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FYI

"The Central Cultural Fund has decided to suspend climbing beyond the Sinhapada (Lion's feet) in Sigiriya due to the increasing number of hornet attacks on tourists.

The suspension will continue till August 31. Tourists have been attacked by hornets five times this month when they were climbing Sigiriya.

Over 500 tourists have been stung by hornets and hospitalized this month alone.

The Central Cultural Fund introduced a coat system for tourists to be protected from hornets.

It was also found to be not successful, according to officials".

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1

Very interesting, thanks for that. This chap's blog talks about an attack when he was climbing Sigiriya earlier this year.

Why don't they just get rid of the nests? Or perhaps it's offensive to religious sensibilities to kill them?

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2

What a story Allison !!! They don't mess about these hornets..

I guess they can't find anyone willing to take them on....

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3

For us who live in the country, it's also a big mystery why they don't do anything.... Sri Lankan governement is so slow to take decision....

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4

Hi,
the rock is not closed up to 31.August!
I climbed up the rock to the top on 24. August without any problem...
Yes there are big nests about 10 meters away from the stairs and if you are carefull without big noise, the hornets will not attack you. Maybe if there are big groups of shouting and running people, the hornets will get aggressiv.

Enjoy the rock - it's nice up there, but very expensive (25 US$)
Nice accomodation some kilometers away: LionsRock Hotel near the luxory "Elefant CorridorHotel"

Have fun!
Mathias

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