While Sri Lanka has made strides in attracting tourists from around the globe, it seems that ethical considerations and environmental responsibility often fall by the wayside. The recent opening of a hotel in Yala is a stark example of this disconcerting trend.

The hotel in question boasts a unique feature – an ‘elephant trail’ that invites guests to come face to face with these magnificent creatures. While this may sound like an idyllic experience, it is anything but, and reveals a troubling pattern of prioritising profit over ethics and the environment.

Sri Lanka has a painful history of human-elephant conflict, with frequent elephant deaths and tragic incidents where these majestic animals have killed people. This begs the question: why would anyone in their right mind decide to build a hotel in the heart of an elephant habitat? Have we learned nothing from our past mistakes?

It is evident that, in our relentless pursuit of tourist dollars, Sri Lanka often loses sight of the principles that should govern responsible tourism. Ethics, environmental sustainability, and the wellbeing of the local communities should be at the forefront of any tourism initiative.

One cannot help but wonder how this hotel project received approval from the authorities. Did anyone bother to consider the potential consequences of placing a hotel in such close proximity to elephants? Did anyone evaluate the environmental impact? Or was the allure of short-term economic gain too enticing to resist?

What’s most concerning is that this is not an isolated incident. Sri Lanka’s approach to development often seems hasty and poorly thought out. We forge ahead with projects, be it hotels, resorts, or industrial ventures, without due diligence or consideration for the environment and local communities.

In this race for progress, we overlook the delicate balance of our ecosystems, the preservation of our wildlife, and the ethical treatment of animals. Our national parks and wildlife sanctuaries should be havens for biodiversity, not exploited for profit.

It’s time for Sri Lanka to wake up and realise that we can’t put a price tag on our ethical and environmental responsibilities. Tourists come to our shores not just for the scenic beauty but for the unique experience of connecting with nature in a responsible and ethical manner.

The authorities must take a more proactive role in evaluating and approving such projects. Environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and adherence to international ethical standards should be non-negotiable prerequisites for any development initiative.

We have a moral obligation to protect our environment, our wildlife, and our people. The recent hotel in Yala serves as a stark reminder that we are failing in this regard. It is high time we shifted our focus from short-term gains to long-term sustainability and ethical tourism. Our nation’s reputation, our environment, and our future generations deserve nothing less.