Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala National Park will be temporarily closed from 14 September due to heat stress affecting wildlife and wildlife officers amid prevailing high temperatures.

Additional Director General (Operations) of the Department of Wildlife Conservation Manjula Amararathna stated that water scarcity and high temperatures have severely affected animals.

He noted that the large number of safari jeeps operating inside the park under these conditions is also creating difficulties for wildlife officers.

Officials are monitoring conditions in other dry areas, including Mannar and the vicinity of Wilpattu National Park, and will take further action where necessary.