The large island off the coast of Nilaveli, Trincomalee, the Pigeon Island, is now experiencing high season with tourists and locals visiting it in large numbers.
The island possesses a 200m long and 100m wide coral reef with over 100 species of exquisite corals and coloured fish making it an unmatched live coral reef, unlike any other in Sri Lanka. Due to this it attracts visitors in large numbers resulting in wild wildlife department earning around rupees 1 million per day.
However, locals and foreigners complain that the services that are being provided are far below expectations. There is no first aid points, toilets, changing rooms for a small kiosk to buy essentials. The Navy has come forward to provide a safe water way from the seà for the boats to take passengers and provide security so people do not dynamite the water and catch fish.
The Wildlife Department nets in around Rs. 15,000 from each foreigner including VAT and other charges.
