The Ministry of Environment has launched an investigation into allegations that bikini photo shoots are being conducted inside Sri Lanka's national parks for commercial purposes.
With several photographs of foreign women clad in bikinis circulating widely across the media, significant debate has emerged regarding the commercial exploitation of the country's natural environment and the activities taking place within and around protected wildlife zones.
Meanwhile, attention has also been drawn to a social media post published by Anilka Rooms & Eco Estate, an accommodation provider in the Thanamalwila area, promoting bikini and fashion photo shoots in surroundings close to the Yala National Park. However, no evidence has been confirmed so far to establish a direct link between that entity's promotional activities and the separate allegations of unauthorised commercial photo shoots taking place inside national parks. These remain two distinct matters.
Commenting on the incident, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated that he had not received any information regarding this from the Yala National Park security counter. He pointed out that there is no legal provision prohibiting tourists from entering a national park wearing bikinis or similar attire. Nevertheless, the Deputy Minister confirmed that an inquiry into the matter has been launched.
Meanwhile, former Director General of the Department of National Zoological Gardens, Sharmila Rajapaksha, has demanded an immediate investigation into allegations that commercial bikini photo shoots are being conducted inside the Lunugamvehera, Yala, and Kumana national parks.
Raising questions on the matter, she posted on Facebook under the heading: "Our national parks are sacred sanctuaries for wildlife and visiting families: stop this illegal bikini shoot operation now!" She strongly criticised the activities of a private commercial enterprise that is reportedly advertising photography packages featuring foreign models in revealing swimwear.
According to her allegations, models pose within the national parks for these shoots, reportedly using open safari jeeps for the purpose. She questioned how such activities could take place without the knowledge of wildlife officers and safari guides assigned to accompany visitors.
Sharmila Rajapaksha has called upon the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Tourist Police, and other relevant authorities to investigate whether these operators have obtained the necessary permits and approvals. Furthermore, she raised concerns regarding whether the foreign nationals involved hold lawful clearance to engage in commercial modelling and photography activities while visiting the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, prior approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation is mandatory for conducting film and photography shoots inside wildlife protected areas. Applications for such permits must be submitted at least two weeks before the proposed shoot.
These allegations have brought forward broader questions concerning the monitoring of commercial activities within protected reserves, the enforcement of permit regulations, and the accountability of wildlife officers and safari operators.
However, the allegations that commercial photo shoots are taking place inside the national parks have not been independently confirmed so far. Furthermore, no official response has yet been issued on the matter by either the Department of Wildlife Conservation or the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
