I am a wildlife lover who has been visiting almost every part of the island for the last ten years. But one place that has really caught my eye and enchanted me is Randenigala. Therefore, I have been going to Randenigala at least once a month with my brothers. But the enchantment I felt and love I had for the place has decreased considerably. This is the most unfortunate thing I need to inform you and the public about: that the place we stay in called Wildlife Trust Quarters has been facing real trouble.

I suppose, for the last five years, these quarters have been deteriorating very rapidly. It was felt very deeply by me when I visited Randenigala last week. The ceiling of the quarters, including rooms, was awful which means the ceiling is in danger of falling down very soon. Apart from that main defect, equipment like water heaters and some air— conditioners are in disrepair. Additionally, the amount we paid did not seem worthwhile, except that the meals given us were passable. Therefore, as a wildlife enthusiast and a person who loves Sri Lanka, I feel very sorry about the situation

I write this letter in the hope that the relevant authorities will see it and look into this matter and take necessary steps to make the Wildlife Trust Quarters acquire its previous look. Otherwise, it will be lost to both local and foreign tourists very soon. We should be doing all we can to gain tourists, not lose them. And it must never be forgotten that visitors like me and my brothers - locals - are even more important than foreign tourists, since we will continue visiting these places and gladly spend time and money, whereas the tourist is here today, gone tomorrow, and here only if peace prevails.
Diluk Abeygooneratne,
Polgasowita.