Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2026 hosted by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa will host Sri Lankan Leopard Day 2026 on Saturday, 1 January, in Colombo. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at No. 30 Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, and brings together conservationists, researchers, policymakers, government agencies, civil‑society groups, youth representatives, diplomatic missions, media and the corporate sector.

The programme aims to strengthen national efforts to protect the endemic Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), a vulnerable apex predator threatened by habitat loss, human‑wildlife conflict and poaching. Premadasa stressed that safeguarding the leopard is a national responsibility that supports ecological balance, natural heritage and sustainable development, and the gathering will facilitate dialogue on research, conservation strategies and youth engagement.