[3] The specific name honours the Sri Lankan herpetologist Pilippu Hewa Don Hemasiri de Silva (b.

1927), who has been director of the National Museums of Ceylon, in recognition to the help and advice he gave to Carl Gans when he was conducting fieldwork in Sri Lanka.

[5][6] It is known from swamp areas and paddy fields from the west side of Sri Lanka.

A 2020 study found specimens in the lowland coastal floodplain on the west side of the island as well as leafy vegetable plots cultivated within the Bolgoda swamp.

[6] It has become critically endangered due to its restricted range combined with overfishing of mature individuals and runoff from paddy fields.