Sri Lanka, Sept. 8 -- Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala National Park will close for visitors for one month from September 14 to October 15.

The closure is to protect and ensure the welfare of park animals and the ecosystem in view of the prevailing dry weather conditions and intense heat.

Discover more Opinion column subscriptions World news articles political The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) took this decision on the instructions of Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi and the Environment Ministry Secretary Anton Jayakody.

Blocks 1 and 2, located in a region of Sri Lanka's arid zone that receives minimal rainfall, have traditionally been closed annually during September and October to minimise heat stress on animals caused by...