New tourist zones to be opened in Yala National Park

Published

13 hours ago

May 16, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Environment has announced plans to open several new zones in the Yala National Park for tourists.

Minister of Environment – Dammika Patabendi mentioned that this decision was made in order to alleviate the heavy tourist congestion in the park.

According to him, a new zone named Arangamuwa will be opened, along with the reopening of the previously closed Zones 3 and 4.

The Minister further stated that the necessary facilities are currently being set up in these areas.

Yala National Park, which spans an area of 100,000 hectares, has opened about 25,000 hectares for tourism.

The park consists of 06 zones, with 06 entrances available for visitors.

2 injured in Kotahena shooting

Published

1 hour ago

May 16, 2025

editor

A man and a woman have been injured in a shooting incident in the Kotahena area this evening (May 16), police said.

Both victims were hospitalised for treatment.

Arrest warrant issued against Mahindananda

Published

1 hour ago

May 16, 2025

editor

An arrest warrant has been issued against former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage over the ongoing investigation into the importation of Chinese fertilizer.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court issued the warrant on a request by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), after Aluthgamage failed to appear before the Commission as summoned on May 14.

Earlier, on May 14, a motion seeking anticipatory bail on behalf of his counsel was filed with the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, requesting that the matter be taken up on May 16. The Magistrate ordered that the motion be heard on May 19.