The History of Wilpattu: From Royal Hunting Reserve to National Park

Long before Wilpattu was a national park, its landscape was significant to the ancient Sinhalese civilisation of Anuradhapura (4th century BCE – 11th century CE).

The kings established royal hunting reserves in what is now Wilpattu. This early protection — reserving the area for royal use — had the unintended effect of preserving the forest from agricultural clearing.

Evidence of ancient presence: - Ruins of ancient irrigation tanks along the park's periphery - Ancient trails used for elephant capture and trade - The name 'Wilpattu' derives from 'Willu' (rainwater basins) + 'pattu' (district)

The British took control of the island in 1815. Wilpattu's management shifted from kings to colonial officers.

• Designated as Crown Land managed by the Forest Department
• Hunting continued under British game laws
• Became a popular hunting destination for British civil servants
• The bungalows used today were originally built as rest houses for hunting parties
• Thalawila Bungalow survives as a restored example of colonial architecture

Conservation stirrings: By the early 20th century, naturalists documented wildlife declines. The Fauna and Flora Protection Society advocated for protected areas. The 1937 Wild Animals Ordinance created the legal framework for national parks.

1938: Wilpattu declared a Wildlife Sanctuary.

1948: Sri Lanka (Ceylon) gained independence.

1955 (December 7): Wilpattu declared Sri Lanka's first national park — a landmark in conservation history.

1960s–1970s: Road network built, basic tourism infrastructure developed.

1980–2001: Civil War impacted the park. Parts closed to visitors. Wildlife populations recovered during this human-free period.

2001–2010: Post-war reopening. Leopard population found intact — the war had been, paradoxically, a conservation measure.

2010–2026: Rapid growth in tourism. Transitioned from a Yala alternative to a destination in its own right. Now receives 60,000–80,000 annual visitors.

The six DWC bungalows are historical artefacts:

Thalawila — Oldest surviving bungalow. Built during British period as a rest house. Restored while preserving original features.

Manawila and Manikwila — Built 1950s–1960s as tourism infrastructure developed.

Panikkar Villu — Most remote. Built for researchers and rangers. Converted to tourist accommodation in the 2010s.

Lunuwewa and Mahaweva — Newer (1990s–2000s), built to higher comfort standards.

The bungalows represent the evolution of human presence in Wilpattu — from hunting lodge to research station to eco-tourism accommodation.