Vehicle congestion at national parks, particularly in Sri Lanka’s popular parks such as Yala, has become a growing concern with no concrete solution in sight despite numerous discussions. 

This issue not only affects the experience of visitors but also poses significant threats to wildlife and the natural environment. As the number of vehicles entering these parks continues to increase, so does the pressure on the delicate ecosystems, raising concerns among environmentalists.

To address this growing concern, several environmentalists have proposed potential solutions. 

Environmentalist and Centre for Environmental Justice (CEJ) Senior Adviser Hemantha Withanage emphasised the need for studies to determine the carrying capacity of parks, ensuring that the number of vehicles does not exceed what the park can accommodate without harming its biodiversity. 

Environmentalist and Environmental Foundation Ltd. Legal Adviser Dr. Jagath Gunawardana suggested reducing the number of vehicles allowed into national parks each day, proposing a vehicle service managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to carry a set number of passengers at a steady pace. 

Both experts agree that these solutions required strong regulatory measures and a shift in how the parks are managed, focusing on wildlife preservation over pure tourism revenue.

In addition, following a decision to increase the number of jeeps from 500 to 550 at the request of jeep drivers, CEJ Chairman Ravindranath Dabare has called for limiting the number of visitors to national parks in response to reports of overcrowding at the Yala National Park. 

However, the DWC stressed that reducing the number of vehicles was not a practical solution. 

Impact on animal biodiversity

Withanage pointed out that vehicle congestion was particularly problematic at the Yala National Park. He highlighted that at times vehicles completely blocked animal movement, causing a disturbance to species such as elephants and leopards. 

Another significant issue is the emissions from diesel vehicles, which release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, negatively impacting smaller animals such as birds.

Dr. Gunawardana emphasised that vehicle congestion disrupted the daily lives of animals. The presence of a large number of vehicles serves as a barrier for wildlife attempting to cross from one side of the park to the other. 

Additionally, he noted that high-speed vehicles often caused roadkills – a major problem in national parks.

“National parks exist for wild animals to roam freely, but certain vehicles that do not adhere to low speed limits are responsible for many animal deaths,” Dr. Gunawardana stated. He further stressed that this issue was most prevalent at the Yala National Park.

Withanage referenced African national parks such as those in Tanzania, where strict regulations were enforced. 

“They allow a limited number of vehicles per day with strict time limits. Some countries even permit only electric vehicles. Unfortunately, such practices do not exist here and there is a need for strong regulation,” he said.

Withanage noted that the Yala National Park faced a particularly severe problem during peak seasons, with more than 600 vehicles being allowed on certain days. “The number of vehicles must be reduced,” he concluded.

Potential solutions 

Withanage suggested that current solutions were often politically motivated rather than based on scientific research about the national parks’ carrying capacity. He advocated conducting studies to determine the appropriate number of vehicles the park could accommodate.

“National parks are not just tourist destinations; they are habitats for animals. When making decisions to generate revenue, we must consider the protection of animals and biodiversity for future generations,” Withanage said. 

He criticised the current practice of allowing double the park’s vehicle capacity, urging that daily vehicle limits should be enforced, taking inspiration from African national parks.

Dr. Gunawardana proposed reducing the number of vehicles allowed into national parks each day, suggesting the provision of a vehicle service managed by the DWC, where vehicles carry a set number of passengers at a steady pace throughout the park with stops for photography. 

However, he noted that this idea may not be feasible in Sri Lanka, where vehicle ownership at national parks was largely in the hands of private lobby groups. 

He proposed a hybrid solution of allowing a certain number of private vehicles while transporting the majority of visitors in buses. Additionally, he suggested charging a higher fee for private vehicles to discourage their use.

“Those who visit parks such as Yala or Wilpattu once a year should still have a fair chance to experience these sites. A luxury or comfortable bus service operated by the DWC could be the best option,” he concluded.

However, Dr. Gunawardana expressed doubts about the feasibility of these proposals in Sri Lanka given the country’s focus on appeasing public demand over protecting wildlife.

DWC stance

DWC Director General Chandana Sooriyabandara stated that no specific upper limit for vehicles had been set for any national park, although they had an idea of how many vehicles should be allowed. He explained: “We let vehicles enter the park based on this understanding.”

Sooriyabandara noted that the department had implemented measures to reduce congestion, including patrolling congested areas and opening lesser-used roads. 

“We have improved facilities along these roads to make them more accessible,” he added, noting that new roads had been opened at the Yala National Park to ease congestion.

He also pointed out that temporary regulations were in place, such as a two-hour silent period from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. when no vehicles were allowed on certain park roads.

“The issue of congestion primarily affects Yala; it is not as severe in other parks,” Sooriyabandara remarked. 

He argued that limiting the number of vehicles was not a practical solution and that the focus should instead be on improving surrounding and adjacent areas, which they were already engaging in. 

Sooriyabandara suggested that tourism should aim to divert visitors from congested areas to less crowded ones.

Strict measures to be implemented  

Meanwhile, speaking to The Sunday Morning, Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Chaminda Ranasinghe said that a proposal had been made for the establishment of a National Tourism Council (NTC) to address sustainability in tourism. 

The council will include representatives from the Central Cultural Fund and other relevant bodies. A Cabinet paper regarding this initiative is expected next week.

He emphasised the need for sustainability, particularly concerning animal behaviour in national parks. Pointing out that wildlife had exhibited more natural behaviour during the Covid-19 pandemic, he suggested implementing measures such as closing parks for five to six weeks during the off-season to allow for ecological recovery.

The Deputy Minister also discussed reducing vehicle congestion in national parks, suggesting strict controls on safari jeeps. While acknowledging that this fell under the purview of the DWC, he assured that the Ministry of Tourism would also play a role in regulating and implementing guidelines.

When asked if electric vehicles or a shared vehicle system could be part of the plan, he said: “There will be strict controls. For such suggestions, we will also need consultation. However, in the long run, we definitely have to adopt long-term sustainability approaches.”

Ranasinghe added: “When we establish the NTC, hopefully within the next month, chaired by the Minister of Tourism along with all other responsible bodies, we will take high-level decisions. 

“Strict measures will be implemented to allow natural growth and reproduction cycles, particularly considering the possibility of closing down parks for about six weeks during the off-season.”