News

Ensnared leopard dies in Maskeliya

Published

9 months ago

September 2, 2024

editor

A leopard, which had been struggling for its life after being caught in a snare, tragically died in Maskeliya. The leopard was discovered by local residents in a snare intended for foxes.

Residents reported that it took over an hour for wildlife officials to arrive at the scene.

Despite their efforts to minimize the animal’s distress by keeping people away, they had to wait for a veterinarian to arrive to rescue and treat the leopard. Unfortunately, the leopard succumbed to its injuries before help could arrive.

“We informed the relevant departments at around 6:30 am, but we didn’t get a response until around 11 am. By then, the animal had died,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.

A spokesperson from the Nallathanniya Wildlife Office stated that a team was dispatched immediately upon learning of the incident.

However, due to a limited number of veterinarians, they had to wait for a vet from Randenigala. The spokesperson also mentioned that the leopard’s panic when locals approached made the rescue more challenging.

This incident follows a similar case where a rare black leopard was found caught in a trap a few kilometers away, several years ago.

Environmentalists argue that the presence of a dedicated veterinarian in the area could help protect these rare animals from such tragic outcomes.

(newsfirst.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by newsfirst.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

5 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

5 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.