Sri Lanka drought threatens water supplies and wildlife tourism

Sri Lanka is facing severe drought conditions that are impacting both the population and the nation’s vital wildlife tourism sector. More than 161,000 individuals have been affected by the prolonged dry spell, which has strained drinking water supplies and threatened agricultural livelihoods, particularly paddy cultivation.

To protect sensitive ecosystems and wildlife from extreme heat, the Department of Wildlife has already closed Zones 1 and 2 of Yala National Park. Many of the country’s 23 national parks are located in dry zones, making them highly vulnerable to these weather patterns.

The drought poses a risk to significant government revenue generated through tourism. Between January and June 2026, wildlife attractions drew over 1.38 million visitors, generating approximately LKR 4.28 billion. Yala National Park was the primary contributor, earning LKR 2.10 billion, followed by Udawalawe National Park with LKR 927.5 million.