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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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Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” departs island

Published

4 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Royal Navy of Oman Vessel “SADH” which arrived in Sri Lanka for replenishment purpose, departed the island on 12 Feb 26.

In accordance with naval tradition, the Sri Lanka Navy extended a customary farewell to the departing ship.

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“We will not make decisions for rural level schools while sitting in Colombo” – PM

Published

6 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that aligning with the development activities carried out under the new education reforms, decisions at the rural level will not be taken from Colombo and plans should be sent based on the requirements of the rural level through the District Coordination Committees by structural committees. She further noted that all officials, from the Ministry of Education down to the school level, must commit to working efficiently and with a human-centered approach.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion held with education authorities of the Hambantota District on Thursday [February 12] at the auditorium of the Hambantota District Secretariat regarding the new education reforms and prevailing issues in the education sector.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister provided an opportunity for education authorities including chief prelates of pirivenas, zonal education directors, teacher advisors, and principals to present the challenges they face and officials raised concerns including salary disparities among principals, developing school infrastructure, issues arising from the division between national and provincial schools, and uplifting pirivena education.

Further elaborating, Prime Minister stated:

“The new education reforms were initiated from 2025 through dialogue, consultations, and the collection of necessary data. As officials, you have extended your support to us during this process. We have embarked on a difficult and long journey, and we look forward to your continued cooperation.

We initiated these reforms in response to a strong social demand. Many have attempted such reforms at different times. Within our political vision, we understood clearly that if this country is to be rebuilt, an educational transformation is essential. The human resource is the most valuable resource of this country and it should be nurtured properly.

Solutions to many of the crises our country faces lie within the education system. Addressing the issues in economic challenges, social issues, drug abuse, violence, the breakdown of political culture, corruption, waste, and even the deterioration of human relationships all lie within the education.

In order to achieve the transformation we envision as a government, that an education transformation is necessary.

This education system should focus on reducing the pressures within the system, minimize school dropouts, increase employability, and instill confidence in children about their future.

There are disparities within the school system, between rural and urban schools, national and provincial schools, and difficult schools. This should not happen. All children must have equal opportunities.
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Decisions regarding the establishment of schools or expansion of classes should not be political decisions. They must be decisions taken through Structural Committees. Those representatives understand their divisions, village economies, and population dynamics. Based on your decisions and assessments of needs, prepare the plans, discuss them with the District Coordination Committees, and submit them to us. We will then take steps to provide the necessary allocations and other support. We will not make decisions for the rural level while sitting in Colombo.

We are taking steps to minimize salary disparities. A Cabinet paper regarding the salary anomalies of principals has already been prepared for submission. Steps are also being taken to introduce new reforms in pirivena education through the Pirivena Committee of the Ministry of Education. We require the support of the chief prelates in this regard.

A significant number of teachers turn to human rights due to delays caused by inefficiency. Therefore, all officials from the Ministry of Education down to the schools must commit to working efficiently and in a humane manner”

The discussion was attended by Chief prelates of pirivenas, deputy ministers, Members of Parliament, zonal directors, principals, and other education sector officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

Latest News

Landslide Early Warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

Published

9 hours ago

2026/02/13

Priyan

The Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya valid from 06:00 hrs on 13.02.2026 to 06:00 hrs on 14.02.2026

Accordingly,
Level II [AMBER] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Walapane and Nildandahinna in the Nuwara Eliya district.

Level I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Pathahewheta in the Kandy district.