A Colombo Additional Magistrate has ordered the arrest of a young woman who allegedly performed with a python molurus during an Avurudu Kumari pageant, citing violations under wildlife protection laws.

Colombo Additional Magistrate D.J. Premaratne yesterday (23) directed the Department of Wildlife Conservation to arrest and produce before court the suspect, identified as Nethmi Hiranya.

The order was issued after considering a complaint filed by the Department.

Presenting facts to court, a Wildlife Department officer stated that the suspect had been identified in connection with allegedly handling a protected animal — a python — in a manner deemed harmful.

The officer informed court that the suspect had been instructed to appear before the Wildlife office to provide a statement but had failed to comply.

According to the Department, the incident had taken place during an Avurudu Kumara and Kumariya pageant organised by a well-known beautician at the Royal Mas Arena premises in Colombo Cinnamon Gardens.

“At this event, the suspect had carried a python around her neck and engaged in dancing,” Wildlife officials told court.

They further noted that such conduct constitutes an offence under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

“As this is a punishable offence, the suspect was informed to appear before the office and give a statement, but she has not responded so far,” officials said, requesting court to issue a warrant for her arrest.

Wildlife officers also sought permission to record a statement from the organiser of the pageant, identified as beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe.

Considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that a warrant be issued to arrest the suspect and produce her before court, and granted permission to obtain a statement from the event organiser.