First Safari Park at Ridiyagama

Uditha KUMARASINGHE and Irangika RANGE

The first wildlife safari park and botanical bio-diversity conservation garden of over 500 acres will be set up in Ridiyagama, Hambantota.

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 1.6 billion while the work on the park to be named Lion Safari park will start immediately, Chief Government Whip and Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene told Parliament. He presented a Rs. 50 million supplementary estimate to initiate the project.

The Safari Wildlife Park will feature wildlife conservation and breeding under the direction of zoologists and wildlife men especially of endangered endemic species and will also be in close proximity to the Bundala bird sanctuary and hot water springs at Madunagala as well as the new botanical gardens at Mirijjawila.

The park will also be home to Sri Lankan wild animals that would be brought from other parts of the country and released into it for natural progeny to take place but under the overview of the zoologists the Chief Government, Whip Minister Dinesh Gunawardene said presenting the supplementary estimate on behalf of Sports and Public Recreation Minister Gamini Lokuge.

Since the Lion Safari Park will be located in close proximity to the Internal Airport and the Hambantota port it will be easily accessible to tourists and in addition a research centre for naturalists and students would also be a part of the park and a special enclosure for tourists to view wildlife in their natural habitat will be one of the main features, the Minister said.

All constructions in the project will be handled by the State Engineering Corporation and it would bring direct and indirect benefits to the people of the South while attracting tourists to earn foreign exchange.

As the key objectives of this Lion Safari Park, it would initiate conservation and breeding programs and maintaining the bio-diversity of secluded animals through program of releasing Sri Lankan animal species to forests.

An educational and research centre will also be established in respect of endangered animal species and encouraging research in collaboration with local and international agencies.

Action will also be taken to set up a suitable area for spectators within the park premises to spend a day out with entertainment activities.

The project will provide additional sources of income and foreign exchange to the country through the development of eco-tourism.