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Improving facilities at Ruhuna National Park

by Palitha Samarakoon

Sri Lanka is yet very rich in fauna and flora despite the battering she has received by way of so many anti-environment activities. Even if large forestry programs are not undertaken, the present tree cover is adequate if conserved and managed properly. Of course a bit of dressing in the way of Avenue Planting, Landscaping is necessary.

For example, if we have a plan to plant all our road sides after widening it will be wonderful. This, one sees done all over the world. Ours is mostly confined to an Environment Day or some function with no after care.

The Forest Department can continue their Timber Plantations and Fuel Wood not touching the indigenous Forest. The Forest will look after herself if not interfered with. This is conservation, the golden rule in Environment.

Conserve first and then do whatever other planting necessary. Our fore-fathers were great conservationists. Speaking boastfully of the past is un-productive. Let us look at the future and now. We have so much to show the world and make revenue off it. Tourism! Tourism the honourable way.

Some African countries are totally dependent on their wildlife, their main income. We can boast of more than most. The distance to a game park from the airport is so little compared to other countries thus being more cost effective and time saving.

For a country of this size to have so many Sanctuaries and Parks with such a diversity of fauna and flora is unique.

Also, to mention the ocean and her sea life. We are truly blessed with Nature! I must also mention apart from the Nature Parks, the other beautifully sites like those in the Mahaweli Systems.

Kalawewa, Aukana, Sesesuwa, Walawe, Welikande, Kotmale to name just a few. To limit these sites to a few circuit bungalows to be enjoyed by a chosen few and envied by many others is not the answer.

Little villagers low cost by tank catchments etc. can come up with the Private Sector participation to give the middle class also a chance to enjoy nature with their families.

The Ministry of Environment has a huge task in this direction to satisfy and Environment thirsty population.

Of the sanctuaries we have Yala or the Ruhuna National Park which stands out in popularity located deep South about 175 miles from Colombo.

I have often wondered why I consider Yala so special. Could be the terrain, the patches of grass, the water hole locations the sea on one side with the possibility of seeing an elephant on the beach and of course the Menik Ganga flowing through to the sea with the giant 'Kumbuk' trees on the sides.

Also, her location fairly close to the other Sanctuaries like Boondala, Situlpahuwa and Lunugamwehera. The entrance from the Kirinda turn-off is also very attractive with the salt-urns and bird life. A good build up preparing the visitor for what they may see inside the park. Adventure!!

My very recent visit to Yala prompted me to write this article to draw the attention of the Minister of Environment, A.H.M. Fowzi and the staff of the Department of Wildlife for yet a better Yala.

Our vision should be huge and the objectives clearly understood not just maintaining the park or parks as good old Yala or Wilpattu. People are under great stress today. Especially, the young. These are some of the excellent outlets we have for relaxation that should further improve very fast.

I am sure the Minister will take notice of my article for early action. Yala comprising five blocks is in total 103,882 Ha. The animal concentration is mostly in Block 1 where we normally visit. The other blocks are not so well developed in infrastructure that is water holes etc. for a better concentration of animals.

Having visited a few Game Parks in East and South Africa, the vegetation we have in our parks is beyond a match to those in Africa. We have such a rich variety of Fauna and Flora.

I am told that foreigners who visit our parks are often content enjoying the greenery and the bio-diversity alone even if they see no animals. A rough count of some of the animals in Block 1 is given below:

Elephants 200 (of course they are great loafers), Tuskers - 8, bear - 30, leopard 40, spotted deer 15,000, Sambur 300, jungle fowl 300, wild buffalos - 1,000-1,500 (mostly semi wild), crocks - 200, P-fowls - 1,500, including other numerous species of birds.

To improve Yala my suggestions are that the entrance road from the Kirinda turn off to be made more attractive. Mind you not over doing it, but with a few more boards either about Yala, her animals, verses on environment etc.

A child's mind especially would register all this to be embodied for ever in his or her memory and that child with that background may grow to a fine environmental list some day to be an asset to the country. We need that category more and more, if this country is to preserve her natural beauty and an environment conscious population.

Then a facelift to the entrance. Nothing new do I see. People like to see a change for the better. Of course any change should be appropriate.

A few tamed animals loitering around to be petted would be attractive and entertaining. There are two female Sambur I now see. A good change. Addition of indigenous flowering trees like Ehela, Kaha-Maa would help.

All old vehicles lying around should go to a yard and the lawns well trimmed, the entire compound including those areas of the staff quarters. The quarters should be better maintained and also, reliable vehicles are a must.

As seen in the Singapore zoo an arrangement should be made to present Yala to the visitor in a visitor's room with audio visual facilities either at the press of a button or by a Public Relations Officer (for big groups) an introduction of the park with relevant data.

Souvenirs, Trinkets can be sold even encouraging villagers to participate in their little thatched huts in an organised fitting manner. Brochures included. I am informed that the Department of Wildlife has made arrangements for the brochures. Adequate stocks must be at the park.

The canteen is of a poor standard. A better presentation with open sitting as well would add to the parcel. The present Warden, Sunimal Tissera with whom I have worked in gazetting the Kahalla-Pallekele Sanctuary has already thought of a cassette to be played to the visitors. Well done! An improvement.

Guides have no uniform. I am not suggesting a drab Kahki shirt, but at least a smart T-shirt with Yala on it. These are the people who could really market Yala to the visitor. Also decent footwear, may be sandals. At times I have found the trackers tired and not very communicative.

May be he had done two or three rounds before and needs a rest. A better roster have to be looked into.

The Park Officers are now adequately experienced to know their peak days and the lull and be prepared accordingly.

Roads need immediate attention. In case of an elephant charging a quick get away at times is not possible! I am not suggesting a Galle Road!

Some of the sign boards need a fresh coat of paint and some places with no boards at all. An annual program for maintenance is vital. Maintenance should be regular and planned.

In general, I have always found the staff cordial and accommodating, but we have to always look for areas to improve. Improvement is a continuous process.

All what is spoken depends on a budget. I am informed of a very good gate, but I wonder what budgets are approved finally.

At least 75 per cent of the income should be re-invested in the park. If other parks do not bring a good gate efforts must be made to make them effective and if necessary a little support from the Treasury till she stands on her own feet.

The park warden should be given this challenge and targets. This means that a Warden should be at a station for three years minimum, four years would be better. These parks of ours are National Treasures to be passed from generation to generation and not to be abused by one generation.

Very soon the days will come where one will see a 'Palu' or a 'Weera' tree only in the parks!! The elephant will also meet this fate. So, if the parks are not maintained it will only be on the black boards in schools for the young.

May I also draw the attention of authorities to the problem of 'Palu' trees dying in Boondala. It is disastrous. Trust this is now diagnosed and remedied. Finally, I have always found the Wildlife Staff an excellent lot and now with a Minister who means business, I am sure the future for our Wildlife will be bright.

(The writer a Consultant to the Mahaweli Authority in Forestry and Environment started as a tea planter, joined Mahaweli in 1978, pioneered the Forestry and Environment Program for all Mahaweli Systems in 1981. In all 12 million indigenous trees were planted 100 per cent successfully and these trees today are over 20' tall bearing fruit, shade, ornament and herbal values to mankind and beast.

The landscaping of Kalawewa with a mini zoo was also his effort. The adventure planting in Wayamba 240 miles of it is a similar project done when he was the Executive Director for the Wayamba Provincial Council. He now supervises the Forestry Program from Suriyawewa to the Hambantota which is the 100' road, again a similar project by the Mahaweli Authority.)

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