A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks - By Sayuru Chapa Abeysundara

Written By: Sayuru Chapa Abeysundara

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Sayuru Chapa Abeysundara presents an evocative piece titled "A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks." This poem falls under the Poetry category and beautifully captures the voice of a majestic yet elusive creature of the Sri Lankan wilderness. Through this work, Sayuru provides a glimpse into the life of a Sri Lankan Leopard, emphasizing the importance of preserving its habitat and the balance of nature.

About the Work

"A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks" is an evocative poem that uses vivid imagery and a heartfelt plea to highlight the importance of conservation. It captures the essence of the leopard's existence, portraying it as a vital part of the ecosystem. The poem is rich with imagery of lush jungles and the delicate balance of life that the leopard helps maintain. It calls for awareness and action to protect these magnificent creatures and their natural habitats.

A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks

Original Submission by Sayuru Chapa Abeysundara

A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks

I am the Sri Lankan Leopard

I am a big cat

Living in the thick jungles of Sri Lanka

Beautifully camouflaged with rosettes all over my body

Looking like the dense foliage

Of the tropical rainforests

Elusive, stunning and solitary

Do you know what it means?

I am more than just a big wild cat

I am the one that sustains nature’s balance

That keeps the ecosystems of Sri Lanka on the

Correct path of continuity

I am the top predator

The silent stalker and the stealthy hunter of the forest

Where I live, others live too

I am the missing link to every other animal

In the food chain of the rainforest

Please protect my natural habitat

And protect the forest

By the conservation of natural resources without wasting them

Everywhere I roam

The natural wilderness breathes fresh air

From mysterious mountains

To golden yellow plains

From the tropical rainforests

To the cloud mountain forests

And the jungles that surround the fringes of the mighty ocean

From Yala to Wilpattu to Horton Plains

But I not only live in those place

I also live in other places in Sri Lanka

I live beyond boundaries and across borders

Sri Lanka is my home forever

I roam freely to feed my young

To find a partner to mate with

I want to be who I am

Because I am always meant to be free

Now, that you know a lot about me

Please protect me, always

Protect me from the snare

That will otherwise kill me

It destroys our food chain

And destroys every one of our kind

Around the borders of human settlements

Hunting us is destroying an ecosystem

With snares starving the forest

Brutally depriving us of our prey

We are forced to hunt livestock

Resulting in a brutal cycle of destruction

And we pay for our lives in return

So please, protect us from danger

We belong to Sri Lanka

Please care about us

And if I live,

So will you

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, organized by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating the art of words. It brings together writers and poets from around the world, fostering creativity and offering a space for diverse voices to be heard. Participants share their unique perspectives on a wide array of themes, contributing to a global dialogue through their literary expressions.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sayuru Chapa Abeysundara for sharing "A Sri Lankan Leopard Speaks" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your poem beautifully echoes the call for conservation and respect for nature, and we are grateful for your participation in this global celebration of creativity.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.