Yala National Park overcrowded again

- RARE Sri Lanka alleges that park’s conservation efforts undermined by political interference

-Yala Jeep Owners' Association alleges that decision was made under Minister Vijitha Herath’s administration following a request by jeep drivers

-Wildlife dept. head says decision made after discussion with suppliers and drivers

Colombo, December 13 (Daily Mirror) - A recent decision by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to increase the number of Safari jeeps to 550 into the Yala National Park has received backlash from animal rights activists who claim that the National Park is facing a threat of overcrowding and this is a violation of animal rights.

The department in a recent decision increased the number from 500-550 following a request by jeep drivers overruling a former decision to restrict the number of jeep drivers due to the disturbance and threat caused to animals.

RARE Sri Lanka, an animal rights advocacy organization has condemned the decision to increase the number of safari jeeps allowed into the Yala National Park, calling it a setback for wildlife conservation.

“The park, long plagued by overcrowding and reckless driving, had seen improvements thanks to a cap of 500 jeeps per session and driver training programmes,” RARE Sri Lanka pointed out.

However, RARE Sri Lanka alleged that just before the parliamentary election, a government minister reportedly pressured the Department of Wildlife Conservation to raise the cap to 575 jeeps, allegedly in exchange for support from jeep owners for the National People's Party (NPP).

“Despite warnings from the Department about the ecological risks, the change was implemented. This decision undermines years of hard work by conservationists, highlighting the harm to Yala’s iconic wildlife, including leopards, tuskers, and nesting birds. The organization urged an immediate reversal, emphasizing that political gains must not come at the cost of natural heritage,’ it stated.

Meanwhile, speaking to Daily Mirror, Wildlife Conservation Department Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara said the decision was taken following numerous requests by the jeep drivers and suppliers.

“The decision was reached after reviewing the necessity to implement such a decision and not according to whims and fancies of anyone else,” he said.

“These are not new drivers who have been allowed. But the number has been increased from the existing capacity,” Sooriyabandara added.

Meanwhile, Yala Jeep Owners' Association President Ajith Priyantha told Daily Mirror the decision was taken under the administration of Vijitha Herath, who held a number of ministries including the Ministry of Wildlife for a short period of time.