Sri Lanka’s first-ever bee park was officially inaugurated at BLESS Nature Park in Viharagama, Bingiriya, near the historic Bingiriya Devagiri Rajamaha Viharaya.
The opening ceremony took place on May 18 under the patronage of Ven. Padiwela Soratha Thero, Chairman of the BLESS Nature Park Management Board and Incumbent of the Rajamaha Viharaya.
The event was also attended by Mr. Tissa Bandara, Secretary of the Bingusampatha Protection Organization, and Mr. Lakmal Wickramarachchi, Secretary of the BLESS Nature Park Management Board and Non-Official Magistrate.
The bee park was launched with the goal of making Sri Lanka self-sufficient in honey production by promoting scientific and sustainable beekeeping practices. Given the current reliance on imported honey, the park aims to serve as a hub for training and educating both amateur and professional beekeepers.
The initiative will be implemented in the following three phases:
1.Clay pots will be installed on trees across the forest to attract bees.
2.Bees will be nurtured and acclimated to the environment.
3.Breeding and conservation efforts will follow, supported by the park’s rich biodiversity and native flora.
The park is expected to become a vital resource for the agricultural sector, offering technical knowledge, training programs, equipment, and educational materials. In the long term, it is also envisioned as a unique eco-tourism destination for both local and international visitors.
