21 snakes belonging to eight species were found while being kept illegally at a house in Rajagiriya area, last week, said Head of Wildlife Flying Squad, B. S. Sumanarathna.
“The suspect is a traditional doctor involved in treating snake bites. He says the snakes were being kept for identification and educational purposes. However, we suspect the snakes were being used for promotional purposes, to sell his oil products,” Sumanarathna said.
He said the species of snakes included two green whip snakes, eight snakes belonging to three species of Cat Snakes (three Le Mapila, Three Nidi Mapila and two Naaga Mapila), five Ornate Flying Snakes, two Indian Rock Pythons, one Trinket Snake and three Green Pit Vipers.
Speaking of the incident, Environmentalist and Attorney at Law, Jagath Gunawardana said snakes are protected under subsection 1 of section 30 of Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance (FFOA). “Therefore, killing, possession, custody, selling and exporting snakes are an offence. The offenders can be arrested without a warrant.” Gunawardana further said traditional and Ayurvedic doctors can keep snakes for purely educational and scientific purposes, but only with a permit obtained under section 55 of FFOA. “However, utilizing snakes for profit making purposes is a non permitted act,” he said. Sumanarathna said the suspect was produced before Aluthkade Magistrate Courts 2, and released on Surety of Rs 50,000. However, charges are filed against the suspect and Court hearing will be in September.
The snakes will be remain in the protection of Dehiwala Zoological gardens, until the Court Case concludes.