Sri Lanka’s national wildlife sanctuaries are witnessing a surge in visitors following the restoration of peace in the country, Director of

Wildlife Operations, H. D. Ratnayake said.

He said the school holidays have also contributed in a big way to the huge turnout of visitors to Yala, Bundala, Uda Walawe, Minneriya, Tabbowa, Horton Plains, Wilpattu and Wasgomuwa national sanctuaries.

"There are also nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts amongst the visitors", he said. "They are bringing millions of rupees as revenue to the Government".

He said that following the instructions of Minister of Environment Champika Ranawaka, the Director General of Wildlife has taken action to reclaim the bungalows in the Yala Sanctuary from the army and naval personnel who are occupying them.

These bungalows will be repaired and refurbished for the use of foreign and domestic tourists who have already started turning up in large numbers.

The bungalows are situated within the Yala sanctuary at scenic locations where wild animals are known to haunt such as Old Butthawa, New Butthawa, Mahaseelawa, Warahena, Talgasmankada and Ondachi Madam. Some of them are in a state of disrepair at present.

Ratnayake said that there are five bungalows in the Yala, three in Wasgomuwa, five in Uda Walawe, one in Anganmadilla and three in Horton Plains.