News

Ensnared leopard dies in Maskeliya

Published

1 week 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

BASL accuses its president of making baseless claims

Published

44 mins ago

September 11, 2024

editor

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has alleged that its President, Kaushalya Nawaratne PC, had made certain unfounded allegations regarding the Special Committee Report related to the JICA-BASL Programme, which was unanimously adopted by the Bar Council and some members of the Special Committee.
BASL Acting President Anura Meddegoda and Secretary Chathura Galhena have issued a statement to clarify the BASL’s stance on the alleged misrepresentations and falsehoods published by Kaushalya Nawaratne PC in the media.

News

Harini seeks Rs. 100 mn. from Tissa Attanayake

Published

49 mins ago

September 11, 2024

editor

National People’s Power (NPP) Parliamentarian Harini Amarasuriya today (Sep. 11) filed a defamatory action before the Colombo District Court against Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP – Tissa Attanayake claiming Rs.100 million as damages for allegedly making a false and defamatory statement during a recent election rally.

Harini Amarasuriya alleges that on August 19, 2024, the defendant Tissa Attanayake made a public statement during an SJB Presidential campaign meeting in Mawanella, claiming that an NPP government would halt the Kandy Dalada Perahera and the plaintiff has also made a statement regarding this matter.

This plaint has been filed through Attorney-at-Law Shanika Silva.

News

Measures sought against using children in election campaigns

Published

5 hours ago

September 11, 2024

editor

Measures have been sought against children being used in election campaigns.

The ‘Surakimu Daruwan’ National Movement has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission today (Sep. 11) in this regard.

Convener of the movement – Priyantha Herath has said, “Children are being used in canvassing and advertisement… Children cannot be used for political purposes. We have complained to the National Child Protection Authority… Nothing was done. Therefore, we complained of this to the Election Commission.”

The Election Commission itself has informed all parties not to use children in their political campaigns.

Election Commissioner General – Saman Sri Ratnayake has reminded that the candidates have a responsibility to work for the future generations without making the sovereign power and people’s vote, a mere commodity.

He had further added : “Voters too have a responsibility to think about how to use their vote. It is also the responsibility of the NCPA to look into these matters. It is not something that needs to specially reminded by the Election Commission.”