A drunken father of four died of a snake bite in Negombo as he gave himself first aid thinking that a cat had bitten him without seeking proper treatment for snake venom.

Inquirer into Sudden Deaths, Negombo, Dr. S. Wickramaratne was told at the inquest that the victim, J. A. Podiappuhamy (69) of Yogiyana Dickwela, had treated himself in a drunken stupor, claiming that a cat had attacked him, though he had in fact been stung by a viper. Later he had been admitted to the Dankotuwa Hospital, from where he was transferred to the Negombo Hospital in a critical condition. He died subsequently.

A verdict of death due to snake venom was returned.