The Department of Wildlife Conservation has launched an emergency operation to provide water to wildlife at Kumana National Park, where natural water sources have dried up due to severe dry weather.
The 35,664-hectare park’s tanks and springs have largely dried up, prompting authorities to fill artificial concrete ponds using water bowsers to prevent wildlife fatalities.
Twenty concrete ponds located along the main road from the park headquarters to Kuda Kabiliththa and at other locations are being refilled every four days. Each pond requires between 5,000 and 10,000 litres of water.
Water is also supplied to two mud wallows through a pipeline system connected to tube wells. The wallows are mainly used by wild boars, deer and buffalo, while other animals obtain water from the concrete ponds.
The Kumbukkan Oya, which forms the park’s southern boundary, is also drying up. Wildlife searching for water has been gathering near the Kumbukkan Oya lagoon, prompting authorities to close four nearby campsites as a precaution due to silting and stagnant water.
Despite the dry conditions, local and foreign tourists continue to visit the park to observe and photograph wildlife, including birds, leopards and bears.
Kumana National Park generated Rs. 24.1 million in revenue in July and Rs. 28.9 million in August. Deputy Director of Wildlife for the Eastern Province H. P. Wickramathilaka said the park earned more than Rs. 92 million between January and the end of August.
Wildlife officers are conducting regular daytime and nighttime patrols and inspections to monitor the health and safety of animals within the park.
