Wildlife officials say that no tourists have been admitted to the Yala National Park due to the ongoing trade union action by them. No tickets were issued at the Kataragama Katagamuwa entrance, Palatupana main entrance and the Galge entrance at the Yala

In addition, Lunugamivehera National Park, Bundala National Park, Udawalawe and other national parks have also been affected by the trade union action.

The trade union action came in the wake of the incident involving Minister of State for Wildlife, Wimalaweera Dissanayake, who threatened a group of wildlife officials during a recent field visit to a national park.

Wildlife officials stated that neither the President, nor the Prime Minister nor the Cabinet Minister for Wildlife had inquired into the matter.

Meanwhile, taking part in the committee stage debate on the budget, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said the ministers of the government should tender an apology to the wildlife officials who are currently on strike.

Premadasa said wildlife officials are urging the government to uphold the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

The Leader of the Opposition also requested the government not to instruct wildlife officials to act in violation of the laws.