Foreign monk killed in leopard attack

A foreign Buddhist monk who was meditating in the Bambaragasthalawa area of the Kumana National Park died following a leopard attack, according to Environmentalist Nayanaka Ranwella, Secretary of the Wildlife Conservation Forum.

The incident occurred last night (25) while the monk was meditating inside a cave. Wildlife officers who inspected the site shortly after the report found the monk's body with severe injuries to the neck and chest.

Leopard tracks were clearly visible near the scene, and reports indicate that a leopard returned to the vicinity of the body while officials were awaiting the magistrate's inquest.

Environmentalists have long warned that staying in this deep forest area poses a significant threat to life, yet several monks have reportedly continued to reside there.