Sri Lanka’s Conservation Gem Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938 and later designated as a national park on August 12, 1997. The park’s main objective is to protect the Minneriya tank catchment area and the surrounding wildlife. King Mahasen built the tank in the third century AD, giving it significant historical value. During the dry season, the park serves as a feeding ground for elephants living in the forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. Minneriya, along with Kaudulla and Girithale, is also one of Sri Lanka’s 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
Elephant Haven and Tourist Attraction.
The region is located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone and receives between 1,500 and 2,000 millimeters of rainfall each year. The northeast monsoon season lasts from October to January, while the dry season is from May to September. During the dry season, the park’s grass fields on the reservoir’s edges attract a large number of Sri Lankan elephants. The Minneriya tank houses a large elephant herd, with approximately 150-200 individuals, although some reports suggest that the number could be as high as 700. These elephants migrate from the Wasgamuwa National Park and take advantage of the park’s forest’s food and shelter. Tourists flock to Minneriya, particularly during the dry season, to see the elephants. In fact, the park generated Rs. 10.7 million in revenue in the six months ending in August 2009, owing to its popularity with tourists.
