SLAITO releases detailed report on how to tackle Yala over-visitation issue

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) has produced a detailed report on how to optimally manage the issue of over-visitation to the Yala National Park and protect the interests of all stakeholders. 

The report was recently handed over to Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Anaratunga and Sustainable Development and Wildlife Minister Gamini Jayawickrema Perera.

This report ascertains how the national park impacts various stakeholders and analyzes economic and environmental benefits that accrue to these stakeholders. Finally, it suggests an equitable balance based on established sustainable development principles and guidelines. 

Curtailing the entry of vehicles to the Yala National Park to minimise the impact of tourists on the environment deprives many local stakeholders of their livelihoods, but short periods of increased visitation will do no major harm to the environment and wild life, provided wild life viewing is done in a strict and responsible manner following the park rules. The report notes that while Yala National Park is a valuable national asset and should be nurtured for future generations, at the same time, the park supports a great many people and their livelihoods.

SLAITO is committed to exploring solutions that preserve the park while sustaining the industry. 

A new token system in place which involves the physical purchase of tickets from the park by queuing up in the early hours of the morning is in place. 

SLAITO said they discussed this matter at length with the ministers and the representatives of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), who were extremely corporative and are now in a dialogue with SLAITO to resolve this matter. 

Apart from the proposals in the report, SLAITO believes in training the drivers on how to sustain the park, which is their only livelihood. It is also recommended that appropriate penalties and suspensions of drivers who do not abide by the park rules are enforced.

Going ahead, Minister Jayawickrema Perera, requested SLAITO representation on the Advisory Committee on Wildlife Conservation in order to advice and give suggestions to uplift Wildlife Conservation from a tourism point of view. 

SLAITO said as a responsible body representing the formal sector of inbound tourism in Sri Lanka, they are very keen to partner the DWC in implementing proposals in the report.