Nov 27, Colombo: The Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera has made an inquiry with the wildlife officials regarding the people who went to the Yala National Park a few weeks ago and drove recklessly harassing the wild animals.
The Minister who participated in the opening of the Pahala Hentota Tourist House in Yala Park on the 25th, has inquired from the wildlife officials about the steps taken so far in connection with the incident.
The Yala wildlife officers have said that about 35 vehicles have participated in the visit and ninr vehicles were driven there recklessly, seven of which have already been taken into custody.
These seven vehicles are in the custody of the court.
The Minister advised the wildlife officers to take legal measures to seize the remaining two vehicles immediately.
Only about two-fifths of the total area of Yala National Park is currently open to local and foreign tourists. The Minister also instructed to open the rest of the parts for local and foreign tourists and to inquire into the possibility of opening Night Safari to see wild animals at night as a pilot project in one area and take steps to start those activities.