The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority has implemented new regulations for wildlife tourism in the Yala National Park area, starting from 1st of January, 2024.
Only trained and certified safari jeep drivers will be permitted to enter the park, according to Dr. Sumit Pilapitiya, the chairman of the committee assigned to enhance the quality of wildlife tourism in Yala National Park.
The park authorities have been directed to scrutinize the ID cards issued by the Wildlife Conservation Department for drivers. Any driver without the requisite documents will not be allowed to enter the Yala region. Dr. Pilapitiya has assured that all relevant ID cards will be issued to drivers by tomorrow (30), ensuring a smooth implementation of the new system.
Dr. Pilapitiya also urged hotels to verify that safari drivers possess their identity cards before entering the Yala area. This measure is intended to prevent any inconvenience to tourists and to maintain the integrity of wildlife tourism in the region.
