This park is situated in the District of Polonnaruwa in the North Central Province. Wild Elephant is the flagship species of the park. Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.[1] The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area. The tank is of historical importance, having been built by King Mahasen in third century AD. The park is a dry season feeding ground for the elephant population dwelling in forests of Matale, Polonnaruwa, and Trincomalee districts. The park earned revenue of Rs. 10.7 millions in the six months ending in August 2009.[2] Along with Kaudulla and Girithale, Minneriya forms one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) of Sri Lanka.[3] The park is situated 182 kilometres (113 mi) from Colombo. Minneriya reservoir and its surrounding wetland habitat is inhabited by a large number of a aquatic bird species in addition to elephants. Early morning and late evening are the optimum observation times of the day for resident and migratory birds. Flock of about 2000 little cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger) diving in the waters of Minneriya reservoir is not a rare scene. In addition painted strokes (Mycteria leucocephala), Great white pelicans (Pelicanus anocrotalus), Ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and Grey herons (Ardea cinerea) too can be seen. The best season to view the large Elephant herds gathering at the banks of the water reservoir is the dry season from June to Sept. Sambar and Spotted deer are other wild animals roam the park. The park covers an area of approximately 8900 Ha. Location North Central province, Sri Lanka Nearest city Polonnaruwa Coordinates 7°58′44″N 80°50′56″ECoordinates: 7°58′44″N 80°50′56″E Area 8,889.4 ha Established August 12, 1997 Governing body Department of Wildlife Conservation