SLTDA commences program to protect wildlife

In an attempt to mitigate the number of accidents taking the lives of wild animals along the Buttala- Sellakatharagama Road, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) took the initiative with the Department of Wildlife, Road Development Authority, Sri Lanka Police, and district and divisional secretaries to construct hoardings with messages for passengers to slow down their vehicles and be vigilant while driving as animals cross this road quite regularly.

The four hoardings are now visible for the new year between Gonaganaru and Sellakataragama. A pregnant leopard followed by a bear and elephant were victims but many other animals including reptiles may have been killed without being noticed.

The construction of hoardings is the first step and this would be followed by distribution of leaflets at both ends and educational barriers, according to Vipula Wanigasekera, Director General of the Tourism Development Authority.

“Sri Lanka is a country known for its hospitality, not only for humans but also for animals. The world’s first wildlife sanctuary was established in Sri Lanka with the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thero. These actions reflect the true feelings of Sri Lankans towards all beings which we need to convey to the outside world,” added Wanigasekera.