Dry spell experienced in Wilpattu and Yala sanctuaries

• Waterholes and ponds are being filled with bowser loads of water
• Grasslands in the national park had been parched 

By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe and Sanath Gamage   

Wild animals in the Wilpattu and Yala National Parks have a fair share of the prevailing dry weather ravaging through several districts in the country.   

Park Warden of the Wilpattu National Park Suranga Senanayake said all natural water resources in the national park had run dry and that steps have been taken to fill the waterholes and ponds with bowser loads of water.   
He pointed out that grasslands in the national park had been parched up and that it was a matter of serious concern to protect animals feeding on grass. He said the animals were searching for food and water and often frequented the banks of Kalaoya and Modagamaru. The Wildlife Conservator said Wilpattu National Park the largest in the country, was 131,690 hectares in extent and bounded by Anuradhapura, Mannar and Puttalam districts.   

A senior Wildlife Conservator in Hambantota said a skeletal water supply was being provided to the national park by bowsers and by pumping water from Menikganga to fill waterholes, ponds and lakes in the national park. 

• Animals frequented the banks of Kalaoya and Modagamaru in search of food and water