National parks of Sri Lanka

Today Sri Lanka is famous the world over for its numerous national parks such as Yala , Wilpattu ,Wasgamuwa and Horton Plains. However, the establishment of national parks and the conservation of wildlife in the country is not something that has its roots in the recent past. Do you know that Mihintale is considered as one of the first recorded wildlife and nature preserves in the world? It was established by King Devanampiyatissa way back in 247BC.

The king's deep-rooted concern for wildlife and the commitment to conservation is found in an inscription engraved on a stone slab at Anuradhapura’s majestic Ruwanveli dagoba.

(The construction of the dagoba is attributed to the 12th century King Kirthi Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa.) According to the inscription, the capture, killing or commercial trafficking of any animals, birds and fish within a radius of 7 gau from the city is forbidden.

Anyone who reads the ancient chronicle, the Mahavamsa will come across many references to royal protection and preservation of wildlife in it.

Wildlife is an important part of nature and has a direct impact on our lives too. It is therefore vital for us to protect the fauna and flora of this land by setting up special areas such as wildlife parks and nature reserves.

You must always learn to respect wildlife and protect the fauna and flora of your motherland. When you visit any of the national parks remember to obey the rules laid down by the wildlife authorities.

Today let's check the list of the areas designated as national parks in the country . We will feature more detailed information about the famous wildlife parks in future issues.

 The Department of Wild Life Conservation maintains 15 national parks totaling 8 per cent (approximately 2026 sq. miles/5248 sq. km) of the island’s total land area. You may have visited some of the more popular parks such as Yala and Wilpattu. However, do you know what the other parks are?

They are: Bundala National Park,the Flood Plains National Park, Gal Oya National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Kaudulla National Park, Lahugala Kithulana National Park, Lunugamvehera National Park, Madura Oya National Park, Minneriya National Park,Somawathiya Chaitiya National Park, Udawalawe National Park, Wasgomuwa National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Yala East National Park and Yala National Park.

Of these parks Yala and Wilpattu are two of the first parks to be designated so.Wilpattu National Park near Puttalam in the northwestern region of the country is the largest covering 131,693 hectares. It is well known for its leopard, bear and bird life. Other animals include spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalo, bear and migrant birds.

Ruhuna (Yala) National Park at the south eastern corner of the country, 288 km. from Colombo is the second largest with an area of 97,878 hectares. A wide range of wild animals including elephants, leopard, bear, sambur, spotted deer and a variety of birds including the jungle fowl and the peacock roam freely in this jungle.

Other national parks and sanctuaries include the famous Sinharaja Rain Forest which has been declared a World Heritage site, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage , and the Kumana Bird Sanctuary.