The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations . Two important pilgrim sites , '' ' Sithulpahuwa ' '' and '' ' Magul Vihara ' '' , are situated within the park . The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused severe damage on the Yala National Park and 250 people died in its vicinity . The number of visitors has been on the rise since 2009 , after the security situation in the park improved
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
Yala National Park