Round the clock patrolling in Wilpattu

Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Additional District Group Corr

A round the clock patrolling service comprising army commandos and wildlife rangers has been started parallal to the Wilpattu national sanctuary upgrading programme. The move will curb poaching, unlawful timber rackets and protect ancient monuments of archaeological, historical and religious importance in the Wilpattu sanctuary and the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, tourism promotional programme is underway at Wilpattu.

According to Wildlife Department sources, new tourist bungalows are being constructed at Mahawewa, Weewala, Lunuwewa and Manikkapolauttu. A visitors’ dormitory with hall accommodation for 100 persons is also under construction at Maradanmaduwa.

A programme has been initiated to construct 100 kilometres of the interior road network in addition to rehabilitating 50 kms of dilapidated road ways to Wilpattu. The Wildlife Department has taken measures to revive the Mahakanadarawa sanctuary.