Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for affordable ticketing systems at tourist attractions and expanded veterinary services to ease congestion at national parks while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has proposed introducing reduced-cost tickets for tourist destinations as a means to distribute visitor pressure across a broader range of attractions while supporting the development of underutilized tourism sites. Speaking at the Parliamentary Caucus on Climate Change, Premadasa suggested that an affordable ticketing structure could encourage travelers to explore lesser-known destinations, thereby alleviating the congestion currently experienced at popular wildlife parks.

Premadasa highlighted significant staffing shortages within the Department of Wildlife Conservation, particularly among veterinary professionals. He noted that the department currently employs 17 veterinary surgeons against a required complement of 33, a deficit that has persisted for decades. According to Premadasa, these specialists are essential for managing human-wildlife conflicts and providing medical care to animals including elephants and leopards, yet they lack adequate legal standing and authority under existing wildlife protection legislation.

The Opposition Leader called for enhanced integration of wildlife veterinarians into departmental structures, coupled with improved career progression opportunities. He further advocated for strengthening the overall workforce of the wildlife authority to better support officers who manage conflicts occurring both within and outside protected areas around the clock.

Additionally, Premadasa proposed seasonal dredging operations to remove silt accumulation from water reservoirs located within national parks during dry periods, with the aim of expanding water retention capacity. He cited current water shortages affecting Yala National Park, where authorities have resorted to transporting water via bowsers to supplement depleted sources.