Safari Jeep owners at Yala National Park, launched a protest today (23), opposing the decision taken by authorities to limit the number of vehicles entering into the National Park.

The Yala National Park operated under the Wildlife Conservation Department closed down National Park for tourists from September 01to October 31for the development of infrastructure, and to allow the flora and fauna to continue in their natural habitual patterns, without an interruption.

However the authorities took steps to re-open the National Park before the due date.

The tourists could not enter into the park through Safari jeeps today due to the protest and they could only enter into the park through their personal vehicles, Warden of Yala National Park D.P. Siyasinghe said.

The authorities took steps to limit the number of vehicles entering into the park 100 per session, thereby making the maximum number of vehicles entering the park 300 per day in all three sessions; morning, afternoon and evening.

However the new regulation excluded students and local tourists traveling from remote areas in buses, Wildlife Conservation Department Deputy Director of Planning, Ranjan Marasinghe said.

Meanwhile 50 vehicles were allowed to enter into the park from Katagamuwa entrance daily, park authorities said.

The new regulation earned praised from environmentalists and wildlife lovers as it was a bold move in the direction of conservation.