December 27, Colombo (LNW): The National Zoological Gardens Department has reported a remarkable surge in its income, with a 150 per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to Director General Ranjana Marasinghe.
As of December 23, 2024, the department has generated Rs. 1.42 billion in revenue, with expectations to reach Rs. 2 billion by the close of the year.
Marasinghe revealed that the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has been the primary contributor to this impressive growth, accounting for 61.4 per cent of the total revenue, amounting to Rs. 876 million.
This popular attraction continues to draw both local and international visitors, bolstering the overall income of the zoological parks.
In addition to Pinnawala, the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens has contributed 22 per cent of the revenue, while the Ridiyagama Safari Park and the Pinnawala Open Zoo have provided 9 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively.
These figures highlight the growing appeal of Sri Lanka’s wildlife conservation and tourism sector, with a diverse range of parks and sanctuaries attracting a steady flow of visitors.
The highest revenue months were recorded in January, February, March, April, and August, with January standing out as the most profitable month of the year.
The department remains optimistic about sustaining this upward trend in the coming months.
