Network horror in Yala

16 July 2015 05:26 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Mobile phone networks would be disconnected for visitors within the Yala National Park for a week from July 20 considering animal safety, the Wild Life Department said yesterday.

Wild Life Department Director General H.D. Rathnayake told the Daily Mirror that after studying the method, the department would decide to whether to continue the programme or not.

He said that the regulation was taken into consideration following a string of complaints where animals’ safety dragged in to danger by some visitors.

Several animals have been killed by the carelessness of some visitors, who had driven their vehicles fast to reach rare animals after receiving text messages from other visitors, who randomly notice rare animals such as leopards, he said.

As a result of such incidents, traffic congestion had also occurred on nearby roads to the Yala Park discomforting drivers, who had complained to the department, Mr. Rathnayake said.

“This situation is a big threat to animals. With the purpose of ensuring the safety of them, we decided to disconnect mobile networks from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the mornings and 3 p.m. 6 p.m. in the evenings. We hope visitors will support us,” he said.

He said the restricting programmes would be launched throughout the week from July 20.

The mobile networks would be active the following week, he said.(Piyumi Fonseka)

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Comments - 15

Amila Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:03 AM

Good decision.

smith Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:13 AM

very good move, these jeep drivers are like maniacs and risk the lives of animals and people and its a big money racket where tourists are charged extra to show animals for sure. pls strictly introduce speed limits for vehicles too and totally ban phone operations within the park. SAVE OUR NATURE

Bippity Boppity Boo Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:32 AM

"Network Horror in Yala". It is not a network horror, it was an Animal horror.

Danushka Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:38 AM

Great Job! Selfish human endangering animals just so they could get a photo of an animal and post it on social media.... Pathetic!

kamalhot1 Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:48 AM

Looks sensible, but there will be short comings too due to this in event of troubles, you all need to introduce some radio comm system through your Guides then.

Rinasz Thursday, 16 July 2015 11:54 AM

On the other hand, authorities should take measures to safeguard visitors by establishing a way of communication during emergency situations.

saman Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:12 PM

As a frequent visitor to YALA I have seen the way the Jeep drivers behave inside the park. We as general public and the specially the media MUST support this and create an active voice in the society to continue this CELL-BAN forever. Politicians please keep away on this subject.

Nishan Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:13 PM

What if an emergency occurs? What if someone gets lost? What about notifying Police about illegal activities in the National Park (poaching, terrorism, cannabis cultivation etc.)???

Samantha Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:24 PM

Why not have a speed limit imposed and a small application can be developped to track the location and speed of the vehicle using a mobile phone inside the vehicle. Officials can see the vehicles in a map anytime and can earn some money as well.

das Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:27 PM

Its time we stop thinking that animals exist for our amusement. We should stop people entering reservations altogether.

John Thursday, 16 July 2015 12:33 PM

Why only for a week - enforce permanently for the surival of Yala and other similar refuges in Sri Lanka. I have stopped visiting the park for 3 years now, due to this very menace destroying our environment.

Fano Thursday, 16 July 2015 01:12 PM

Awesome move!!

Gemunu Thursday, 16 July 2015 01:15 PM

Good move! Make it 6 .00AM to 10.00AM and 2.00 to 7.00PM

Krish Thursday, 16 July 2015 07:43 PM

Use short distance warky talky

sacre blkieu Friday, 17 July 2015 07:13 AM

Is there no such thing as animal rights. This kind of behavior will kill the animals , We as a budhist country who are well versed about the doctrine of "SUBADHARMAYA" and how to respect life.

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Network horror in Yala

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