The seven venomous snakes found in Sri Lanka are the Russell's Viper (thith polonga), Saw-scaled Viper (weli polonga), Hump-nosed Viper (kuna katuwa or polon thelissa), Cobra (nagaya), Common Krait (thel karawala), Ceylon Krait (magamaruwa) and Green-pit Viper (pala polonga).

Symptoms and signs of a snake-bite would depend on the amount of venom that the victim has in the blood and what type of snake has bitten him. Symptoms include bleeding, non-clotting of blood, neurological problems, respiratory problems and renal failure.

What should be done? The victim should be taken to the closest hospital immediately. First aid at the spot should be to wash the bite area with soap and water or wipe with a clean cloth. The victim should not be allowed to walk or do anything vigorous as movement quickens the spread of the venom through the blood circulation.