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

Internal disputes delay LG member lists

Published

16 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

Due to various issues that have arisen within many political parties during the selection of members for LG bodies, submission of name lists to the Election Commission (EC) are being delayed, reports say.

As a result, the establishment of LG bodies is expected to be delayed further.

In this backdrop, the EC has instructed all political parties and independent groups to submit their name lists within a week.

The gazette on the newly appointed members will follow only after the EC receives all lists.

(Source : Lankadeepa)

News

Ministry cancels Br. Charles’ program at Padeniya temple

Published

16 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs has issued a letter over a program organized by Br. Charles Thomas.

The relevant program is scheduled to be held today (May 17) at the historic Padeniya temple and is allegedly scheduled to be held in a manner that is harmful to Buddhism.

The letter notes that the Deputy Minister has taken steps to cancel the program following complaints from various parties, citing strong displeasure expressed by the local Buddhist community.

News

Applications open for A/L Vocational stream

Published

16 hours ago

May 17, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has announced that applications are now open for admissions for Grade 12 students for the Advanced Level (A/L) Vocational stream subjects.

According to the Ministry, the vocational stream will be offered in 608 schools starting this year.

The Ministry further clarified that students who have not passed the GCE Ordinary Level (O/L) examination will still be eligible to apply, as O/L results will not be a determining factor for admission to this stream.

For this, students need to submit an application to the principal of the school they wish to enroll in.