Wilpattu Opened For Public
Wilpattu National Park was opened for the public by
the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources
Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka on the 27th of February 2010.
The park was closed for several times due to the terrorism activities carried out by the LTTE. Known for its rich History and Archeology the park was declared as a sanctuary in 1905. The park was closed in 1985 due to the killings of 23 park officials inside the park by the LTTE. During the ceasefire agreement the park was opened from 2003-2007.
Minister for Environment and Natural Resources Hon. Patali Champika Ranawaka stated that opening of the national park is a good solution to bring down the Human-Elephant conflict in the North Western Region in Sri Lanka. He further said that 23% of the forestry areas in Sri Lanka is protected so far. Wilpattu national park is also a homeland for 623 species of flora and 378 species of Fauna. A survey on Wilpattu was also presented to the Minister Ranawaka by the IUCN during the session. Meanwhile Wild Life conservation stated that steps have been taken to prevent further developments of a 35km road which goes through the park.