News
Senior planters commit to leopard conservation
Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2024 introduced Dr. Jeannine McManus, a renowned conservation expert from the Landmark Foundation in South Africa, to the Sri Lankan community dedicated to conserving the endemic Sri Lankan leopard. During her two-week visit, hosted by the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Dr. McManus met with multiple stakeholders important for leopard conservation in Sri Lanka, a WNPS news release said.
Fostering Human-Leopard Coexistence in Agricultural Landscapes
Dr. McManus delivered a compelling presentation on “Human-Leopard Coexistence in the Agricultural Landscape” during the WNPS’s awareness program conducted for the Senior Managers of the Regional Plantation Companies. She emphasized the necessity of a thoughtful approach to living alongside leopards in tea estates, advocating for a balance between conservation and human safety.
Dr. McManus highlighted key measures essential for mitigating human-leopard conflicts, such as livestock protection, waste management, and early warning systems. She also stressed the responsibilities of tea estates, which include conservation support, employee safety training, and community engagement.
She was joined by Department of Wildlife Conservation Regional Team Srinath Dissanayake Ratnayake and Prof. Enoka Kudavithanage, who shared their vast knowledge and insights from conducting extensive research in the hill country.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Sustainability
“Dr. McManus’s extensive experience in conservation and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts has proven effective in promoting wildlife-friendly practices. Her insights are invaluable to our efforts to protect the endangered Sri Lankan leopard amid increasing challenges to its survival both within and outside protected areas,” the release said.
“By adhering to regulations, promoting research, and investing in social welfare, tea estates can effectively contribute to peaceful coexistence and sustainability in these shared environments. The collaborative efforts of planters and conservationists are pivotal in ensuring a future where both human and wildlife communities thrive.”
WNPS-LOLC Multiregional Leopard Conservation and Research Project
The release further said: “Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Conservation of the Sri Lankan Leopard (LRCP)” was established in 2022, focusing on leopard populations in human-dominated landscapes and their protection through research, conservation, and awareness development. The project established six research centers across the country to monitor leopard-related incidents, foster collaboration among different stakeholders, and engage in community initiatives to educate the public and promote coexistence. One of the centers established in Kotagala to cover the hill country often deals with tea plantations and human-leopard interactions.”
The WNPS expressed its gratitude to senior planters for their active participation and unwavering support in protecting the Sri Lankan leopard within their plantations and neighboring forest patches saying “their commitment to overall conservation efforts significantly strengthens our shared mission.”
Dr McManus visit was facilitated by Dilmah Conservation and Jetwing Hotels.
The countrywide dengue outbreak has intensified, with the death toll rising to 50, by July 16, as the number of reported infections surpassed 73,000, according to the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU).
The country has recorded 73,455 dengue cases so far this year, with the case fatality rate standing at 0.07 percent, highlighting the severity of the ongoing outbreak.
The Western Province continues to remain the worst affected region, accounting for more than half of the total cases, with 38,700 infections. The Gampaha District has recorded the highest number of cases in the province with 15,341, followed closely by Colombo with 14,625.
The Southern Province has reported 11,382 cases, while the Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces have each recorded more than 6,000 infections.
Dengue cases have shown a sharp increase in recent months, with June recording the highest monthly total of 21,538 cases, while July has already reported 18,076 infections. In comparison, 8,590 cases were reported in May, and 5,651 in April.
Health authorities have identified 175 Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas as high-risk locations during the 27th epidemiological week. An average of 2,677 new dengue cases are being reported daily, prompting authorities to intensify prevention and mosquito control measures.
The Colombo High Court yesterday (17) resumed hearing the money laundering case filed against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
The proceedings were held before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga, where evidence was recorded from prosecution witnesses, under the direction of Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.
President’s Counsel Sampath Mendis, appearing for Yoshitha Rajapaksa, cross-examined the witnesses during the hearing.
After recording evidence, the court ordered that further examination of evidence be postponed until July 24.
The Attorney General has filed indictments, alleging that Yoshitha Rajapaksa committed an offence, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, by purchasing five plots of land in Dehiwala and Ratmalana, valued at more than Rs. 73 million.
Former IGP Chandana Deepal Wickramaratne died after sustaining a gunshot injury at his residence, in Thalangama, yesterday (17), with police saying preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was a suspected suicide.
Kaduwela Magistrate Aruna Indrajith Buddhadasa, on Friday, ordered the Officer-in-Charge of the Malabe Police Station, Police Inspector Pradeep Ranasinghe, to conduct a formal investigation into the death and submit a report to court on its progress.
The order was issued after the Malabe Police Station presented facts before court regarding the incident.
According to police, the Malabe Police Station received information from the Police Unit of the Colombo East Base Hospital, in Mulleriyawa, that Wickramaratne, who resided in the Thalahena area, within the Malabe Police division, had died after being admitted to hospital, with gunshot injuries.
Police Spokesman ASP F.U. Wootler said Wickramaratne had allegedly used the firearm of his personal security officer and shot himself at his residence.
Police said the shooting had taken place at his residence on Parakum Road, Thalangama, on Thursday morning, before he was due to leave for his regular exercise routine. He was rushed to the Colombo East Base Hospital, in Mulleriyawa, with serious injuries but was pronounced dead upon admission, police said.
The deceased’s remains were placed at the Colombo East Base Hospital, where a post-mortem examination was scheduled to be conducted.
ASP Wootler said three police teams have been appointed to investigate the incident. Further investigations are being conducted by the Crime Division of the Western Province South Range and the Malabe Police Station.
Wickramaratne, 63, served as the 35th Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka from November 27, 2020, to November 23, 2023.
He joined the Sri Lanka Police in 1986 as a Probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police and later served in several senior positions.
A graduate of the University of Colombo and the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, he also served as Acting IGP for more than a year, from April 28, 2019, before being appointed IGP, in November 2020.
He retired from the post of Inspector General of Police, in November 2023.
by Norman Palihawadane ✍️
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