Video: Safety jackets essential to climb Sigiriya

4 July 2012 02:37 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The Sigiriya Central Cultural Fund Manager Vajira Ferdinand said from today it was compulsory for foreign tourists to wear special protective jackets if they wished to go beyond the ‘Lion’s Paw’ when climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Twenty Sri Lankans including two children and two foreign tourists were injured in another wasp attack yesterday. They had to be rushed to the Sigiriya Divisional Hospital.

After this wasp attack only foreign tourists were allowed to proceed beyond the ‘Lion’s Paw’.

A security officer at the site said this was being done because foreign tourists had to be given priority but it was mandatory to wear protective jackets if they wished to they proceed further.

He said some of the jackets had been sent to the cleaners and there was a shortage of jackets to cater to all those who climb the Rock.
A Central Cultural Fund official said this month alone there had been three wasp attacks. (Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa)

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 - 12

Yuri Wednesday, 04 July 2012 02:58 PM

This is what call collection, after online visa to tourist.. now we start to kill the tourist

ibnuaboo Wednesday, 04 July 2012 02:59 PM

After lot of sigiriya tourist under went wasp attack this safty method is announced. why this too late instruction. wasp attack problem is a crystel clear in sigiriya .authirities should have methods in ready in the event of this problem is started

Manik Thursday, 05 July 2012 03:00 AM

Will only the jacket do? Bee keepers use nets to cover heads and faces.

Nadeesh Thursday, 05 July 2012 02:58 AM

So what about local tourist? Are they different from foreigners?
However, some foreigners prefer kind of adventures tourism. So make this as an option. Not compulsary.

andrewpitugala Thursday, 05 July 2012 03:50 AM

Space suit will be more suitable.

Jayaa Thursday, 05 July 2012 03:41 AM

I too was a victim of Wasp attack in 2010. At that time my family and I were unable to come down for nearly 3 hours in the hot son at Sigiriya top. After three hours some Navy or Air force persons came up with mosquito nets (probably what they were using at their cam beds). In that instant it was found that some local visitors have thrown stones at wasps and provoked wasps that resulted in wasp attacks.

Sigiriya is one of the most interesting locations with historical values and everyone whether local or foreign should be given the opportunity to climb Sigiriya Rock at have a look at the magnificent scenery/view from Sigiriya rock . Authorities should take action to protect visitors and provide safety gear to experience this wonderful adventure.

Bigsam Thursday, 05 July 2012 04:26 AM

How will jackets save anyone? And if they save people why compulsory only for tourists?

Rania Thursday, 05 July 2012 05:05 AM

ei? Api Kaluda? Why protect only the foreigners, Aren't SL's precious too?

Grammar policeman Thursday, 05 July 2012 05:21 AM

Yes, I thought the same thing: why only for tourists? Or maybe it is because tourists have to pay "ten" times more than locals and thus need greater protection? Whatever they are, they need to be removed--re-located--as gently as possible.

murali Thursday, 05 July 2012 10:13 AM

Api Kaluda? LOL

Ashad Wahab Sunday, 08 July 2012 04:23 AM

Currently the cost is for a foreigner is around LKR3700/= will there be an additional charge for the jacket?

warnavalee Tuesday, 07 August 2012 10:36 AM

When 05/08/2012 attack occurred, we were there and saw 2 rouge-like local boys who both wore bluish shirts threw stones to wasp nests. I recommend to keep watchers near by always to prevent such Mal-practices.

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.

Video: Safety jackets essential to climb Sigiriya

Comments - 12

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

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’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

New Visa procedure implemented

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

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

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident