By: Staff Writer
August 10, Colombo (LNW): Visitors to Sri Lanka’s national parks can now purchase entry permits online, following the launch of a new digital ticketing system by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The move aims to eliminate long queues and delays that have frustrated tourists, particularly during peak seasons.
The system went live today on the DWC’s official website, allowing both local and foreign visitors to check availability, reserve dates, and make secure online payments. Once booked, visitors receive a QR-coded permit, which can be scanned at park entrances for faster entry.
Kaudulla Delays Trigger Action
The launch follows heavy criticism yesterday, when large crowds at Kaudulla National Park endured long waits to buy tickets. Many tourists reported missing their scheduled safaris, while others abandoned plans altogether due to the delays. Kaudulla, famous for its elephant gatherings, sees peak visitation from July to September, making smooth entry vital.
DWC officials said the online system will help manage visitor flow by capping bookings to each park’s daily capacity and allowing tourists to plan trips in advance. It will also provide real-time data to improve staffing and resource allocation.
Rising Tourist Pressure
Sri Lanka’s national parks have experienced a surge in popularity in the past decade. In 2018 alone, over 1.1 million foreign and 1.6 million local tourists visited parks such as Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, and Kaudulla, generating more than USD 11 million in tourism revenue.
However, overcrowding remains a significant concern. Studies show that 65% of all visits are concentrated in just four parks, leading to congestion, environmental damage, and negative visitor experiences. For example, Yala has been reported to host over 400 safari jeeps in a single day, causing traffic jams inside the reserve and disturbing wildlife.
Issues Beyond Ticketing
While online booking is expected to solve queuing problems, other challenges persist. Some parks, including Minneriya, still require visitors to collect physical tickets despite prior reservations. Inconsistent processes, poor waste management, and unethical practices—such as tour operators taking guests to areas outside park boundaries—have also been reported.
Tourism experts stress that technology alone will not resolve systemic issues. “E-ticketing is an important step, but sustainable visitor management, environmental protection, and service quality must go hand in hand,” said Dr. Perera, a wildlife tourism researcher.
How the System Works
Visitors can log on to the DWC website, select their preferred park and date, and pay via card. Once the park reaches capacity, booking automatically closes. The permit can be downloaded, reprinted, or confirmed by SMS before arrival, eliminating the need to wait at on-site counters.
Next Steps
Authorities plan to extend the system to all major national parks and integrate it with mobile payment platforms. The DWC is also reviewing visitor caps and park infrastructure to balance tourism growth with conservation.
For now, the online platform offers a welcome relief to travellers eager to explore Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife without the frustration of ticket queues.
