News
Empowering Communities for Leopard Conservation: WNPS, LOLC, and Sirasa TV Unite to Protect Sri Lanka’s Iconic Predator
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), in collaboration with LOLC and Sirasa TV, successfully conducted a series of awareness programs throughout November to spotlight the importance of conserving the Sri Lankan leopard. These programs, part of the “Save the Sri Lankan Leopard” documentary initiative under the WNPS LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project, were designed to educate local communities and schools in key wildlife regions about the ecological and economic significance of leopards and the need for their protection,a WNPS news release said.
Held across three distinct regions, the programs aimed to address the threats faced by leopard populations, minimize negative human-leopard interactions, and highlight the pivotal role local communities play in preserving wildlife. The sessions combined educational presentations with interactive discussions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of leopard conservation.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) field officers played an integral role in these sessions by providing insights into wildlife protection laws, conservation strategies, and actionable steps to prevent poaching and habitat destruction. Their on-the-ground expertise ensured participants could directly address concerns regarding leopard-related incidents and engage in meaningful conservation practices.
On November 8, the first sessions took place at Mount Vernon Tamil Vidyalayam and the Logie Estate, focusing on the ecological significance of leopards and how communities can help protect them. On November 22, events were conducted at Ranamuregama Kanishta Vidyalaya and the Handungamuwa village, emphasizing coexistence strategies, including improved livestock management to reduce human-leopard conflicts. Finally, on November 29th, programs at Panapola Kanishta Vidyalaya and the Hapugoda village highlighted the vital role of leopards in the wet zone’s ecosystems and the need for sustainable coexistence.
These programs targeted regions with reported leopard-related incidents, ensuring that the initiative addressed the specific challenges faced by local communities. By engaging schools and residents, the initiative aimed to foster a culture of conservation, reduce fear and misconceptions about leopards, and encourage responsible actions to protect both wildlife and habitats.
The WNPS LOLC Multi-Regional Leopard Research and Conservation Project, under which these programs were organized, is a flagship initiative aimed at studying leopard populations outside Sri Lanka’s protected areas and promoting human-leopard coexistence. The sessions were coordinated through the project’s regional centers in Kotagala, Sigiriya, and Kalawana by center coordinators S. Ranjith and R. Yuthahari (Kotagala), W.A.N. Heshani (Sigiriya), and Malitha Dissanayake (Kalawana).
This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of WNPS, LOLC, and Sirasa TV to ensuring the long-term survival of Sri Lanka’s leopards and fostering harmony between humans and wildlife.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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