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. 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 TO GET THERE: Colombo – Warakapola – turn to the left on to Kurunegala road – Kurunegala – Dambulla – Habarana – turn right to the Polonnaruwa road – about 20 km to park entrance. BIRDS AT MINNERIYA – GIRITALE NATIONAL PARK Openbill Stork, Painted Stork, White-necked Stork, Great Stone Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Crested Serpent & Crested Hawk Eagles, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Golden Plover, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-rumped Shama