The University of Peradeniya has urged students, staff and nearby residents to remain vigilant following several sightings of Sri Lankan leopards within the university premises.
University officials said the areas around the Veterinary Teaching Farm and the Staff Development Centre in the Hanthana region have been identified as locations where the animals have been frequently spotted.
Dhammika Perera, Head of the Department of Farm Animal Production and Health at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, said research is being conducted with the assistance of the Department of Wildlife Conservation to monitor leopard activity in the area.
Based on available data, he said around eight leopards are believed to be living in the area, including a female leopard with a cub.
Perera explained that female leopards with cubs often move closer to human settlements while searching for food, which may explain the increased sightings around the university premises.
Following discussions with relevant departments, several precautionary measures have been introduced to protect animals kept at the university farm. These include installing safety fences around vulnerable areas and implementing an alarm system with motion sensors and sirens to alert staff if leopards approach the farm.
University sources said the situation has temporarily subsided, with no new incidents reported recently, although a cow and a dog were found dead near Uda Peradeniya.
Last week, several leopard sightings were reported on campus along with attacks on livestock at the Veterinary Teaching Farm.
The university has advised members of the campus community to avoid walking alone, especially during early morning, late evening or night hours, and to immediately report any leopard sightings to university security.