Cabinet approves regulations to protect tourism activities at Nildiya Pokuna

Thursday, 20 August 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the publication and promulgation of regulations governing tourism activities around Nildiya Pokuna in the Ravana Ella Sanctuary, under the provisions of the Wildlife and Flora Ordinance.

The decision follows a study and recommendations by a technical committee appointed to examine measures required to monitor and regulate tourism activities at the site.

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa told the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday that the regulations prepared based on the committee’s findings have also been examined and confirmed by the Legal Draftsman.

He said the new regulatory framework is expected to provide a formal mechanism for managing tourism activities at Nildiya Pokuna, while supporting efforts to conserve the unique natural environment of the Ravana Ella Sanctuary.

Nildiya Pokuna, located within an internal cave complex of the Ravana Ella Sanctuary in the Karandagolla Grama Niladhari Division of the Ella Divisional Secretariat Division in Badulla District, is considered a rare natural water source.

The site has gained considerable popularity among both local and foreign tourists because of its distinctive geographical and natural features. However, the increasing interest in the attraction has highlighted the need for formal measures to protect the sensitive environment surrounding the natural resource.