WNPS marks first livestock insurance pay-out, launches predator-proof cattle pen initiative supporting livelihoods, protecting leopards

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS), together with UNDP Sri Lanka through the BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance Initiative) and LOLC Holdings PLC, marked an important milestone in promoting human-leopard coexistence by presenting the first compensation payment under the Livestock Insurance Scheme and launching the construction of the first predator-proof community cattle pen in the Sigiriya landscape.

Along with guidance of the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Livestock Insurance Scheme was introduced last year as a pilot initiative in the Dambulla and Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat Divisions to support livestock farmers affected by leopard predation while encouraging coexistence with Sri Lanka’s iconic leopard outside Protected Areas. The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden faced by rural communities and discourage retaliatory actions against leopards by providing a practical safety net for affected farmers.

UNDP-BIOFIN Senior Technical Advisor Abbie Trinidad visited the WNPS-LOLC Sigiriya Regional Centre to witness the progress of the program and engage with local communities benefiting from the initiative.

During the visit, the first compensation cheque was presented to A.G. Dissanayake, a livestock farmer from Alakolawewa, Wewala, whose cattle calf was killed in a leopard predation incident. 

His compensation marks the first successful claim under the scheme, demonstrating how conservation and community welfare can work hand in hand. Officials from LOLC General Insurance’s Dambulla team joined the event, while officers from the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Sigiriya Range Office also participated in the session, reflecting the collaborative partnership supporting human-leopard coexistence initiatives in the landscape.

Since its launch, over 1,000 farmers have registered under the Livestock Insurance Scheme, making them eligible to claim compensation for verified livestock losses caused by leopards outside Protected Areas. The program represents a proactive approach to addressing one of the key drivers of human-leopard conflict while strengthening trust between local communities and conservation partners.

Following the cheque presentation, Jetwing Vil Uyana General Manager Nadhun Punchihewa, Jetwing Lake Deputy General Manager Nalin Herath laid the foundation stone for the first predator-proof community cattle pen in Wewalawewa. Supported by Jetwing Hotels and Colombo Jewellery Stores the facility will be shared by two farming families and is designed to safely house around 50 cattle overnight. By protecting livestock during the hours when leopard attacks are most likely to occur, the enclosure is expected to significantly reduce future losses while providing a practical model that can be replicated in other high-conflict areas.

The visit concluded with field visits and discussions involving farmers who have experienced repeated livestock predation. Representatives from WNPS and UNDP-BIOFIN met with community members to gather their experiences, hear feedback on the Livestock Insurance Scheme, and discuss opportunities to further strengthen the program.

The combination of financial support, improved livestock protection, and community engagement reflects a growing commitment to developing long-term, practical solutions for coexistence between people and leopards. As the pilot program continues to evolve, WNPS and its partners remain committed to working alongside local communities to protect rural livelihoods while ensuring a safer future for Sri Lanka’s endangered leopard.