Yala National Park has been closed to visitors from today (1 March) until further notice due to inclement weather, park warden Manoj Vidyaratne announced.

The closure follows heavy rainfall over the past two days, which has caused flooding on several roads within the park and the collapse of some lake banks.

Vidyaratne stated that the adverse weather has created significant risks, prompting the decision to close the park for the safety of both wildlife and visitors.

As part of the closure, the Katagamuwa and Palatupana entrances to Yala Zone No. 1 have been shut.