The Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation has announced the temporary closure of Blocks 01 and 02 of Yala National Park to tourists from today(14), citing the impact of prevailing dry weather conditions. 

According to the Department, the measure will remain in effect until October 15, with officials stating that the decision was taken to safeguard wildlife struggling with acute shortages of food and water. 

Yala, home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, 47 species of reptiles, and 21 species of fish, has been severely affected by El Niño‑driven heat this season.

Several water sources inside the park have dried up, while trees and grasslands have withered, leaving animals facing both thirst and food scarcity. 

Wildlife officers are undertaking intensive measures to ease the crisis, including releasing water drawn from the Menik River via solar‑powered pumps into park ponds through underground pipelines. 

In addition, around 200,000 liters of water are being transported daily by bowsers to replenish natural and artificial ponds.

Authorities state that the closure is intended to minimize disturbances to animals during this critical period. (Newswire)

The post Yala National Park Blocks 1 and 2 closed to tourists from today appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s Excise Department has announced the dates on which wine stores will remain closed during the year 2025.

According to the Excise Department, wine stores will be closed for a total of 18 days during this year. 

The dates on which wine stores will be closed in 2025 are as follows;

January 13, 2025 (Monday) – Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day

February 4, 2025 (Tuesday) – Independence Day

February 12, 2025 (Wednesday) – Navam Full Moon Poya Day

March 13, 2025 (Thursday) – Medin Full Moon Poya Day

April 12, 2025 (Saturday) – Bak Full Moon Poya Day

April 13, 2025 (Sunday) – Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve
{The restrictions mentioned do not apply to authorized hotel licenses (R.B.07) and special three-year licenses (boutique)}

April 14, 2025 (Monday) – Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day

May 12, 2025 (Monday) – Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

May 13, 2025 (Tuesday) – Day after Vesak Full Moon Poya Day

June 10, 2025 (Tuesday) – Poson Full Moon Poya Day

July 10, 2025 (Thursday) – Esala Full Moon Poya Day

August 8, 2025 (Friday) – Nikini Full Moon Poya Day

September 7, 2025 (Sunday) – Binara Full Moon Poya Day

October 3, 2025 (Friday) – World Temperance Day

October 6, 2025 (Monday) – Vap Full Moon Poya Day

November 5, 2025 (Wednesday) – Il Full Moon Poya Day

December 4, 2025 (Thursday) – Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day

December 25, 2025 (Thursday) – Christmas Day
{The restrictions mentioned do not apply to authorized hotel licenses (R.B.07) and special three-year licenses (boutique)} (Newswire)

The post Wine stores closure days in 2025: All 18 days announced appeared first on Newswire.