It is Wetland complex including 5 lagoons with surface fully mudflat & salterns,this National park declare as a sanctuary for bird in 1992 under flora & fauna protection ordinance, this is the final destination for south ward migrating wetland birds, Wetland associate with salt water due to sea water come through deep cutting opening which resulting age Old practice of salt manufacturing process,this is the first RAMSAR wetland In Sri Lanka,
This area covering 24,800 Hectare among the five lagoons in addition to that 10,000 hectare buffer zone declare to protecting biodiversity, this park belong to lower land dry scrub forest segment few dry zone canopy still visible here. Scrub covering comprising
Andara, Kukurumana, Eraminiya and Karamba. The scrub forest trees include Maila, Mustard Tree, Weera, Palu and Neem.
Over 190 bird species recorded here including over 55 migrant birds further over 30 mammals,50 species of reptiles & 32 species of fish & Sea Turtles nesting this park mix with other species,
This is popular destination as other park but this area dominated by migrant birds but Malala sandbar is only open for public as Yala block one,Karagan Lewaya is a most wanted area of this park it has been recognizes as a Impotent Bird area by the Birdlife international in 2004-2005.
Mammals likely to be seen include Elephant, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Langur, Jackal, Black-naped Hare and Wild Pig. Olive Ridley and Leatherback Turtles and more rarely, Hawksbill and Green Turtles visit the beaches to lay eggs.
Endemic birds include the Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Woodshrike and Ceylon junglefowl. During the northern winter large numbers of migrants arrive such as Golden and Kentish Plover, Large and Lesser Sandplovers, Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Curlew and Greenshank. Rarities include the Broad-billed Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope recorded area