Yala drivers ruled by the law of the jungle

I write to bring to your attention the serious risk to wildlife and visitors to the Yala National Park as a result of reckless driving both in and around the sanctuary. Unfortunately, traffic laws do not seem to apply in that area, which is being treated by the police as a separate state.

As a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast, I frequently visit Yala and Wilpattu parks and I am appalled by safari jeep drivers’ callous disregard for road rules and the police inaction. There has also been reports of animals being run over.

I have learnt that most of these drivers are not competent to operate vehicles. Although it is mandatory for every vehicle to obtain at least a thirdparty insurance cover, most of these vehicles have neither insurance policies nor revenue licences.

What is more shocking is that both police and the wildlife authorities turn a blind eye to this open breach of motor traffic laws.

The excuse of Wildlife Department officials is that they are not empowered to check whether these vehicles have their paperwork in order. However, these vehicles are driven on public roads from Tissa and Kirinda -a distance of more than 20 kilometres -- without being booked by a policeman.

One can only conclude that there is some sort of a tacit understanding between them and this requires the attention of the Commission Investigating Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The careless jeep drivers actually endanger national interest. Should there be some horrendous accident involving foreign visitors to the park, the country’s tourism image could suffer immense damage.

It is time for the police and the wildlife authorities to take a stand and show that they are not involved in this organised racket. I hope the InspectorGeneral of Police will take note and order a crackdown on the illegal practices in this area. Dr. S. M. S. Senadhipathi

Mirihana, Nugegoda