Wildlife Department to increase income

M.Nelson PIYARATNE, Kataragama Group

The wildlife department aims to increase its income to Rs 2.5 million at the end of this year.

Minister S.M.Chandrasena

The annual income of the department for 2010 was Rs.1.9 million. The department has recorded Rs.1.3 million within five months of this year, Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S.M.Chandrasena said. He was addressing the media on Sunday during a visit to Yala block three and four.

The minister said it is decided to open up a road to Kebilittha Devalaya from Galge entrance from where the shrine is accessible covering a short distance of 35 kilometres. The influx of tourists has increased by 150 percent after the war. During the war, the people couldn't visit block two of Yala. The ministry will construct 10 safari bungalows and 10 tented camps to provide additional facilities for tourists, the minister said. The ministry will start a package system for five days to enable tourists to visit Yala, Bundala, Lunugamvehera, Udawalawa, Lahugala, Kumana and Ekkagaloya national parks.

In charge of Yala and Bundala sanctuaries and Assistant Wild Life Director of the Southern Province A.H.Sumanasena, Game Warden of Block three and four of Yala, W.M.P.Edirisinghe, Game Warden of Yala W.A.A.D.U.Indrajith also participated in the tour.