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 event.
The order was issued today (23) by Colombo Additional Magistrate D.J. Premaratne, following a complaint filed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The suspect, identified as Nethmi Hiranya, is accused of handling a protected species in a harmful manner by placing a python around her neck and dancing at the event.
Wildlife officials informed court that the suspect had been instructed to appear before the department and provide a statement, but had failed to comply.
They further noted that the incident had taken place at an event held in Colombo, organised as part of an Avurudu prince and princess pageant.
Officials stated that the act constitutes an offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, as the python is a protected animal.
Considering the facts, the Magistrate ordered that the suspect be arrested and produced before court.
Permission was also granted to record a statement from the event organiser, identified as beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe. (Newswire)