New security arrangements at Yala

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

New security arrangements have been made at the Yala National Park following Tuesday’s attack on the park’s Thalgas Mankada area by the LTTE.

Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka said yesterday security arrangements were made following discussions with the Security Forces.

“We have discussed measures to protect the park and stepped up action to clear it from LTTE presence,” the Minister said.

“The park will open to the public and tourists shortly,” he said.

Explaining the situation at Yala, Ranawaka said the area was being cleared by the Security Forces.

Many terrorists have fled the area after the initial security set up.

The Minister said it would be necessary for the park’s protection to block all kinds of possibilities so as to prevent any potential infiltration by the terrorists.

“We will open the park once its security has been ensured by the Security Forces,” he said and added this would not take long.