Wildlife sanctuaries to turn world class

Yasaratne Gamage and Amila Prabhat Wanasinghe

Wilpattu, the largest wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka got four bungalows and a fully equipped auditorium. Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister SM Chandrasena unveiled the renovated four villas and the newly built auditorium last Saturday.

The rich wildlife sanctuary was re-opened on February 27, 2010 after a three year closure. The reserve had been closed due to the Periodical terrorist attacks but with the end of the war, tourists have started visiting again, said Wilpattu wildlife sources.

The bungalows at Kokmote, Manawila, Panikkawila, and Thalawila which had been ruined several times under the heavy attacks from terrorists’ were renovated with the patronage of several organizations and a wildlife enthusiast have borne the cost of the new auditorium which is equipped with all electronic apparatus needed for presentations and the library. The reserve also has got 25 vehicles for visitors to go on safari. The Daily News learned that the library is of immense value for common visitors, students and researchers.

The wild life reserve sources further revealed that from February 27 this year they had 1,921 local visitors and 660 foreigners and hopefully looking forward welcome three times that number next year. The sources further added that there were plans to renovate the road system and office premises in 2011.Minister Chandrasena further said that President Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed him to upgrade at least five national nature parks to internationally recognized standards by 2013.

Yala and Wilpattu sanctuaries will be provided with star class accommodation plus a fleet of safari jeeps. We will set up a cadre of qualified and experienced tour guides which is an essential part of this trade.

The eco-tourism trade in some countries earn as much 25% of their total foreign income.

Sri Lanka is replete with natural scenic beauty, flora and fauna; so we should be able to utilize these resources to contribute to the national income in a substantial way. Foreign and local visitors will have all necessary facilities to make it a truly pleasant stay with comfortable log cabins, free water, electricity, gas and chef to cook for them.

All these features will combine to make nature holidays an unforgettable experience for all visitors through which the country will benefit by attracting more foreign exchange, the Minister said.