Gal Oya covers 260km2 (100 sq miles) of scrub and open country around an artificial reservoir, the Senanayake Samudra (Senanayake Sea), named after Sri Lanka's first post-independence prime minister. Formed in the early 1950s by damming the Gal Oya River, which flows out of the foothills to feed the lagoons south of Batticaloa, the huge lake has a deeply indented coastline, suitable for exploring and viewing game by boat. Unfortunately it is closed until further notice. 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