Despite unauthorised motorcycle safaris at the Bundala National Park raising serious concerns regarding tourist safety, environmental preservation, and legal compliance, authorities have yet to take any effective action against these illegal operations, despite numerous warnings from environmental organisations. 

The Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) has reported the ongoing unregulated motorcycle tours being organised by local operators, highlighting the lack of response from authorities.

“We have written letters to the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) for the past three months, to which it also responded,” CEJ Chairperson Hemantha Withanage said. However, necessary action is yet to be taken.

Experts have warned that these unauthorised safaris pose significant risks to both tourists and wildlife. Withanage stressed that riding motorcycles through wildlife habitats, especially at night, was particularly dangerous. Unpredictable encounters with elephants and other wildlife can result in serious accidents for tourists.

The CEJ Chairperson further noted that these safaris could disrupt the ecosystem, as they may lead to the theft of small insects and negatively affect biodiversity. Additionally, he pointed out that these disturbances occurred during the animals’ resting periods, which disrupted not only birds but other wildlife as well.

“This is unequivocally illegal. No one is permitted to enter wildlife sanctuaries at night time. Immediate action from authorities is essential,” Withanage said.

DWC Acting Director General Ranjan Marasinghe told The Sunday Morning that incidents of this nature had been reported in multiple areas. Consequently, officers have been instructed to take appropriate legal action.