Safety of driving rental scooters near Minneriya National Park at dusk

Absolutely NOT. Do not drive a scooter around Minneriya or Habarana at dusk or at night. This area is a massive elephant corridor. Wild elephants frequently cross or stand in the middle of the dark highways. They are incredibly difficult to see until you are right on top of them, and they are easily startled by headlights. Use a tuk-tuk or a car after sunset.