A young woman accused of animal cruelty after performing with a python draped around her neck at an event in Colombo was granted bail by the Colombo Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premaratne yesterday (24).

The suspect was released on two personal bail bonds of Rs. 500,000 each, following the court’s consideration of submissions made by the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The incident had taken place during the “Rajakeeya Avurudu Kumara Kumariya” pageant organised by model Chandimal Jayasinghe at the Royal Marks Arena in Colombo. A video circulating on social media showed the woman, identified as Methmi Hiranya, dancing with a python wrapped around her neck, prompting wildlife officials to launch an investigation.

Investigating officers informed court that the suspect was arrested when she appeared before the Department of Wildlife Conservation to provide a statement in connection with the incident. They further stated that although she had been previously requested to appear and give a statement, she had failed to do so. As a result, wildlife officers had sought a warrant from court on 23 March to arrest her.

Investigations have also revealed that the animal used in the performance had been provided by an individual from the Buttala area. Wildlife officials told court that further investigations are underway to arrest the individual concerned.