Millaniya woman’s death confirmed as murder after autopsy

Post-mortem results revealed that the death of a 58-year-old mother of two, who was found dead while bedridden at her home in Millaniya, resulted from a murder involving external force.

The deceased is identified as P. Sudhammi Palliyawatta, a resident of Kannanthudawa, Haltota.

Police reports indicate the woman suffered from severe obesity and remained bedridden due to illness for several months.

Her two brothers, daughter, and son-in-law resided in the same house.

Family members informed police that after attending an almsgiving at a relative's house on the 11th, they provided her with food at noon and discovered her body later that evening.

Following the report, Galpatha Inquirer into Sudden Deaths, Deepal Oushadharatne conducted a field investigation.

During the preparation for the autopsy at Horana District General Hospital, medical staff initially suspected foul play due to marks observed on the victim's neck.

Specialist Judicial Medical Officer Sandakan Waduge subsequently declared the cause of death following a magisterial inquiry.

The examination confirmed that death occurred due to the compression of the nose, mouth, and neck using external force, which obstructed breathing.

Millaniya Police launched a wide-ranging investigation to determine the motive and the identity of the perpetrator.

Chief Inspector Ruwan Indika and a team of officers are conducting further inquiries.