Avurudu Kumari to be arrested over dance with python ; Statement to be recorded from Chandimal

2026-03-24 - 03:14

A contestant who performed a dance with a python draped around her neck at an Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya pageant organised by well-known beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe has been ordered to be arrested and produced before court. The order was issued today (March 23) by Colombo Additional Magistrate D. J. Premaratne to the Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Magistrate also granted permission to wildlife officers to record a statement from Chandimal Jayasinghe, the organiser of the pageant. The warrant was issued after considering a complaint filed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, directing the arrest and production in court of the suspect, a young woman named Nethmi Hiranya. Presenting facts before court, a wildlife officer attached to the Colombo wildlife range stated that the suspect had been identified in connection with mistreating a protected animal by placing a python around her neck. The court was further informed that although the suspect had been instructed to report to the Wildlife Department and provide a statement, she had failed to comply. Wildlife officials also stated that the incident had taken place at an Avurudu event held at the Royal MAS Arena in Colombo 07 (Kurunduwatta), where the suspect had danced with a python around her neck. They noted that the act constitutes an offence punishable under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Despite being notified to appear before the department and provide a statement, the suspect had not responded. After considering the submissions, the Magistrate issued the warrant ordering that the suspect be arrested and produced before court, and authorised officials to obtain a statement from the event organiser, Chandimal Jayasinghe.