Five Foreign Tourists Arrested in Yala National Park

17-Jun-2026

.

Five foreign tourists have been arrested by wildlife officials for violating wildlife protection laws inside the Yala National Park after exiting safari vehicles and walking within the protected area.

According to reports, the group had arrived in two safari jeeps in the “Sudu Welimulla” area of the park. They allegedly exited their vehicles and walked dangerously within the protected zone.

Wildlife officers who attempted to warn them stated that the group engaged in verbal abuse and intimidating behaviour towards officials.

Following the incident, the five tourists were arrested for violating wildlife regulations and obstructing public officers from performing their duties. Legal action is currently underway.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Yala Jeep Owners’ Associations stated that strict action, including bans on safari operations, will be taken against drivers or individuals violating park regulations. However, they also alleged that no legal action has yet been taken against the vehicles involved in the incident, nor have they been produced before court.