News
Conservation Spotlight: WNPS LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Research Project at the ATBC
The Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard led by the Wild Cats subcommittee of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) in partnership with LOLC Holdings PLC has successfully submitted its findings and, has been accepted for presentation at the 60th Annual Meeting of The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation in Kigali, Rwanda, a WNPS news release said on Friday.
The conference will be held on July 14 – 18, 2024. The scientific lead of the project Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage, a Professor in Conservation Biology, at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka and the project coordinator Gihani Hettiarachchi, will be attending on behalf of WNPS and present their findings at this forum.
Started in July 2022, the project focuses on leopard populations outside protected areas, specifically their distribution, ecology, and human-leopard interactions in human-dominated landscapes. The project has six research centers in key regions (Panama, Sigiriya, Kotagala, Belihuloya, Kilinochchi, and Kalawana), providing island-wide coverage.
Activities carried out by these research centers are operated under three main pillars: research, conservation, and awareness. “Over the past two years, we have successfully reached out to a large network of stakeholders, created a meaningful positive attitude change within many communities and have laid a successful foundation for future research,” the release said.
The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) is a leading international organization (https://tropicalbiology.org/) dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and conservation of tropical ecosystems. Established in 1963, ATBC brings together researchers, conservationists, and students from around the world to foster collaboration and share knowledge on tropical biology promoting research, education, and practical conservation efforts to address the challenges facing tropical biodiversity. Prof. Enoka Kudavidanage is the current Sri Lankan representative of the ATBC Asia Pacific chapter.
“We are grateful for the partnership with LOLC Holdings PLC in achieving this significant outcome which led this project to achieve international visibility enhancing the credibility of the research findings and further motivating the efforts of the project team,” WNPS said.
“LOLC Holdings PLC, the largest and diverse conglomerate in Sri Lanka, has continuously supported WNPS in implementing this project over the last two years and their commitment highlights the importance of the private sector’s involvement in conservation, which is crucial for funding the research sector, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable conservation. Through this collaboration and responsible stewardship, we aim to meaningfully contribute towards conserving the Sri Lankan Leopard through long-term collaborative measures.”
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
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