Alerts raised over leopard presence at Peradeniya Uni.

2026-03-18 - 05:03

The administration of the University of Peradeniya has issued a warning to its community after reports of leopards roaming within campus premises. The alert follows incidents in which several cattle belonging to the livestock farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science were reportedly killed and consumed by leopards. Leopards believed to inhabit the Hanthana area have been entering the university at night and preying on animals in the cattle shed. As a result, precautionary notices have been issued to the university community, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrence Madujith told the media. He further stated, “We have advised both students and staff to avoid moving alone within the university premises during nighttime and early morning hours. Notice boards were also installed on the university premises regarding this. CCTV footage from the university has captured leopard movement in the premises and instances of leopards killing and feeding on cattle. Students and staff have been instructed to immediately inform security personnel if any leopard is sighted. We have also notified the Department of Wildlife Conservation regarding this situation. The university community has been advised to act with utmost caution and to follow all safety measures in this regard.”