Sri Lanka, Oct. 15 -- Sri Lanka's lucrative wildlife tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economic recovery, is facing a critical challenge of imbalance.

Blockbuster national parks such as Yala are straining under the pressure of over-visitation, while other parks with immense potential are hampered by lack of basic facilities, according to a review by the National Audit Office in the Department of Wildlife Conservation's (DWC) 2024 Performance Report.

This disparity not only threatens the delicate ecosystems of popular parks but also represents a significant missed opportunity for broader, more sustainable tourism growth across the island.

The economic stakes are high, with the DWC reporting a staggering tourism revenue of Rs. 8.815 b...