New entrance to Yala will attract more visitors

M. Nelson PIYARATNE - Kataragama Group Corr.

Wild Life Conservation and Agrarian Services Minister S.M. Chandrasena told that a system would be set up using pipes to fill tanks with water inside Yala jungle in the drought season so that the wild animals could be prevented from entering villages.

The minister expressed this idea on Sunday (4) at the occasion of reopening Katagamuwa entrance after four years. This entrance is situated 12 Kilometres away from Kataragama and it is a big advantage for the pilgrims visiting Yala as this entrance save their time and money.

The minister said that Yala is only second to national parks in Africa and he hopes to develop this to the international standard so that many local and foreign tourists could be attracted. Wild Life Conservation Director General H.D. Ratnayake said that so far there was only Palatupana entrance to visit block No.1 and as a result there was big traffic jam and it was a hindrance for the wild animals and the visitor had a limited time to see the animals. This problem will be solved with the reopening of new entrance.

Incumbent of Situlpawwa ancient temple, Ven. Mataramba Hemaratane requested from the minister to protect archaeological remains, wild animals and the environment from the poachers,timber racketeers and Ganja cultivators.

Sri Lankan ambassador in Maldives Dickson Dela, Chairman of Kataragama Pradeshiya Saba Chanaka Amil Rangana, Assistant Director of Southern Zone A.H. Sumanasena, Warden of Yala national park W.A.A.D.U. Indrajith also participated at this occasion.