Initial steps have been taken by the Ministry of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development to set up a wildlife safari park and botanical bio-diversity conservation garden of over 500 acres in Ridiyagama, Hambantota.

The safari Wildlife Park will feature wildlife conservation and breeding under the direction of zoologists and wildlife men, especially of endangered endemic species. It will be in close proximity to the Bundala bird sanctuary and the hot water springs at Madunagala as well as the new botanical gardens at Mirijjawila, official sources said.

The park will be home to Sri Lankan wild animals that would be brought from other parts of the country and released into it for natural progeny to take place under the overview of the zoologists. It would also initiate conservation and breeding programs and maintain the bio-diversity of secluded animals through programs of releasing Sri Lankan animal species to forests.

The Lion Safari Park has been located in close proximity to the Internal Airport and the Hambantota port which will be easily accessible to tourists.