A young woman who drew widespread attention on social media after performing a dance with a python during a New Year beauty pageant has been fined Rs. 50,000 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. The man who allegedly rented the protected reptile to her for money was also fined Rs. 100,000.The case followed an investigation launched by the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s Colombo District Range Forest Office in Bellanwila after videos of the performance circulated widely on social media. Wildlife officers later arrested both the woman and the man who supplied the python.

When the case was taken up before the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court, both suspects pleaded guilty to the charges.The court imposed a Rs. 50,000 fine on the woman for possessing and using a protected wild animal to perform a dance. The male suspect was fined Rs. 100,000 for illegally possessing a protected wild animal and offering it for hire, in violation of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.The Department of Wildlife Conservation reminded the public that the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance strictly prohibits the possession, transport, exhibition, sale or hiring of protected wild animals. Authorities warned that legal action will continue to be taken against those involved in such offences.

The investigation and prosecution were led by the Colombo District Range Forest Office under the supervision of Range Forest Officer M.D.P. Sanjeewa.