Govt. to reopen all zoological, national parks on 15 June

Thursday, 11 June 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Government yesterday said all zoological and national parks will reopen from 15 June, after they were closed since March as part of measures to counter the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“All zoological gardens, forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and botanical gardens across the country would be reopened for both local and foreign tourists from next Monday,” Wildlife Resources Minister S.M. Chandrasena said.

He assured the re-opening move was whilst adhering to the guidelines issued by the health and security authorities.

“Already steps have been taken to ensure the health and safety measures at all the national parks visiting them. The maintenance of the parks and feeding of the animals will also be carried out following the guidelines by relevant authorities,” the Minister added.

He also pointed out that the closure of these tourist hotspots had incurred a massive loss to the Government coffers with no income during the past three months.

“The Treasury had to incur a colossal loss following the closure of these national parks, which generate an annual income of Rs. 7,000 million,” Chandrasena said.