– Wildlife Department has taken steps to construct more ponds in the Yala National Park to provide drinking water for the wild animals affected by the prevailing drought.

Park Warden A.T.R. Ravindra said the old ponds and water holes are also being restored. He said the ponds and water holes are filled with water transported from Menik Ganga by bowsers.Meanwhile, herds of wild elephants from forest reserves in Okkampitiya and Maligawila frequent Illukpitiya tank day and night to drink water. However, the tank has run dry, forming a muddy pool in the middle.

All water resources in the forests have run dry owing to the prevailing drought, and wild animals are the worst affected.