Kumana leopard attack: Final rites of the worker held today

Colombo (News 1st): The final rites of the victim of a leopard attack at the Kumana National Park, was held this afternoon (April 20). Meanwhile, the area in which the attack occurred, was closed for tourists today (April 20) as well. A worker who was working on site on a road development project was dragged away and killed by a leopard. Another person of the search group consisting of wildlife officials who went in search of the missing person was attacked by the same leopard. The victim is now receiving treatment at the Ampara General Hospital for severe injuries. Even though the relevant zone has been closed down for visitors and tourists, it's still questionable if that step is sufficient to ensure the safety of those who visit the Kumana National Park. Executive Director of the Environment Conservation Trust Sajeewa Chamikara commenting on this noted,

"If this area reopens for visitors or other actions with the involvement of humans, there's a high chance of such an attack to happen again, because the behavioural pattern of the animal hasn't yet been analysed. This area experienced a drought, and the animals are severely affected due to this, with the lack of food and water, if the development activities are carried out under such circumstances, such accidents will reccur. The end result of this will be killing of the animal, if proper action is not taken."

This is not the first time, humans became victims of unfortunate animal attacks. Locals from the hill country, as well as individuals from several areas across the island, were previously subject to leopard attacks. However, it is unfortunate to note that such incidents are only limited to temporary topics of discussion. No proper actions have been taken thus far.