Businessman dies after sword attack in Divulapitiya

A businessman from Minuwangoda, Watinapaha was travelling with his three friends when two people on a motorbike blocked the road and stopped the car on the Marandagahamula-Hapuwalana road and attacked the businessman who was sitting in the driver’s seat, with a sword. 

The incident took place at around 11 p.m. on February 25. The businessman who was critically injured died on Sunday (26) after being hospitalized. The Police said that the deceased Niroshan Fernando (49) is a businessman.

The Divulapitiya Police investigating the murder said that the businessman had gone to a restaurant with three of his friends and had an argument there after consuming alcohol with several people. A senior Police officer stated that preliminary investigations revealed that two people who were involved in the argument with the businessman at the restaurant were responsible for the attack. According to Police, the pillion rider of the motorbike had opened the door on the side of the driver’s seat of the car after blocking the road bringing the vehicle to a halt while the other person had attacked the businessman with a sword.

The motorbike rider and pillion rider had then attacked the others in the car with an iron rod as well. The businessman who was seriously injured in the attack and one of his friend’s who sustained injuries due to the attack with an iron rod had first been admitted to the Minuwangoda hospital. Police said that the businessman who was in a critical condition had then been transferred to the Gampaha Hospital where he succumbed. Divulapitiya Police stated that the persons involved in the attacks have been identified and investigations are being conducted to arrest them.