World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Yala National Park restricts access to two main blocks
Wildlife authorities have temporarily closed Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala National Park to visitors. The measure has been implemented to manage access to the country's most visited wildlife sanctuary.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Yala National Park's Block 1 and Block 2 have been closed to public entry effective immediately, according to announcements from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The two blocks represent significant portions of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destination, located in the Eastern Province.
The temporary closure affects the most frequented areas of the national park, which attracts thousands of visitors annually seeking to observe elephants, leopards, and other indigenous fauna in their natural habitat. The restriction is expected to impact tourist itineraries and safari bookings in the coming weeks.
Authorities have not specified a timeline for when public access will resume to the affected blocks. The Department of Wildlife Conservation cited operational and management reasons for the decision, though detailed justifications remain limited.
Visitors are advised to contact the park authorities directly for updated information regarding access to other operational sections of Yala National Park. Alternative wildlife viewing destinations remain available at other protected areas throughout Sri Lanka's network of national parks.