The Department of Wildlife Conservation has announced the reopening of several National Parks and bungalows with the gradual improvement of the adverse weather situation in Sri Lanka.
According to the department, due to adverse weather conditions, the Yala (except Block 6), Wilpattu, Kumana, Wasgamuwa, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, and Minneriya National Parks were temporarily closed from November 28, 2025, for daytime visitors as well as overnight stays at tourist bungalows and campsites.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation has reopened these national parks and bungalows as follows:
On December 1, 2025, Horton Plains National Park, Kumana National Park, and Yala National Park (Blocks 1–4) were reopened for daytime visitors.
On December 3, 2025, the Palatupana entrance of Yala National Park and the tourist bungalows at Heenwewa, Ondachchi, Mahaseelawa, New Butawa, and Old Butawa were reopened. Wilpattu National Park and the Maradanmaduwa wildlife bungalow were reopened. Kumana National Park and the Thummulla and Kirigal Abe bungalows were reopened. Horton Plains National Park and the Ginihiriya and Mahaeliya bungalows were reopened. Minneriya National Park and the Rambavila bungalow were reopened.
On December 5, 2025, the Katagamuwa entrance of Yala National Park and the Pahalheentota and Thalgasmankada bungalows were reopened.
On December 7, 2025, the Old Thotupola and Warahana bungalows of Yala National Park were reopened.
On December 8, 2025, Yala National Park Block 5 and the Kudagal Amuna bungalow were reopened. Wasgamuwa National Park and the Kadurupitiya bungalow were reopened.
On December 10, 2025, the Manik Wila and Lunu Wewa bungalows of Wilpattu National Park were reopened.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation further said that other bungalows located within Wilpattu and Wasgamuwa National Parks are being prepared to reopen in due course.
Campsites and temporarily closed routes within the national parks will also be reopened for visitors once conditions are suitable.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation advises visitors to national parks during these days to take note of the above situation, use appropriate routes, and ensure their own safety while engaging in tourism activities. (Newswire)