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Herpetologist and 2026 World Snake Congress Scientific Committee Secy. Gen. Dr. Nimal D. Rathnayake speaks about the fearful symmetry of these mythic and stigmatised scaly-beings that are a vital part of the ecosystem, the science behind them and the intertwined survival of humans and reptiles
BY Dhanushka Dharmapriya
Snakes are a widely overlooked, feared, despised and even mythologised group in nature. Despite their timid disposition and tendency to avoid humans, and their crucial role in controlling pest populations, they are typically viewed through a negative lens. The impulse to harm, capture, or kill them has become almost routine. In Sri Lanka, only five of the 112 snake species are venomous snakes of the highest medical importance. Yet, the stigma persists.
Globally, the pet trade has grown increasingly popular, driven by the exotic colours and rarity of certain species, which are seen as markers of prestige. In Sri Lanka however, public understanding and appreciation of snake diversity remain limited. Awareness of snakebite precautions is slowly improving, but, incidents still occur in both rural and urban areas where victims have died simply because they failed to seek immediate medical care.
It is in this context that the first World Congress on Snakes (WCS) will be held in Kandy, from 1-4 October. Participants from around the world will engage in substantive discussions on snake ecology, conservation strategies, phylogeny (the evolutionary development and diversification of a species or group of organisms, or of a particular feature of an organism), behaviour, snakebite management, and the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. The gathering offers a platform for networking and for shaping the future of snake conservation and research. Professional scientists, emerging researchers, conservation practitioners, and those working on snakebite response are invited to contribute to the conversation.
To share insights on both the Congress and the broader knowledge of snakes, The Daily Morning spoke with herpetologist and the Secretary General of the Scientific Committee of the World Snake Congress 2026. Dr. Nimal D. Rathnayake.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
How do we identify a snake?
Snakes are long, carnivorous, limbless reptiles belonging to the order Squamata. They are characterised by scaly skin, flexible jaws for swallowing large prey, a bifurcated tongue, and no eyelids or external ears. They act as key predators in maintaining ecosystem balance, controlling pest populations that spread disease and destroy crops. There are 112 snake species in Sri Lanka. Out of this, 45 are native species and 67 are endemic species. Among them, 12 are critically endangered, 16 are endangered and nine are vulnerable.
What are the common misconceptions about snakes that threaten their survival?
There are a few common misconceptions about snakes. One of them is that snakes chase people. Snakes don’t pursue humans; they are generally scared and will only strike or act defensively if cornered or provoked. Some think that all snakes are venomous, but not all are venomous. Some believe that the Forsten’s Cat Snake (Naga Mapila) sucks blood – this snake is blood red in colour, adding colour to the myth. Further, if the Sri Lankan Cobra (Naya/Nagaya) is killed, seven Cobras will come to take revenge is only a myth. The Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla) removes the eyes of people when attacking is also only a myth.
Can you give us a breakdown of the varieties of snakes in the country, categorising them based on how venomous they are and the extent to which the general public is aware of them?
Sri Lanka is home to 112 snakes (2.72 per cent). Rather than categorising them as highly venomous, venomous, and non-venomous, below is a more scientific way to segment them. Here, the species whose venom can cause severe morbidity, mortality, or long-term disability in humans are known as medically important.
-Venomous snakes of the ‘highest’ medical importance – There are five of them: Russell’s Viper, Merrem’s Hump-nosed Pit Viper, Common Indian Krait, the aforementioned Cobra, and the Saw-scaled Viper.
The snake population and their varieties and diversity in Sri Lankan water bodies, including mangroves and the seas?
There are 15 sea snakes in the country. In other water bodies, there are species as the Wart Snake/Cloth Snake, the Olive Keelback , the Sri Lankan Keelback, Tikiri Keelback, the Dog-Faced Water Snake, the Rainbow Water Snake, and the Glossy Marsh Snake.
What are the significant research findings lately? Any new species identified?
Thasun's Bronze-back is the newly discovered species in early 2025, found on the Maragala Mountain by a research group headed by Anusha Atthanagoda.
Are there enough herpetologists in the country? What are the potential career developments for them?
Dr. Anslem de Silva, known as the ‘father of modern herpetology’, is the only remaining herpetologist in Sri Lanka representing the third generation. Generation four consists of a larger group. Generation five is currently improving. They can serve as researchers, taxonomists, conservationists, wildlife managers, etc.
Do we have vets that treat snakes in the country? Or, do you think that the education and training of vets should be enhanced?
Yes, but a few. It is a timely need for improving this area of concern for protecting these animals.
There are people outside the academia that are interested in herpetology and help snakes, and also spread awareness on snakes. How can the Government foster these people?
Their interest should be well recognised, since they are supporting the maintenance of ecosystem balance and the protection of the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka.
To what extent are treatment protocols for snakebites being disseminated in rural areas?
Earlier, people in both rural and urban areas were more likely to resort to traditional Ayurvedic treatments for snakebites. However, this trend has gradually turned into antivenom treatments since the late 1970s. Within the current improved health sector of the country, antivenom treatments for the bites of venomous snakes of medical importance, including the Russell’s Viper, Merrem’s Hump-Nosed Pit Viper, the Common Indian Krait, the Indian Cobra, and the Saw-Scaled Viper, are available in Government hospitals.
How many instances of snakebites and how many deaths are reported per year, and how many could have been prevented if the awareness or proper treatments were there?
According to Prof. Anjan Silva, 30,000-40,000 snakebites are recorded per year in Sri Lanka. The death count remains below 100. However, in line with unconfirmed information, approximately 80,000 and 400 snakebites and deaths are reported per year, respectively.
