The Department of Wildlife Conservation has temporarily shut down campsites at Kumana and Gal Oya national parks due to drought, with similar restrictions planned for Yala National Park in October.
Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife Conservation has implemented temporary closures at multiple national park facilities as the country faces severe drought conditions. The closures affect all five campsites at Kumana National Park, including Ada Kumbuka I and II, Gal Amuna, Heraligaskara, and Moyakata. Existing reservations at these locations have been cancelled, and the department has suspended further bookings until conditions improve.
Gal Oya National Park's campsites near the Hathpotha entrance have also been closed with similar cancellations of existing reservations. The department stated that tourists affected by these cancellations will be offered alternative dates for their visits once drought conditions ease.
The restrictions extend to Yala National Park, where tourist bungalows and campsites in Zones I and II will remain closed throughout October. The department will conduct a raffle draw on September 7, 2026, at its head office to allocate reopened facilities once conditions permit. Like the other parks, affected tourists will receive alternative booking dates.
These precautionary measures reflect concerns about water availability and environmental stress in these protected areas during the drought period. The Department of Wildlife Conservation indicated that all closures are temporary and facilities will resume operations once drought conditions subside and sufficient water resources are available to support both wildlife and tourist infrastructure.