Sigiriya climb only up to 'Lion's feet'

Matale district group corr.

The Central Cultural Fund has decided to suspend climbing beyond the Sinhapada (Lion's feet) in Sigiriya due to the increasing number of hornet attacks on tourists.

The suspension will continue till August 31. Tourists have been attacked by hornets five times this month when they were climbing Sigiriya.

Over 500 tourists have been stung by hornets and hospitalized this month alone.

The Central Cultural Fund introduced a coat system for tourists to be protected from hornets.

It was also found to be not successful, according to officials.