Safeguarding Sri Lanka’s leopards: Hayleys Plantations establishes wildlife corridors towards biodiversity conservation

From left: KVPL Director/CEO Anura Weerakoon,  Ecologist and Managing Trustee Anjali Watson, WWCT Principal Investigator and Founding Trustee Dr. Andrew Kittle, and KVPL Head/General Manager – HR and Corporate Sustainability Dr. Anuruddha Thiththagalla Gamage at the signing of the MoU between KVPL and the WWCT to establish the Elbedda Ridge Corridor

 Resident leopards of the Elbedda Ridge Corridor: A snapshot from the WWCT’s ongoing study, showcasing individual leopards and cubs identified within the corridor, highlighting its vital role in conservation and breeding

Furthering their commitment to environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation, Hayleys Plantations has partnered with leading environmental and conservationist organisations to accelerate leopard conservation by establishing wildlife corridors within their estates.

Hayleys Plantations companies Kelani Valley Plantations PLC (KVPL), Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC (TTE), and Horana Plantations (HPL) have committed to this cause, enabling easy movement for leopards and other wildlife between fragmented habitats, facilitating gene flow, foraging, and breeding opportunities. In addition, the companies have also commenced research into conservation methods and implemented several community awareness and engagement programs.

“As one of only two remaining island leopard species in the entire world, Sri Lankan leopards are a precious part of our nation’s biodiversity. However, they face significant threats from habitat loss, human-leopard conflict, and poaching. Being an organisation reliant on the environment and bordering leopard habitats, we are uniquely positioned to take action to protect these endangered species. By establishing wildlife corridors with the support of our partners, we are actively contributing to preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage and safeguarding ecosystems’ wellbeing for generations to come,” Hayleys Plantations Sector Managing Director Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said.

As part of their ongoing commitment to leopard conservation, KVPL, together with the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT), has established the Elbedda Ridge Corridor (ERC), covering an entire belt of seven estates in the Hatton region. Through combined research with WWCT scientists and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), KVPL has identified more than 40 leopards of four generations. KVPL also partnered with the WWCT to establish its own native forest plant nursery at Ingestre Estate in Dickoya.

The company has expanded its leopard conservation initiatives through awareness programs among the estates’ employees and nearby communities, signboard installations, and specialised training, collaborating with organisations such as the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) and the Rainforest Alliance. These combined efforts have yielded tangible results, including increased leopard sightings and documented improvements in ecosystem health.

Simultaneously, TTE has joined forces with Biodiversity Sri Lanka and the WNPS to enhance conservation efforts in both upcountry and low country estates. 

HPL, in collaboration with Biodiversity Sri Lanka, Dilmah Conservation, and the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Authority, established the Peak-Ridge Leopard Corridor to protect the leopard population along with other endemic species in the Upcot region. The corridor spans 18km between the Castlereagh and Maussakelle reservoirs, which intersects HPL’s Stockholm, Mahanilu, and Alton Estates.

Through these collaborative efforts, Hayleys Plantations continues to demonstrate leadership in critical areas such as habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and the prevention of harmful activities to ensure long-term ecosystem sustainability.