I recently visited the Kotte Rampart Wetland Park, drawn by its promise of rich biodiversity and natural beauty. However, my experience was deeply disappointing and frustrating for several reasons.

Entry Fee Discrepancy: Initially, I was charged 200 LKR for entry. However, upon discovering that I was a foreigner, the fee was hiked to 2000 LKR. While I understand different rates for locals and tourists, a tenfold increase seemed excessive, especially considering the lackluster experience that followed.

Unpleasant Environment: As a wildlife biologist, my primary intention was to observe and enjoy the park's wildlife. Unfortunately, instead of encountering flora and fauna, I was met with couples engaged in indecent activities every 50 meters along the path. This inappropriate behavior extended even to the observation tower, making it impossible to use for its intended purpose. The pervasive discomfort ruined any chance of enjoying the park's natural offerings.

Lack of Facilities: Adding to the frustration, none of the toilets were open. This was incredibly inconvenient, forcing me to cut my visit short after just 10 minutes on the trail. For a place charging such a hefty entrance fee, basic facilities like open restrooms should be a given.

Unresponsive Management: When I reported these issues at the counter, no action or assistance was provided. The staff's indifference to my complaints added to my overall dissatisfaction and left me feeling unheard and undervalued as a visitor.

Overall, my visit to the Wetland Park was a major letdown. The excessive entry fee, coupled with the uncomfortable environment and lack of basic amenities, made the experience far from enjoyable. The management's failure to address my concerns only added to the disappointment. I hope the authorities take immediate steps to address these issues and improve the visitor experience for everyone in the future.