News
Three snake species that break their tails like geckos found in Sri Lanka
By Ifham Nizam
A group of Lankan research scientists have found three snake species that break their tails like geckos.A collaborative team of Sri Lankan research scientists, including Suranjan Karunarathna, Mahesh de Silva, Dushantha Kandambi, Anusha Atthanagoda, and Thilina Surasinghe, has unveiled a remarkable find in the animal kingdom.
Speaking to the Sunday Island, Suranjan Karunarathna highlighted the evolutionary significance of self-amputation of non-essential body parts as a defense mechanism, a trait observed across various animal groups, encompassing both vertebrates and invertebrates. The team’s observation of tail shedding in Colubridae and Viperidae snakes marks a novel occurrence, backed by photographic evidence from four separate incidents across Sri Lanka.
He said that three snake species were found to have shed their tails on four occasions in Sri Lanka. First, caudal pseudoautotomy of a Checkered Keelback (Fowlea unicolor) was observed in August 2018, at Dediyawala, Waskaduwa in the Kalutara District and in January 2021, at Anuragoda, Radawana in the Gampaha District.
Karunarathna said that they observed a Checkered Keelback demonstrating tail shedding in two different locations in 2018 and 2021, a Banded Keelback showcasing similar behaviour in 2014, and a Russell’s Viper observed in 2015. All three snake species experienced tail breakage of approximately one-third of their length when manually handled. The snakes promptly attempted escape post-tail detachment, occurring primarily during evening hours in the country’s southwestern wet zone.
This discovery represents the first recorded occurrence of caudal pseudoautotomy in Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) and the first documented instance in Fowlea asperrimus (Colubridae), marking an unprecedented scientific revelation.
While the researchers highlighted their careful handling protocols, ruling out direct injury as the cause of tail breakage, they emphasized the need for further investigation into the long-term implications of this behavior. Additionally, the team expressed gratitude to collaborators and authorities facilitating their research, acknowledging the support received from the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Forest Department.
High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer met with the Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at Temple Trees on 30th April
Welcoming the High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister expressed sincere appreciation for the continued support and cooperation extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, particularly the assistance provided following the Ditwah Cyclone.
Both sides reaffirmed the longstanding and cordial relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which are founded on mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests.
The meeting also focused on the importance of further strengthening collaboration in key sectors such as education, tourism, and sports, with a view to enhancing people-to-people ties and creating new opportunities for cooperation reiterating Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Zunaira Latif, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
The Ambassador of Nepal to SriLanka, Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali paid a farewell courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday (30th of April) at Temple Trees.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed sincere appreciation for the dedicated service and valuable contributions towards strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal during the tenure of Dr. Purna Bahadurn Nepali.
Both parties reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, which are based on shared cultural, religious, and historical linkages. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to further deepening bilateral relations with Nepal and enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Prime Minister, Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary Ms. Sagarika Bogahawatta, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 01 May 2026, valid for 02 May 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on the human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, North-western provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time
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