There has been unrest in the Peradeniya University campus after several leopards were reported to be present. Accordingly, it is reported that they have issued a security notice to students and staff.
According to an internal statement issued by the Vice-Chancellor’s office, this decision was taken at a meeting of the University Security Committee held recently.
The statement states that leopards have been seen in several places in the university and that a number of attacks on animals have also been reported in the veterinary farm.
Considering these circumstances, the university administration has also issued a special set of instructions to all students and staff.
Accordingly, the university administration has stated that they should be vigilant and take necessary security measures when moving within the university premises. The statement also states that members of the university community should avoid walking alone in the early morning, evening or at night.
The university administration has further indicated that if leopards are seen, they should immediately report it to the university security department.
However, environmentalists point out that the leopards is not aggressive towards humans. The leopard, taking advantage of the scarcity of its food in its natural environment, comes to human habitation for food.