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Together for the Sri Lankan Leopard

Published

1 year ago

2024/12/29

WNPS, LOLC, and Sirasa TV Collaborate to Promote Leopard Education and Awareness Across Sri Lanka

Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), LOLC Holdings, and Sirasa TV have launched a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and educating rural communities and school children about the Sri Lankan leopard’s critical role in biodiversity, aWNPS news release said.

“This collaboration marks a pivotal step in conserving the threatened Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and fostering a deeper understanding of its protection,” it added.

The Sri Lankan leopard, a unique subspecies found only on the island, plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of natural ecosystems. However, habitat loss, human-leopard conflicts, and poaching pose significant threats to its survival. To address these challenges, WNPS, LOLC, and Sirasa TV have joined forces to launch educational programs designed to teach children and adults the importance of leopards and the need to preserve them for future generations.

This initiative forms an integral part of the five-year WNPS LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Conservation Project, which focuses on research, habitat protection, and community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of the Sri Lankan leopard. By combining education, conservation, and research, the program aims to create a sustainable framework for coexistence between humans and leopards across the island.

“Conservation must start at the grassroots level. Educating school children on coexistence with wild animals, especially leopards, is crucial for building a sustainable future,” said Prof Enoka .Kudavidanage, Co Chair of the Wildcats Subcommittee of the WNPS.

The initiative conducted educational and awareness programs in rural schools and communities, where human-wildlife interactions often lead to conflicts. Held between October and December, these programs aimed to educate students, teachers, and local residents about coexisting with leopards and protecting their habitats.

Twelve programs were successfully organized through the six regional centers of the “WNPS LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project” in Kilinochchi, Belihuloya, Sigiriya, Kalawana, Kotagala, and Panama. These sessions targeted rural school students and communities living near leopard habitats. Morning sessions engaged students, while evening discussions involved local residents, emphasizing the importance of coexistence and addressing misconceptions about leopards.

The initiative’s goals included highlighting the ecological significance of leopards as apex predators, reducing human-leopard conflicts, and offering practical advice to create safer environments for both people and wildlife. By involving school children, the program aimed to foster a culture of conservation and respect for leopards, ensuring its long-term impact.

“Educating the younger generation about the importance of coexistence ensures that the values of conservation are deeply rooted in communities,” said Kithsiri Gunawardena COO LOLC

Government officers, particularly from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, played a critical role in the success of these programs. Their expertise bridged the gap between local communities and national conservation goals, enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the initiative.

The collaboration between WNPS, LOLC, and Sirasa TV underscores the importance of collective action in wildlife conservation. In addition to education, the initiative encourages public involvement through volunteering, spreading awareness, and assisting local authorities in reporting incidents. This partnership represents a significant step toward sustainable coexistence between humans and leopards.

LOLC Holdings’ involvement highlights the private sector’s vital role in biodiversity conservation. Their commitment, coupled with Sirasa TV’s broad media outreach, brought national attention to leopard conservation challenges and solutions.

WNPS extends gratitude to the regional and branch managers of LOLC Holdings, Department of Wildlife Conservation officials, police officers, school principals, and rural community members for their invaluable support. Their collaboration was instrumental in making this initiative a success and safeguarding the future of the iconic Sri Lankan leopard.

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Prime Minister Attends the 40th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Nippon Educational and Cultural Centre

Published

7 hours ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya attended the special ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Nippon Educational and Cultural Centre (SNECC), along with the 75th birthday of its Secretary General, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Mahindaramaya, Ethul Kotte, the Chief Sangha Nayake of the Western Province, and scholar Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero.

The primary objective of the event was to appreciate the service rendered by the Sri Lanka Nippon Educational and Cultural Centre, which has functioned as a bridge between Japan and Sri Lanka since 1986, contributing significantly to the development and welfare of children in Sri Lanka.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that the social service carried out by Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero through the Nippon Centre, aimed at fulfilling the educational aspirations of Sri Lankan children, is highly commendable. She further emphasized that the Centre’s contribution to nurturing skilled children into disciplined and responsible citizens, as well as strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, is appreciated by the Government.

Over the past four decades, thousands of students have benefited from the “Nippon Scholarship” programme implemented by the Centre. In addition to providing school supplies, monthly financial assistance, medical support, and spectacles, the programme offers Japanese language education and guidance for employment and training opportunities in Japan for Sri Lankan youth. Annual study tours to Japan and collaborative programmes organized to enhance mutual understanding between students of the two countries were also highlighted at the event.

Marking this special occasion, the Prime Minister extended her best wishes to Ven. Meegahathenna Chandrasiri Thero on his 75th birthday and wished him continued strength to successfully carry forward this invaluable service.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Kotte, Arosha Atapattu, representatives of sponsoring organizations from Japan, scholarship recipients, and other distinguished guests.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Navy’s latest addition P 628 sails for Colombo from Baltimore

Published

7 hours ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 628, which was formally handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy by the U.S. Coast Guard in December 2025, departed for Sri Lanka from Baltimore, United States on 20th February 2026. The home bound journey began, after the modernization work of the ship to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Decisive was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy on 02 Dec 25, as the latest addition to the SLN fleet under the Pennant Number P 628. Upon her arrival in Sri Lanka, the ship is scheduled to be formally commissioned into the fleet.

Measuring 64 metres in length, this ‘B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter’ is equipped with advanced technological systems and facilities, capable of conducting extensive surveillance operations spanning up to 6,000 nautical miles per patrol.

The vessel’s voyage to Colombo is historic, possibly marking the longest-ever passage undertaken by a Sri Lanka Navy ship. Covering approximately 14,775 nautical miles, the journey will see the P 628 navigate from Baltimore through the Atlantic Ocean, the Panama Canal (a first for a Sri Lankan naval vessel), the Pacific Ocean, and into the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Malacca. The ship is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka during the first week of May 2026.

During the transit, the P 628 is scheduled to make port calls to replenish supplies and services, providing opportunities to further strengthen diplomatic ties with partner nations.

This transfer represents the fourth vessel provided to the Sri Lanka Navy by the United States Coast Guard, reinforcing a long-standing partnership aimed at addressing common maritime challenges.

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Commander of the Navy attends International Fleet Review

Published

7 hours ago

2026/02/23

Priyan

The 13th edition of the multilateral naval exercise MILAN hosted by the Indian Navy, is being held from 18 to 26 Feb 26, at Visakhapatnam and in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.

SLNS Sagara and Nandimithra represented the Sri Lanka Navy by participating in the International Fleet Review (IFR), a major component of this multilateral naval exercise, held on 18 Feb.

The event was attended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, at the invitation of the Chief of the Naval Staff of India, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The President of India reviewed the IFR, participated by the warships representing regional and global navies.

Held under the theme “United Through Oceans and the spirit of Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration,” IFR and MILAN-26 provide a vital platform for participating nations. The participation of the Sri Lanka Navy in the MILAN-26 multilateral naval exercise highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing its maritime interests and addressing shared challenges through enhanced cooperation with other nations and institutions, grounded in mutual understanding.

Furthermore, participation in endeavours of this nature will strengthen mutual cooperation and interoperability with other maritime stakeholders. It will also provide the Sri Lanka Navy with valuable opportunities to gain new knowledge, strategic acumen, and operational experience, key elements in fostering a collective approach to maritime security.

During this visit, the Navy Commander engaged in bilateral discussions with regional and extra-regional diplomatic representatives and these strategic-level talks focused on matters of mutual interest pertaining to Sri Lanka’s maritime security and stability.