The Ministry of Environment has decided to open several more zones of the Yala National Park to tourists, it is reported. 

According to Newsfirst, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi said plans are underway to open a new zone called Arangamuwa.

He further said that zones three and four, which currently remain closed, will also be reopened.

The Environment Minister said that the said zones will be opened soon and that the necessary facilities are being prepared.

He noted that this measure is being taken to deal with the heavy tourist congestion reported at the Yala National Park.

Of the 100,000 hectares of the Yala National Park, only 25,000 hectares are open to tourists. It consists of 06 zones with 06 entrances. (Newswire)

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Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament of Sri Lanka.

According to a Parliament statement, MP Hasara Liyanage was elected as the Secretary of the Association.   

The appointments were made during the revival meeting of the Friendship Association held in Parliament recently (11 Mar).

The meeting took place under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, while the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam graced the occasion as the guest of honour.

Addressing the meeting, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne highlighted the strong bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, which have been established since 1970 and have grown steadily over the past 55 years. 

He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries has flourished in various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, and education. 

The Speaker reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthen its economic collaboration with Vietnam, which plays a key role in expanding trade and investment in the region. 

He also announced that a Parliamentary delegation from Vietnam, led by the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Nguyen Duc Hai is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka in March 2025.

 “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the delegation and engaging in fruitful discussions,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam described the revival of the association as a fresh start in bilateral relations between the two countries. 

She highlighted the potential of this platform to facilitate the sharing of experiences and knowledge on parliamentary activities and the lawmaking process, creating a vibrant space for dialogue and collaboration between the legislative bodies of both nations.

The newly elected president of the association, Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary engagement and fostering greater cooperation in areas such as trade, sustainable development, technology, and tourism. 

He expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador of Vietnam for her unwavering support in enhancing bilateral relations.

In her vote of thanks, the newly elected Secretary of the Association, MP Hasara Liyanage, thanked the Ambassador of Vietnam and the Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka for their guidance and support. 

She also stressed her commitment to working with other members of the Association to uphold its objectives and strengthen the ties between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, Members of Parliament and Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera were also present at this meeting. (Newswire)

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