The University of Peradeniya administration has issued a special safety alert for students and staff due to an increase in leopard sightings within the university premises.
The warning was issued following the death of a calf at the Veterinary Faculty livestock farm on July 30 after a suspected leopard attack.
Leopards living in the Hanthana Forest Reserve occasionally enter the university premises, and similar attacks on animals near the Veterinary Faculty cattle sheds have been reported previously.
In a notice issued by Vice Chancellor Professor Terence Madhujith, all students, academic staff, and non-academic staff were advised to remain highly cautious, especially when travelling during early morning, evening, and night hours.
The university has advised students and staff not to travel alone during late-night or early morning hours, and not to approach leopards or attempt to capture photographs or videos if wild animals are spotted.
Anyone who observes a leopard or notices any suspicious incident has been requested to immediately inform the university security division.
The administration emphasized that the safety and wellbeing of the university community remains its highest priority and urged everyone to strictly follow the precautionary measures.
