General23 September 2025

Poison suspected in Tangalle triple death mystery

The judicial medical officers (JMOs) investigating the three mysterious deaths in the Seenimodara area of Tangalle believe the victims' bodies may contain poison.


As a result, blood and tissue samples have been sent to the Government Analyst for a definitive report.


This revelation was made today (23) during the post-mortem examinations at the Tangalle Base Hospital.


A team of JMOs led by Specialist Judicial Medical Officer Dr. Ruwan Nanayakkara stated they would provide a final report to the court based on the Government Analyst's findings.


Police have also found information that the deceased had consumed drugs at a location a day before their deaths.


Doctors reportedly found a liquid suspected to be heroin in a beer bottle they had consumed.


The bodies of two of the victims were initially discovered in an old, renovated house.


A third man, a father of two, who had been with them, was suddenly hospitalised after returning home and later passed away.


The deceased have been identified as Thusitha Wenura Kumara (50), a father of two, and two young, unmarried men, Kavindu Kalhara and Dinuka Lakshan Hewavitharana.


Police, who launched a swift investigation following the deaths, have uncovered a major drug trafficking operation.


The probe led to the discovery of three lorries concealing a total of 705 kg of heroin and "ice."


The first drug find was in a lorry carrying watermelons at a house in Godallewela, Tangalle.


Subsequently, police found heroin and "ice" in two other lorries parked near the house where the three mysterious deaths occurred.


The police have arrested four suspects in connection with the incident, including the owners of two of the lorries, a driver, and the 25-year-old university student, son of the deceased father.


A senior police official stated that the seized drugs would be handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation.


The ongoing investigation is being conducted under the supervision of Southern Range Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Kithsiri Jayalath, Matara and Hambantota DIG Shamika Wickremasinghe, and Tangalle Division Senior Superintendent of Police Nipuna Dehigama.

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