This week I took a long drive to Ridiyagama Safari Park. I’m sad I did not go on this trip then, at least the animals might have been a bit young. It is the first ever Safari Park in Sri Lanka, and In 2008, construction work of the park was started under the direction of The National Zoological Department of Sri Lanka. It’s built across 500 acres and I'm told it houses 22 species. To be honest, I did not see much.

The lions and tigers looked like they can take a break, especially with age, as they were once at the Dehiwala zoo. The space is divided into six zones, and the idea of us being in a cage and taking a ride to see them is the best way to see them in their space.

But talking to a few of the workers at the premises, they agreed that food has been a big shortage. The lavish amount of food that they would love to give is not what they are giving, especially with the finances being not so helpful to the organisation.

The elephants were absolutely amazing. The ones who were looking after them showed them off to us like their own children and it shows that they have been brought up with a lot of love, not chained, not hurt and the solutions have a great PR.

I do feel sorry for the lions and the tigers they just look like they can’t be bothered with us or anything that’s happening in the world.

The place is also looking a bit rundown in terms of the grass; all the landscaping has lost its tidy look. The only way we can promote this place is by visiting it and encouraging more people to go and visit. If this is run well, this can be such a tourist destination.

Our first visit was to Yala and we stayed at Cinnamond Wild Yala; the stay was brilliant, but the sightings at Yala were nothing. So many wild pigs and an unlimited number of peacocks. I feel like during my stay in Piliyandala I see more. So we drove to Hambantota to see the wild.

Let’s support and let’s visit.