Authorities in Sri Lanka have decided to open national parks, which remained shut for months due to COVID-19 restrictions, for five days especially for a French naval delegation comprising  750 crew members.

The delegation had requested to visit the national parks and upon their request, the State Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation approved the crew members to visit these national parks under strict bio-bubble conditions. They will be visiting parks from 7-11 June under a biosafety bubble, reported Daily Mirror. Sri Lankan Navy will ensure adherence to the health guidelines during the trip. 

However, the move hasn’t gone down well with the people, with several taking to social media to express their disapproval of the decision. Many questioned that a time when people can’t move from one place to another even for valid reasons, the government’s decision to take French naval personnel for a ride in national parks is not reasonable. 

However, the government defended the move, saying that the delegation was a diplomatic delegation with special privileges. 

(SAM)