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)

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Four individuals, including the driver of a private tourist vehicle, were arrested by wildlife officers inside Yala National Park for illegal conduct following a collision with a safari jeep on Friday (12).

According to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the group, who had been staying at the Lower Hentota Tourist Bungalow inside the national park, were taken into custody yesterday (14). 

Their vehicle had collided with a safari jeep near Yala junction, after which the driver and passengers allegedly got down inside the park and attempted to engage in a confrontation, an act prohibited within the protected area.

The department said that the suspects are scheduled to be produced before the Tissamaharama Magistrate’s Court today (15). (Newswire)

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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)

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Thirteen individuals have been taken into custody by wildlife officers for unauthorized gem mining within the Wasgamuwa National Park, according to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. 

Acting on intelligence received by the Assistant Director’s Office of Wildlife in Polonnaruwa, officers conducted raids along the park’s western boundary on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of this month.

The suspects had entered the protected area without permission and engaged in gem excavation. Wildlife officials carried out the arrests with strategic precision.

Entering a national park without authorization, damaging flora and fauna, or engaging in any form of human activity, including mineral extraction, is a punishable offence under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance. (Newswire)

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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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