The Wildlife Department has rejected requests to add more safari jeeps to the Yala National Park fleet, citing significant threats to wildlife due to overcrowding.

Currently, approximately 500 jeeps operate inside the park, and operators had sought permission to include an additional 175 vehicles.

Wildlife officials advised against the expansion, warning that increased vehicle activity could cause significant disturbance to the animals. 

Authorities emphasized that the park has already exceeded its sustainable capacity, and accommodating new entrants would necessitate reducing the number of existing operators.