Zones I and II of Ruhunu (Yala) National Park will be temporarily closed to all tourists from September 14 to October 15, 2026, due to the prevailing dry weather and high temperatures.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation said the decision was taken to protect wildlife and safeguard the park’s ecosystem during the severe drought period.
The closure follows instructions from Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody and the Ministry Secretary, as well as discussions led by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath with key tourism stakeholders, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and the Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL).
Yala, located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone, experiences severe drought conditions during September and October. The temporary closure is intended to reduce heat stress on wildlife during this period.
Authorities will continue providing water for animals affected by the drought, while natural tanks and ponds will also be restored. Maintenance work will be carried out on access roads and tourist facilities during the closure.
Only wildlife officers and staff will be permitted to enter Zones I and II, while some personnel will be deployed to support operations in the zones that remain open.
Zones III, IV, V and VI, which are less affected by the drought, will remain open to both local and foreign tourists.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation has also encouraged tourists to visit other national parks and nature destinations, including Udawalawe, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Wilpattu.
The closure period may be shortened or extended depending on future weather conditions, the department said.
Authorities have appealed to tourists and the public to support the measures taken to protect Sri Lanka’s wildlife resources.
