October 11, Colombo (LNW): Park authorities at Horton Plains have issued a firm reminder to the public to adhere strictly to conservation regulations, following a sharp increase in visitor numbers drawn by the blooming of the elusive ‘Nelu’ flower—a rare botanical event that occurs only once every few years.
The vibrant purple-blue blossom, native to the montane forests of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, has become a magnet for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and social media influencers alike. However, park officials are now concerned that this surge in attention is putting pressure on the delicate ecosystem.
Sisira Rathnayake, the warden in charge of Horton Plains National Park, cautioned that rules are being disregarded by some visitors in their eagerness to capture the perfect shot or get closer to the flowering plants.
According to Rathnayake, dozens of individuals have already been fined in recent days for violating park guidelines—ranging from straying off marked trails to picking flowers and feeding wild animals.
Particularly concerning to officials is the trend of individuals venturing off established pathways to take photographs or videos, often posting the content online and encouraging others to do the same.
Park authorities have warned that such behaviour not only disrupts fragile habitats but also sets a dangerous precedent. Legal action is now being considered against those who have posted content taken in restricted areas.
