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| Friday, 12 March 2004 |
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Season begins Yala National Park income increases with more tourists by Irangika Range
The ongoing positive sign in tourist inflow has increased the income generated by Yala National Park. At present the income generated per week day is estimated at Rs. 400,000 while the weekends record an income of Rs. 600,000 per day. The percentage of tourists arrival saw a considerable increase this year compared to the previous year. The profit also showed a significant increase. This positive sign is attributed to the prevailing ceasefire agreement. An official attached to the administration said that due to the peace process they were able to reopen a section of the Park, (Block 2) which was closed for over two decades. This has drawn the attention of many. Local and foreign tourists visit to view this sight. "Yala National Park is located in 126,786 hectares of jungle and this is the best place to see Asian Elephants, leopards and bears," he said. According to sources, around 500 elephants, 40 leopards, bears, peacocks and jackals are the most famous animals occupying block one of Yala. "The Department of Wildlife Conservation plays an important role in protecting bio-diversity and thereby preserves Sri Lanka's popularity as the best eco-tourism destination" the official said. "We have prepared a strict set of rules to avoid disturbances to the lifestyle of animals. We have implemented certain procedures to eliminate poaching, use of liquor and cigarettes in the park" he said. "The Park can be visited via the town of Tissamaharama in the Hambantota District of the Southern Province. There is a five-star hotel (Yala Village), two four-star hotels (Brown Safari and Yala Safari) and eight park bungalows. Accommodation is available on the basis of early reservations with the Department of Wildlife Conservation. *************** Pahana Landa - an Eco Village with a difference by Richmond Wijesekera, Bentota group correspondent Confifi Group's Club Palm Garden Hotel, Beruwala opened their new mini Eco Village "Pahana Landa" located within the hotel premises. The village was opened by the Chairman of the Confifi Group Deshabandu M.T.A. Furkhan who arrived at the village gates on a traditional 'Bullock Cart' accompanied by the Managing Director Stefan Furkhan. Also present was Mrs. Christine Furkhan and Sheron Furkhan. The one acre "Pahana Landa" is a mini village designed to be totally self-sufficient and as its name suggests, blessed with an environment that's fresh, airy and full of light. For Club Palm Garden which has supported several environmentally-friendly projects in the past, the launching of this eco village serves as their own stepping stone towards the cause. 'Perawatte Para' the main roadway, leading to the village is so named for the abundance of Pera (guava) trees on either side. This main road can lead one through the entire village and various by-lanes. 'Puralla Osu Uyana' is Pahana Landa's medicine garden comprising a variety of over 106 medicinal plants, fruits and spices used for Ayurvedic health and beauty treatments. Kohomba, Komarika, Sandalwood and other rare plants famous for their medicinal value and healing powers are found in the Puralla Osu Uyana which occupies three quarter of an acre. 'Parithyaga Pela Thawana' is the Osu Uyana's plant nursery which is named after a place where plants were donated by villagers to passing visitors in traditional village times. In keeping with the age-old custom Club Palm Garden Plans to give out a 'Kohomba' as token gifts to every visitor to the village. Travelling through Puralla Osu Uyana, to the nearby "Para Pokuna' is an adventure in itself as this is where sea fish and lake fish are separated in village ponds. "Pela" an elevated place used by farmers to protect their crops and 'Pihilegedera' a small hut where farmers rest occasionally after a hard day's toil. Another place to wonder into is 'Priya Dasun Attalaya' suitable for sightseeing amidst a quiet ambience. Taking a step further towards improving the environment, Club Palm Garden functions their own bio waste recycling plant 'Pirihena Mandapaya' that is situated at the Eco Park. Making maximum use of natural resources, this plant diverts human waste and unclean water into a large opening called 'Pehediya Karanaya' where water is purified to generate oxygen for seawater fish and human waste is cleaned and dried in a tank to use as manure for plants. It is also used for cultivation of a mini paddy field 'Palle Kumbura' which has an innovative irrigation system. 'Peraneru Asuruma' is the separation area where all glass, plastic bottles, waste paper and metal are separated through a process and thereafter sold in bulk for recycling. There is also an open air classroom where visitors can be instructed on different aspects of the park. Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager, Club Palm Garden Hotel, Palitha Wijemanne said: It has been a long awaited dream which has finally come true. He thanked all Club Palm Garden Staff who were involved in this project. Assistant Manager Club Palm Garden Hotel Refhan Razeen said: We also plan to initiate a garbage free environment. This will include a Biogas unit and laboratory, which will be set up in schools to use excess amounts of compost as manure. In addition to this we will introduce a garbage bin to every unit of a school building. |
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