Only certified, trained safari jeep drivers allowed into Yala National Park from Jan.1

29 December 2023 08:21 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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To maintain Sri Lanka’s wildlife tourism, starting January 1, 2024, only trained and certified safari jeep drivers would be permitted to enter the Yala Block, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority said.

Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, Chairman of the committee appointed to improve the quality of wildlife tourism in the Yala National Park, confirmed that park authorities have been instructed to check the ID issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) of all drivers and those without the necessary documents would not be permitted to enter. He assured that all IDs would be issued by December 30, to ensure the protocols are followed.

Further, Dr. Pilapitiya urged the hotels to ensure the safari drivers have the ID before they depart the property, so that the tourists are not inconvenienced.

Wildlife activists have repeatedly raised concerns regarding the poor behaviour of the visitors of the Yala National Park.

Dr. Pilapitiya, former Director General of the DWC and elephant researcher, previously stressed that discipline and misbehaviour of safari jeeps carrying visitors to Yala are a major issue that needs to be addressed.

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Comments - 15

Anil Friday, 29 December 2023 08:38 AM

A very good and long overdue move. We have see some absurd behavior of vehicle drivers within the park for far too long. No other safari park in the world would tolerate such behavior. They should also cancel and terminiate any certifications of drivers who violate the code of conduct .. no warnings .. first strike out!

sachith Friday, 29 December 2023 08:54 AM

Very good decision, hope it will not just be on papers.

Mk Friday, 29 December 2023 09:22 AM

NAMAL, PRASANNA AND PAVITHRA APPROVED.

Be Fair Friday, 29 December 2023 09:25 AM

Well, lets see if the expert Leopard Photographer is also checked prior to his admission. Hope you guys know who he is?

Lion Friday, 29 December 2023 09:32 AM

All these are bullshit in this country,Instructions will be fallowed for few days then the usual pattern will start.

Police Friday, 29 December 2023 10:44 AM

Better late than Never. Traffic police should do spot checks in the interior areas where these drivers are reckless. Use Drones if possible too.

NV Jen Friday, 29 December 2023 01:45 PM

Good move but ensure that fake certifications are not presented. Also limit the number of safari vehicles entering the park, per day.

Umar Perera Friday, 29 December 2023 02:36 PM

The quality of the park for the wildlife that live there is the most important consideration. That means that the number of safari tours per day has to be reduced.

Ram Friday, 29 December 2023 02:40 PM

Politician's favourites will get the OK with or without a test due to political influence

Ram Friday, 29 December 2023 04:19 PM

Is it applicable to self driving visitors also. Ministry should clearly inform public

Buddhist Friday, 29 December 2023 04:50 PM

Which Minister is getting the cut, is Mahinda as usual going to get his suitcase full of this share as well?

Travis Friday, 29 December 2023 07:23 PM

Great who implement this great. Also minimise the jeeps for day only 30 would be great

Observationist Saturday, 30 December 2023 02:14 AM

Please close off the park seasonally to re javanite the flora and fauna of this priceless park. During this closure periods run motor graders to improve the track condition for the forthcoming tourist visits. As already mentioned curtail number of visitors to the park. When one Yala is closed off open up the others suitable park such as Uda Walawa or Kumana. A rotational closure is a must.

Concerned Shark Saturday, 30 December 2023 04:58 AM

CAN YOU APPLY THE SAME TO THOSE WHO OPERATE BOATS FOR DOLPHIN TOURS [ for tourists] ESPECIALLY IN KALPITIYA, MOST OF THEM CANNOT SWIM, and allergic to life vests, Over to you Minister !!

Das Sunday, 31 December 2023 08:28 AM

Most important is to discipline them , to follow speed limits , not to go off track

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Only certified, trained safari jeep drivers allowed into Yala National Park from Jan.1

Comments - 15

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