President Maithripala Sirisena directed relevant authorities to extend the Wilpattu Sanctuary area and declare it as a “Wildlife Zone”, the President's Media Unit said.

Accordingly, he has instructed officials to gazette Wilpattu as a Wildlife Zone.

Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. It was granted the National Park status in 1905. It is also known for its leopard population.

The controversy regarding the national park has remained for several years regarding the unauthorized clearing of the forest with the alleged backing of Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.