A Colombo Magistrate has ordered the arrest of a young woman who allegedly performed a dance with a protected snake during a Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration in Colombo.
The order was issued by Colombo Additional Magistrate D.J. Premaratne following a complaint lodged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The suspect, identified as Nethmi Hiranya, is accused of handling a protected species in a harmful manner after reportedly placing a python around her neck and dancing at an Avurudu prince and princess pageant event.
Wildlife officials informed the court that the suspect had previously been instructed to appear before the department and provide a statement regarding the incident but had failed to comply.
Authorities further stated that the act constitutes an offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, as the python involved is classified as a protected animal.
Taking these facts into consideration, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be arrested and produced before court.
The court also granted permission to record a statement from the event organiser, identified as beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe, as part of the ongoing investigation.
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