How is antivenom development in the country?
A: Antivenom development basically involves collecting venom from venomous animals, injecting small, safe doses into animals (usually horses or sheep) to trigger antibody production, and harvesting the plasma to create therapeutic serum. This traditional method has been refined to include improved purification and freeze-drying for long-term stability, with research moving towards recombinant technologies, artificial intelligence designed molecules, and synthetic nanobodies to improve safety and efficacy.
We have an Ayurvedic medication system too. Is there a way to bridge this with our Western medicine system for snakebites?
The traditional Ayurvedic medication system assists in post-bite recovery, symptom management, and treating localised tissue damage, while Western medicine provides life-saving antivenom. Thus, the ayurvedic medication system in Sri Lanka can bridge with Western medicine for snakebites.
What are the first aid requirements in snakebites? What to do and what not to do?
First, the patient should not panic. Trying to attack or kill the snake should not be done either. If a spitting has happened, you should rinse the venom with running water in the eyes and don’t try to rub the eyes. You should not try to cut, wash or suck the wound - leave the wound area alone. You should not tie the affected area to stop blood circulation, but do remove all tight items around the affected area instead. When laying the patient down, they should be laid on their side and reduce the movement of the affected area. Don’t lay the patient on their back. The patient should be rushed to the health facility for medical treatment. You should not be trying to use any traditional methods or any unsafe treatments.
In cultivations like sugarcane, the farmers get frequently bitten by snakes and the fishermen get bitten by sea snakes. What are the precautions that can be taken by farmers and fishermen before getting into the field to prevent snakebite incidents?
Commonly, farmers and fishermen can prevent snakebites by wearing high, thick rubber or leather boots and loose-fitting long pants to block strikes. Always use a torch at night, use a stick to clear tall grass or debris before stepping, and check footwear before putting it on.
Farmers should wear heavy gloves when harvesting or collecting wood. Keep the surroundings of your house, farm, and woodpiles free of garbage, weeds, and debris that attract rodents and snakes.
The fishermen also should be looking carefully before stepping onto muddy banks, rocky areas, or logs, as these are common sunning spots for snakes. Using fishing nets to land fish to avoid putting your hands in the water near the shore also may prevent a possible snakebite. Exercise caution when stepping into water heavily covered with foliage, as snakes can hide in it. They must be extra cautious during dusk and dawn, which are active hours for snakes.
There is a new tendency in Sri Lanka for the illegal pet trading of snakes. What are the causes?
The belief is that possessing the world's rarest animals elevates one to a higher social standing. Species like the Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper and Cat Snakes are attractive and in high demand in the pet trade. Snakes are a fascinating group of animals. People who keep them are often considered strange by society. Since exotic snakes are expensive to purchase, possessing one is seen as a mark of prestige. A new culture is emerging in Sri Lanka also, with an increasing number of people raising exotic animals. However, this practice is illegal under Sri Lanka’s Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance and, in some cases, also violates international law.
Q: Even though our country has a legal framework to prohibit illegal animal trafficking, the situation internationally is not the same. For instance, Germany has become a hub for international pet trading. These situations encourage locals to engage in these illegal activities. How do you think we can cope with these situations?
The primary legal framework prohibiting or restricting the international trade of animals is the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which came into force in 1975. It prohibits the commercial trade of endangered species and strictly regulates others to protect against over-exploitation.
The current number of officers in the Biodiversity Unit of the Customs should be increased to further control illegal animal trafficking. If well-trained Customs officers can be deployed for a longer period, this smuggling can be controlled to a reasonable level.
In some countries, in places like Florida, a species of python was released into the jungle which has become a huge problem. We also have incidents like imported invasive species such as the giant snakehead fish, breeding excessively in reservoirs. What incidents are there where foreign species have become a menace to the ecosystem?
The Red-Eared Slider is one of the top 100 invasive species in the world. This is not a snake, but an invasive reptile (terrapin) that creates a significant threat in Sri Lanka, largely introduced via the pet trade and abandoned in waterways. This species outcompetes native aquatic species for food and basking spots, threaten biodiversity, and can spread diseases. They are considered highly adaptable and pose a risk to native fauna. Their introduction and subsequent breeding in natural waterways can lead to the displacement of native species, causing long-term damage to local ecosystems. They act as carriers of foreign parasites and bacteria (e.g., Salmonella).
The first World Congress on Snakes is planned to be held in Kandy in October. What is the reason behind choosing Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is recognised as part of a global biodiversity hotspot and harbours an exceptionally rich and unique reptilian fauna, with a particularly high diversity of snakes. This remarkable diversity, coupled with a long history of human interaction with reptiles, has contributed to selecting Sri Lanka as the venue for WCS 2026.
What happens at a Congress on Snakes? Is it more research-based, or does it focus on finding solutions to issues related to snakes?
Participants will engage in groundbreaking discussions on snake ecology, conservation strategies, phylogeny, behaviour, snakebite management, and combating the illegal wildlife trade.
Since endemic species and overall species of snakes change by region, along with their habitats and how venomous they are, to what extent could sharing knowledge on snakes internationally enhance our own understanding?
This historic event brings together the world’s leading ophiologists (a branch of herpetology concerned with the study of snakes), herpetologists, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts to create a meaningful platform for disseminating knowledge among participants.
Any other insights that you would like to bring into this conversation?
By way of meaningful discussions during the Congress and sharing experiences of global experts, policymakers of Sri Lanka would be able to rethink the current level of conservation efforts. Current conservation gaps would be addressed with the insights of this global event. This event will be continued once every four years in a country agreed upon by the participants.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the interviewee, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication