The administration of the University of Peradeniya has urged students, academic staff, and non-academic staff to remain highly vigilant as leopards have begun frequenting the university premises.The areas surrounding the Veterinary Teaching Farm and the Staff Development Centre,

located in the Hanthana region, belonging to the university, have been identified as zones where leopards are frequently spotted.

The administration has further requested everyone to exercise extreme caution during activities in these areas and to immediately notify the University Security Division and the Health Sector if any emergency situation arises.

By S.K. Samaranayake

S.B.M.S.B. Sallay, wife of retired Major General Suresh Sallay, has raised serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding her husband’s detention by the Criminal Investigation Department under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

In a letter addressed to the CID Director, she said restrictions had been imposed on family visits and consultations with lawyers, while requests to provide food from home had also been refused. She said that despite applying for a Police Clearance Certificate to enable their son to visit his father, the document had not yet been issued, preventing him from meeting the detainee.

Sallay’s legal team—President’s Counsel Anujaya Premarathne and Attorneys-at-Law Rasika Balasuriya, Asith Siriwardena and Bhanuka R. Malaviarachchi—have filed a motion before the Fort Magistrate’s Court seeking relief, including access to the full case record, expanded family visitation, permission to provide food, and safeguards for Sallay’s well-being.

During the proceedings, the Magistrate reportedly observed that the court had not been officially informed of Sallay’s detention. A CID officer told court that Sallay had not yet been named as a suspect in any case, though authorities were considering under which case he might be listed.

Mrs. Sallay said the situation raised procedural concerns, noting that the Prevention of Terrorism Act requires a certified copy of any Detention Order to be submitted to court within 48 hours.

She also expressed alarm over a lawyer consultation on 04 March which, she said, was conducted in the presence of CID officers who observed and took notes. According to her, one officer placed a mobile phone on the table in a manner suggesting the conversation was being recorded.

The lawyers objected, citing a breach of attorney–client confidentiality, after which the device was removed. Mrs. Sallay further pointed to conflicting information regarding the case under which her husband was being held.

While CID officers reportedly referred to Case No. 35882/24 at the Fort Magistrate’s Court, earlier statements had indicated that he had not yet been named as a suspect. She has requested written clarification from the CID regarding the specific case, advance notice of court production dates, and assurances concerning her husband’s legal rights and well-being.

Former SLPP MP and Attorney-at-Law Premanath C. Dolawatta says the government has moved to restructure the post of Justice of the Peace, a position traditionally conferred on respected citizens in villages.

Dolawatta said that under Gazette No. 2489/84, persons above the age of 75 would no longer be eligible to hold the post.

He said medical certification would also be required to determine the suitability of applicants, with authorities stressing the need to assess qualifications for the position.

Dolawatta noted that the office of Justice of the Peace had long been regarded as a community honour.

Referring to the impact of the reforms, he said nearly 41,000 persons would lose their posts and argued that it was unfair to remove those currently serving.