It has been revealed that the cobra discovered inside the Speaker’s Office at Parliament recently had made its way there from the Beddagana Wetland Reserve.

Reports indicate that the cobra swam across the Diyawanna Oya from the reserve, entered the Parliament premises, and actually climbed up the rough exterior walls of the building to reach the Speaker’s Office located on the second floor.

Upon spotting the venomous reptile, security personnel and officers from the Parliament’s landscaping division managed to capture it safely. The snake was then transported via a Navy boat and released back into the wetland reserve.

Sources note that because the Parliament is situated adjacent to a wetland, it is not uncommon for snakes to swim across the Diyawanna Oya and encroach upon the premises.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa raised the issue with the Speaker in Parliament today (20).

Expressing deep concern, he pointed out the severity of the situation: “A cobra entered the Speaker’s Office. If it had bitten the Speaker, we would be facing a major crisis.” He urged the authorities to pay serious attention to the safety of the complex.

He specifically questioned whether Anti-Venom is currently available within the Parliament medical unit.

The Opposition Leader further emphasized that the safety of all Members of Parliament and staff must be guaranteed against such venomous threats.