Hakgala Park to be reopened after blocking landslide-prone areas

 The Hakgala National Botanical Garden, which was temporarily closed due to the impact of the "Ditwa" cyclone that prevailed in the country in recent days, has been reopened for tourists starting today (25). The garden has been reopened thanks to the rapid renovation program launched by the staff of the National Botanical Gardens Department under the instructions of the Ministry of Environment.

These activities have been carried out in full compliance with the recommendations and instructions provided by the National Building Research Organisation and the Disaster Management Centre. However, areas within the garden premises still showing signs of landslides or soil erosion have been identified, and authorities have taken steps to display warning signs in those locations. Therefore, access to these hazardous zones has been temporarily restricted for the safety of visitors.

These identified hazardous zones include the pond area near the garden's entrance and the path leading towards the wildlife park. Despite these restrictions, the botanical garden staff has also organized a special program to facilitate local and foreign tourists visiting the garden.

To assess the measures needed to swiftly restore and reopen the Hakgala Botanical Garden, which was closed due to the disaster caused by the cyclone, Deputy Minister of Environment, Mr. Anton Jayakody, also undertook a special observation tour on the 12th.

This botanical garden, created in 1861, holds a prominent place among the beautiful botanical gardens in the country. It is located 16 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya town on the Hakgala Nuwara Eliya - Badulla main road. Situated at an elevation of 5400 feet above sea level, it enjoys a cool climate throughout the year.