Sri Lanka, Sept. 14 -- The Wildlife and Forest Conservation Department has temporarily closed Blocks 1 and 2 of the Yala National Park to tourists from today (14) due to the prevailing dry weather conditions.

The closure will remain in effect for one month, until October 15, as authorities seek to minimise disturbances to wildlife struggling to find food and water amid the severe drought.

Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 bird species, 47 reptile species and 21 fish species. The park generally attracts the highest number of tourists between August and March. However, this year's tourist season has been severely affected by the El Nino weather phenomenon.

The prolonged hot and dry conditions have caused several w...