Amarakithi murder convict’s prison death remains under open verdict as police await Government Analyst report after Welikada fall.
Amarakithi murder convict death investigations are now awaiting a Government Analyst’s report after a Welikada prison inmate died following a fall.
Police are reportedly awaiting the Government Analyst’s findings regarding the death of a Welikada prison inmate who had been sentenced to death over the murder of former Polonnaruwa District Member of Parliament Amarakithi Athukorala in 2022.
The inmate, who was among twelve individuals sentenced in connection with the murder, is said to have died on May 11 after falling from a building inside the prison premises.
According to prison sources, the inmate suffered serious injuries following the fall and was admitted to hospital.
He was later pronounced dead.
Following the incident, the Magistrate and the Judicial Medical Officer visited the scene and conducted preliminary investigations.
Although the post-mortem examination has already been completed, the death has been recorded as an “open verdict” until the Government Analyst submits the final report.
Prison Commissioner for Operations, Intelligence and Media A.C. Gajanayake told the Sunday Times that body samples had been sent for further chemical analysis.
He said the purpose was to rule out conditions such as poisoning.
Gajanayake stated that this is the standard and transparent procedure followed in suspicious or high-profile deaths within the prison system.
The final report is expected early this week.
Police Media Spokesperson Assistant Superintendent of Police F.U. Wootler has stated that police strongly suspect the death was a suicide.
According to police, statements obtained from other inmates indicate that the prisoner was seen jumping from the building.
Police have found no signs of a struggle or foul play.
Both A.C. Gajanayake and ASP Wootler have stated that the incident may be connected to personal stress or depression linked to the prisoner’s death sentence.
