Free expert-supported snake identification and snakebite safety guidance for Sri Lanka
Welcome to the Snake Identification Service of Sri Lanka. This platform helps the public identify snakes safely using photographs and provides basic educational guidance on snakebite first aid and prevention.
Sri Lanka has many snake species, including venomous, mildly venomous, and non-venomous snakes. Correct identification can support public education, but snake identification should never delay medical care after a snakebite.
Bitten by a snake?
Go to the nearest hospital immediately
Snakebite can be life-threatening. Some patients may develop local swelling, bleeding problems, paralysis, breathing difficulty, kidney injury, shock, or other serious complications.
Do not wait for snake identification before going to the hospital.
If possible, take a clear photograph of the snake from a safe distance, but do not catch, handle, injure, or kill the snake.
Submit a snake photograph for identification
You may submit a photograph of a snake for educational identification. Please make sure the photograph is taken safely.
Important: Do not go close to the snake to take a photograph. Do not attempt to handle the snake.
Learn about snakes in Sri Lanka
This website provides educational information about common snakes in Sri Lanka, including venomous and non-venomous species, their appearance, habitats, and clinical importance.
What this service can do
This service may help you:
- Identify a snake from a photograph.
- learn whether the snake is likely to be venomous or non-venomous;
- understand basic snakebite first aid;
- learn how to prevent snake encounters around homes, gardens, farms, and workplaces;
- improve public awareness about snakes in Sri Lanka.
What this service cannot do
This service cannot:
- provide emergency medical treatment;
- decide whether antivenom is needed;
- replace hospital assessment;
- guarantee immediate response;
- guarantee identification from unclear or incomplete photographs.
If a person has been bitten by a snake, the safest action is to go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Emergency reminder
After any snakebite:
- Keep the patient calm.
- Avoid walking or running.
- Remove rings, bangles, anklets, watches, or tight clothing from the bitten limb.
- Immobilise the bitten limb.
- Transport the patient to the nearest hospital immediately.
- Do not apply a tourniquet.
- Do not cut, suck, burn, wash aggressively, or apply chemicals/herbal substances to the wound.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is provided for public education and awareness. It does not replace medical advice, hospital care, or treatment by qualified healthcare professionals. In the event of a snakebite, seek urgent medical care from the nearest hospital.