By Marlon Dale Ferreira
Grieving Mother Hopeful President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Will Honor Family’s Plea
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The question of whether justice will be served or denied now looms over the tragic death of Sri Lankan-born Australian citizen, Caleb Delano Alexander, who fell from the seventh floor of Colombo’s Crescat Residence on December 3, 2024. Initially ruled a suicide by the Kollupitiya Police, new evidence and a video circulating online have prompted Caleb’s grieving family to urge Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to intervene and, despite their sorrow, they leave Sri Lanka holding onto a renewed sense of hope that the truth will ultimately be revealed.
Press Briefing and a Mother’s Plea
Upon arriving in Colombo to bury their son and brother, the Alexander family addressed the media alongside the Foreign Immigrants Caring Organization (FICO). Through tears and trembling voices, Caleb’s mother, older sister, and brothers insisted Caleb was never suicidal. They believe the official narrative is deeply flawed and have called the cause of death manslaughter, based on evidence suggesting individuals broke into Caleb’s apartment that morning. Caleb’s mother, in particular, pleaded with the president to “do something” and give her “some measure of justice.”
Contradictory Video Footage
A crucial piece of information fueling the family’s doubts is a 42-second video taken by a bystander, which shows the final moments of Caleb’s life. In the footage, uniformed officers and a group of unidentified individuals appear to surprise Caleb on his balcony. Instead of trying to pull him to safety if indeed he was suicidal the group seemingly lifts his legs, causing him to topple over. This sequence contradicts the suicide conclusion in the police report and has only deepened the family’s determination to pursue the truth.
Calls for Further Investigation
The Australian High Commission in Colombo has now stepped in, reassuring the family that an inquiry will be reopened. Kollupitiya Police have reportedly agreed to review the case, providing a glimmer of hope to the Alexanders, who remain convinced that a more thorough investigation will reveal a different story than the initial findings. The Australian High Commission’s intervention reflects the family’s plea that both nations, Australia and Sri Lanka work collaboratively to uncover what truly happened to a man devoted to helping others.
Remembering Caleb: A Lifelong Humanitarian
By all accounts, Caleb was a deeply compassionate man. Originally from Sri Lanka and later settling in Australia, he frequently returned to his homeland for charitable work, aiding the elderly, the sick, and children. At the time of his death, he was also preparing for a humanitarian mission in Uganda, awaiting his visa and final vaccinations. For friends, family, and even some local authorities, it is inconceivable that someone who championed the value of life so strongly would choose to end his own.
Hope in the Midst of Tragedy
Before leaving Sri Lanka, the Alexander family gathered at the very spot where Caleb eventually landed due to the fall, releasing balloons into the sky and laying flowers on the grass. Caleb’s mother knelt to weep in silent anguish, yet the moment also symbolized the family’s unwavering hope that their beloved son and brother’s memory will inspire justice. They have since reached out to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, seeking additional support to ensure the case is handled transparently.
As the Alexander family departs for Australia, they do so with a measure of optimism. Despite their grief, they trust that the newly reopened investigation, bolstered by advocacy from both local and international authorities, will honor Caleb’s legacy by bringing clarity and accountability. In the face of despair, they cling to the belief that truth and compassion can prevail, both for Caleb and for all families seeking justice in the face of tragedy.
