The Ministry of Environment has introduced special regulations to ensure the sustainable management and long-term conservation of Nildiya Pokuna, located within the Ravana Ella Sanctuary.

Environment Minister Dr. Dammika Patabendi signed the relevant Extraordinary Gazette notification today (9), introducing measures aimed at regulating visitor activities and protecting the sensitive ecosystem surrounding the site.

Under the new regulations, all visitors entering the Ravana Ella Sanctuary to access Nildiya Pokuna must comply with the provisions of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, relevant orders issued under it and safety guidelines prepared by the Director-General of Wildlife Conservation.Several activities inside the cave have been strictly prohibited under the new regulations.These include entering the waters of Nildiya Pokuna, disposing of waste or rubbish in the water, and introducing detergents, chemicals or other substances into the pool.Visitors are also prohibited from making loud noises, playing musical instruments or using sound-amplifying or other noise-generating devices inside the cave.Lighting fires or open flames, smoking, and consuming alcohol or illicit drugs have also been banned.In addition, visitors will not be permitted to move stones, alter rock formations or inscribe marks, drawings or writings on the cave walls and rocks.

The regulations are intended to minimise human impact on Nildiya Pokuna and its surrounding ecosystem while ensuring visitor safety.The Ministry said the measures form part of broader environmental conservation efforts and are aimed at ensuring that Nildiya Pokuna within the Ravana Ella Sanctuary is sustainably managed and preserved for future generations.Deputy Environment Minister Anton Jayakody, Ministry Secretary K. R. Uduwawala, Additional Secretary (Policy, Legal Reforms and Parliamentary Affairs) Bhuwaneka Herath, Director General of Wildlife Conservation Ranjan Marasinghe, Additional Secretary Manjula Amararathna and other Ministry officials were present when the Gazette notification was signed.