Butterfly thieves handed $200,000 fine-by Kelly Ng Two Italian men were arrested at Yala National Park after rangers found them with hundreds of protected insects Source:BBC An Italian father and his son have been fined 60 million Sri Lankan rupees ($200,000; £150,000) for trying to smuggle hundreds of endemic insects – including 92 species of butterflies – out of a safari park. Rangers at Yala National Park arrested Luigi Ferrari, 68, and his 28-year-old son Mattia on 8 May this year after they were found with jars containing the insects. The men had lured the insects with animal attractants and planned on using wax sachets to chemically preserve them, investigations show. They were convicted in early September of illegal collection, possession and transportation of the insects, and handed the highest-ever fine for wildlife crime in the country. One of the park rangers, K Sujeewa Nishantha, told BBC Sinhala that on ...

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A reservoir within two national parks-by MAHIL WIJESINGHE Source:Sundayobserver The conservation of the environment comprising its fauna and flora, becomes a vital necessity for its preservation of the ecology when a reservoir is constructed as a result of damming a river or Oya. Hence the concept of the creation of a national park came in the wake of damming the Kirindi Oya which resulted in the construction of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir in 1985/86 and the Weheragala reservoir damming the Menik Ganga in Yala Block V in 2009. The drive along the Kataragama-Buttala road is a wild one where nature’s inhabitants reign. The main road bisects the wilderness, thus Yala Block III is on the side of the park office and on the other side of the road Yala Block IV and V, where the entrance is with boards indicating, the Yala National Park, Lunugamvehera as well as Weheragala reservoirs. Walking ...

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When you visit Tissamaharama (Tissa) – By Harold Gunatillake Website:www.Doctorharold.com Yala is home to majestic creatures— playful elephants, elusive leopards, and a symphony of bird calls. Each sighting is a heart-pounding moment, a pure and profound connection with nature.” “Welcome back, adventurers! Today, we’re embarking on a thrilling journey to the wild heart of Sri Lanka—Yala National Park, a sanctuary where the jungle meets the ocean, and Tissamaharama, a town steeped in history and the gateway to Yala’s wilderness.” Our journey from Kandy to Ella, via the Victoria Dam Road through Badulla, was pleasant. We found solace in the comfortable embrace of the Oak Ray Gap Hotel, where we spent a restful night. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive to Tissamaharama, affectionately known as Tissa. While some may overlook this town, it’s the perfect staging ground for our safari, offering a glimpse into the local life and culture.” As ...

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The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage ( Pada Yathra ) – By Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna Source : Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna Linkedin The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka is an annual spiritual journey of Hindus which starting from Selvasannithi Temple in Jaffna and ending at the sacred Murugan temple in Katharagama. Pilgrims walk 400 of kilometers over several weeks, traveling through diverse landscapes. This pilgrimage is not just a religious event but also an opportunity to experience natural beauty and cultural diversity in Sri Lanka. Along the way, pilgrims pass through beautiful natural attractions like Kumana National Park, Yala National Park, Kudumbigala Sanctuary and Katagamuwa Sanctuary. Kumana National Park is known for its birdlife, including migratory birds, while Yala National Park is famous for its leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. This is the only opportunity to walk through Yala and Kumana National Parks. Okandamalei Temple is the starting point of the pilgrimage to ...

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Experience the magic of Yala in comfort and style Source:Sundaytimes Located on the edge of Yala National Park, Hilton Yala Resort offers unparalleled access to the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes that define this park. The Hotel has just announced a limited time offer that gives Sri Lankans and residents the opportunity to experience the magic of Yala in comfort and style. Priced from Rs. 120,000 per night for two people, the offer provides an unforgettable escape into the heart of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Yala National Park. There are safaris expertly guided by the resort’s Wildlife Rangers and a Junior Ranger Programme that offers young adventurers a world of fun and learning, where they can identify animal tracks and birds, discover fascinating facts about wildlife, and earn a special badge to commemorate their experience. ...

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eLanka Newsletter – 20th March 2023 – 6th Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter Photos from The Old Josephians’ Association of NSW – Feast, Mass and Social held on 16 March 2024 The Tollywood film stars in a Celebrity Cricket Carnival in Melbourne for the 1st time Champions in the T20 exhibition match. By CCC in Melbourne – sent by Johann Dias Jayasinha Microplastics have been discovered in the plaques that accumulate in the coronary arteries – By Dr Harold Gunatillake Rukrakaganno’s Ecological Reforestation Project in Singharaja Rainforest-by Michael Roberts Battle of the Saints” – Recap of Josephian-Peterite Encounters Looking after humble people in Estate Sector who were making our Economy strong – Sent by former Admiral Ravindra Chandrasiri Wijegunaratne – eLanka  Hans Van Culenburg: An All-Time Boxing hero – By Lawrence Machado Felicitas (Girla) Appathurai turns ...

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Memories left behind by former Yala National Park Ranger in Charge Travis Meynert – 1930s to 40s Source : photos.google Introduction by daugther Forrest Meynert Woodbury – Travice and Kathleen met when Kathleen was still in school. He was keen to marry her and they became engaged when she was about 16 and married in 1939, when she was 18 and Travice was 29. I think they went to live at Palutupana after the wedding. I was born 5 years later in 1944. At some time they moved to Hambantota because I remember living there when I was 2 years old. I also remember visiting Palutupana when I was 4, but only living there for a short time. We also visited Buttuwa, and Yala at that time. Some time later Dad joined the Forestry Dept and we lived in Elpitiya. Phil, my brother, was born in 1948 while we were still ...

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Save our Elephants – By Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne Source : island The killing and dismembering of the tusker in Block 3 of Yala National Park recently brought tears to the eyes of elephant lovers. This poor animal stayed within the boundaries, marked by us to say “you are safe here”, and was still killed with a single shot to the head by inhuman poachers operating within the National Park. Further his small tusks were removed using a chainsaw. The tail was also removed because its hair is in high demand. Why is this happening? Why can we not catch these culprits? We should do our best to stop these inhuman activities. Sri Lanka Army’s elite units can help the Wildlife Department in this effort. As a local saying goes, you never get fed with watching ‘Bali and Ali’. ‘Bali’ is a traditional dance form and ‘Ali’ are elephants. An elephant ...

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