocks in the park once a year owing to ecological reasons.

“The animals also need a rest,” he said.

“The animals get often distracted due to the frequent arrival of local and foreign people into the park. Hence, the department should make sure the safety of the animals,” Sooriyabandara said.

He said the particular period would be made use to renovate the infrastructure of the tourist guest houses inside the park. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 8

Rufus Norton Monday, 13 August 2018 07:55 PM

Oh, that's great, we have someone who is concerned about the comfort of animals and not only about money. Animal welfare is seriously lacking in this so-called Buddhist country.

Luipaard Tuesday, 14 August 2018 01:41 AM

Great that the wildlife department is taking these steps. Tourism and money is nothing if we have stressed and tortured animals. I hope however they let the rangers go in just in case poachers use the absence of visitors to get up to their dirty deeds.

Ruchira Tuesday, 14 August 2018 04:31 AM

Sajith, please don't go there during that period...!

tom Tuesday, 14 August 2018 09:16 AM

Timely decision, thanks to the Minister Field Marshal Hon. Sarath Fonseka and the DG of the Wildlife Department.

Lord Wolfstein Tuesday, 14 August 2018 11:04 AM

The WCD should buy a limited number of eco-friendly round-trip vehicles of the newest international standard for the national parks. Only these vehicles, operated by Rangers and specially trained WCD drivers, should be allowed to undertake round-trips for tourists in the parks. That would be for the good of the animals, the environment and the tourists. Get rid of the uneducated hooligan drivers with their outdated and unsafe jeeps.

Observer Tuesday, 14 August 2018 12:02 PM

What is the possibility that this decision will also be overturned?

Premawathie Tuesday, 14 August 2018 02:04 PM

Its an annual event, and has been the case for ages. This dude has made it seem like his idea. Typical.

Tourism Industry Tuesday, 14 August 2018 02:03 PM

Not sure why he has made this like a big announcement. This happens annually, due to to the low water reserves in Yala as animals move away. Just look it up. Its closed for about a month every year.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Yala Block One closed from Sept. 2 to Oct. 31

Comments - 8

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

MIRROR CRICKET

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

Chamodi, Dewmi spins Sri Lanka U19 Women to big win

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Debt Restructuring Talks: Bondholders Fear Regime Change Impact

Don’t be deceived by NPP and Cardinal Ranjith: UNP

Emirates halts check-in for connections, UL cancels flights to Dubai

Plans afoot to obtain “Blue Flag Beaches” certification for SL beaches

Hardik fined Rs 12 lakh for violating IPL code of conduct after win over Punjab Kings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings