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Kaudulla National Park opens

by Florence Wickramage

The Kaudulla National Park in the Polonnaruwa district will be opened to the public today by Environment and Natural Resources Minister Rukman Senanayake.

The newest and Sri Lanka's 15th National Park was declared a Sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance in April this year. The historical Kaudulla Wewa is said to be built by a Princess during the reign of King Mahasen over six centuries ago. The Kaudulla Wewa and surrounding jungle area spanning over 6900 hectares has been brought under the sanctuary.

Rich in biodiversity, Kaudulla National Park has a dry and mixed vegetation and receives a yearly rainfall of 1150 millilitres. It is home to elephants, bears, sambur, deer, a range of reptile species and birds. The elephant population found in Kaudulla far exceeds those found in other National Parks. The water-birds frequenting the Gal Oya Wewa at the entrance to the park and the Kaudulla Wewa adds to the rich biodiversity in this area.

The Environment Ministry has drawn up plans to upgrade this National Park as a Model. Research and managerial experiences gained in administering the Park will be utilised in the management of other sanctuaries.

Research is in progress to collect scientific data on the rich biodiversity of the park for reference and future study. A programme has been launched by the Wildlife Department to ensure the protection of the Park and its wildlife. Work on the rehabilitation of the road network within the park has commenced.

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