Better wildlife park management

THE Wildlife Department has reportedly rejected requests to add more safari jeeps to the Yala National Park fleet, citing threats to wildlife due to overcrowding.

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Around 500 jeeps are allowed into the park and operators have requested permission to include 175 additional vehicles. Wildlife authorities say the park has already exceeded its sustainable capacity and have denied the request.

This is the bitter truth. There are already too many jeeps inside Yala causing havoc, disturbing animals and making the entire safari experience an unpleasant one.

Sri Lanka is blessed with the best that nature can bestow on a land. From the climatic conditions to the unique fauna and flora, to the beautiful beaches, there is more than enough to satisfy the most discerning of visitors.

The latest statistics from Sri Lanka Tourism shows that the country welcomed its two millionth visitor for 2025 this week. It is welcome news that so many foreigners are eager to visit the island, but the country is facing a situation of over-tourism, where the authorities are eager to showcase impressive numbers but do little to make tourism sustainable.