Sri Lanka's Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation has shut Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala National Park to visitors until mid-October due to drought conditions driven by El Niño, with wildlife facing critical shortages of food and water.
The Department of Wildlife and Forest Conservation announced the temporary closure of Blocks 01 and 02 of Yala National Park to tourists effective 14 September, citing severe drought conditions affecting the park's animal populations. According to officials, the measure will remain in effect until 15 October. The Director General of the Department stated that the remaining zones will continue to accept visitors.
Yala National Park, which harbours 44 mammal species, 215 bird species, 47 reptile species, and 21 fish species, has been severely impacted by El Niño-driven heat this season. Multiple water sources within the park have dried up, while vegetation including trees and grasslands has withered, leaving wildlife facing acute shortages of both water and food. The closure is intended to minimise disturbances to animals during this critical period.
In response to the drought crisis, wildlife authorities have implemented emergency water management measures. Officials are operating solar-powered pumps to draw water from the Menik River and distribute it through underground pipelines into park ponds. Additionally, approximately 200,000 litres of water are being transported daily via bowsers to replenish both natural and artificial water sources within the park.