Wasgamuwa is a refuge born from Sri Lanka's massive Mahaweli irrigation project, now home to roaming elephant herds, ancient Buddha ruins, and one of the country's richest birdwatching sites.

Why visit Wasgamuwa National Park

• A Refuge for Displaced Animals: The park was established in 1984 to protect and provide a refuge for wild animals displaced by the Mahaweli Development Project. It's one of four national parks created for this purpose.
• Home of Large Elephant Herds: Wasgamuwa is a key location to see large herds of Sri Lankan elephants. These elephants are noted to be bigger than those in other parks due to their varied diet.
• Historic and Cultural Significance: The park contains important archaeological ruins. The ruins include the Buduruwayaya site with 1,800-year-old Buddha statues and a palace from the Polonnaruwa period.
• Rich Birdwatching Location: Over 143 bird species have been recorded in the park, including eight endemic species. This makes it an Important Bird Area.
• Unique Habitat and Wildlife: The park's name, "Walas Gamuwa," means "the wood of the sloth bear." This highlights the importance of the park for its sloth bear population.