COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando has been found dead inside an apartment in Bambalapitiya, Colombo, according to initial reports on Wednesday.
Details surrounding Fernando’s death remain limited, with authorities yet to publicly confirm the cause or circumstances under which he died.
The discovery was reported on September 2, 2026, and further information is expected following preliminary police inquiries and any medico-legal examination ordered into the death.
Fernando was a prominent and controversial figure in Hambantota politics and previously served as Mayor of the Hambantota Municipal Council. Official government records confirm that he held the position, while election records show that he represented the Mirijjawila ward following the 2018 local government election.
Eraj Fernando Was a Well-Known Figure in Hambantota Politics
Fernando attracted national attention on several occasions during his political career.
He became widely known following an incident in Hambantota in April 2014 involving a group of opposition parliamentarians who were visiting the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and Hambantota Port.
Fernando was subsequently prosecuted over allegations that he threatened the visiting MPs with a firearm. In August 2019, the Hambantota High Court sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty in connection with the incident.
He was later granted bail while pursuing further legal remedies.
Fernando had also faced police action in connection with a separate incident in Bambalapitiya. He was arrested after surrendering to Bambalapitiya Police over an alleged assault involving two security personnel and was subsequently released on police bail.
Police Investigation Expected
At present, there is no verified information establishing the cause of Fernando’s death.
Police are expected to examine the apartment and circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body, while a magistrate’s inquiry and post-mortem examination may provide further clarity.
Authorities had not immediately announced whether there were any signs of foul play or whether the death was believed to have resulted from natural causes.
The Morning Telegraph will update this story as further information becomes available.
