Colombo Additional Magistrate D.J. Premaratne ordered the arrest of a young woman who allegedly danced with a protected python during a New Year's event. The order followed a complaint by the Department of Wildlife Conservation regarding the incident, which occurred at an Avurudu pageant in Colombo.

The suspect, Nethmi Hiranya, faces accusations of mistreating a protected species under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance. Wildlife officials informed the court that Hiranya failed to provide a statement despite being summoned previously. The event, held at the Royal MAS Arena, was organised by beautician Chandimal Jayasinghe.

The court also authorised officials to record a statement from Jayasinghe concerning the pageant's organisation. Since pythons are legally protected in Sri Lanka, handling them in a harmful manner for entertainment constitutes a punishable offence. The Magistrate directed that the suspect be produced before the court following her arrest.