Private vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the Yala National Park without a guide from the Department of Wildlife.
Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation told News 1st that this decision is temporary and will be in effect until the investigation on the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park is complete.
He said that the Department of Wildlife will report the matter to the Tissamaharama Court to institute necessary legal action.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation is conducting its own investigation on the six tour guides, and one forest ranger who were present at the time of the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park.
A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty, and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.
The matter was also raised during Wednesday’s (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena. the Cabinet Spokesperson said that the President instructed the security forces to conduct an investigation impartially and to penalize those accountable.
Over 100 off-road enthusiasts in 33 jeeps entered the Yala National Park on Saturday, 22nd October and performed various manoeuvres that caused harm to the wildlife.
Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.