Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka was established in 1954 and serves as the main catchment area for Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in Sri Lanka. Senanayake Samudraya was built under the Gal Oya development project by damming the Gal Oya at Inginiyagala in 1950. An important feature of the Gal Oya National Park is its elephant herd that can be seen throughout the year. Three important herbs of the Ayurveda medicine, Triphala: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica and Emblica officinalis are amongst the notable flora of the forest. From 1954 to 1965 the park was administrated by the Gal Oya Development Board until the Department of Wildlife Conservation took over administration. The National Park is situated 314 km from Colombo. Location Uva and Eastern provinces, Sri Lanka Nearest city Ampara Coordinates 7°13′00″N 81°22′00″ECoordinates: 7°13′00″N 81°22′00″E Area 25,900 ha Established February 12, 1954 Governing body Department of Wildlife Conservation HOW TO GET THERE: Colombo – Ratnapura – Pelmadulla – Godakawela – Udawalwa – Tanamalwila – Wellawaya – Monaragala – Inginiyagala BIRDS AT GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK Painted Partridge, Jungle Bush Quail, Yellow-legged Green Pigeon, Ceylon Frogmouth, Brown Fish Owl, Southern Sirkeer, Scaly-bellied Woodpecker, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Ceylon Spur fowl, Southern Sirikeer, Racket-tailed Drongo, Crested Serpent & Crested Hawk Eagles, White-bellied sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Forest Eagle Owl, Fish Owl, Little Scops Owl, Paradise Flycatcher, and Thick-billed Flowerpecker