A special project featuring a new physical development plan is to be implemented at Yala National Park to minimize difficulties faced by tourists, following a high‑level discussion chaired by Minister of Environment Dr. Dammika Patabendi on Sunday (17).
The initiative aims to reduce congestion in line with international park standards, with officials presenting both short‑term and long‑term proposals.
The plan emphasizes sustainable construction, improved facilities, and enhanced services to make the park more attractive and visitor‑friendly.
During the inspection tour, Minister Patabendi reviewed several sites and directed officials to improve facilities for both local and foreign tourists.
Among the proposals discussed were the establishment of new service centers and parking facilities for tourist vehicles, upgrades to the park entrance, information center, ticket counters, museum, sanitation services, souvenir outlets, and staff quarters, as well as measures to address human resource shortages within the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Officials also highlighted the need for additional ticket counters and upgraded technology to reduce delays during peak visitor periods.
Further proposals included renovating damaged road systems to accommodate the large number of jeeps entering the park, developing facilities at the Lunugamwehera entrance, and establishing Arangamuwa as a new viewing zone to ease congestion in Yala Zone 02.
In response to dry weather conditions, water is being supplied daily to animals in the park using three bowser trucks, while six solar‑powered water units have been installed to fill small ponds, with capacity to be increased as needed.
The discussion was held at the Palatupana entrance office in Yala Zone 02, with participation from Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala, Additional Director General of Wildlife Conservation (Operations) Manjula Amaranath, Additional Secretary of Wildlife Division Udaya Kumara, and several senior officials of the Ministry of Environment. (Newswire)