The Wildlife Department produced Nethmi Hiranya, a young woman accused of dancing with a python in a cruel manner, before the court today (24).
After considering the arguments presented by the Wildlife Department and the suspect’s lawyers, Colombo Additional Magistrate H.D.D.J. Premaratne ordered her release on two personal bails of Rs. 5 lakh each.
The dance was performed at the Royal Avurudu Princess Selection Ceremony held at the Royal Marks Arena in Colombo. The Wildlife Department was heavily criticized after footage of the dance was shared on social media.
The Department of Wildlife informed the court that the young woman was summoned to the Wildlife Department to obtain a statement in this regard, but she did not appear, and a warrant was issued yesterday to arrest her.
Accordingly, the Wildlife Department informed the court that she was arrested today when she came to the Wildlife Office to give a statement regarding the incident.
The person from Buttala who provided the python for this dance is also to be arrested, and a statement is to be obtained from famous beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe in this regard.