Probe into death at faith healer’s center at Pothuhera

The Pothuhera Police are investigating regarding the death of a 77-year-old Balapitiya resident who had died while under treatment for an ailment at a medical center located in Pothuhera where a man named Janaka Senadhipathi had established a fake Dalada Maligawa, sometime back. The police say that this person is now running a center at the location, claiming he can cure diseases by chanting pirith. Police have received information that a large number of people are visiting the place to obtain treatment. The deceased a 77-year-old man, who has been suffering from cancer for a long time, had been brought to the place on several occassions for treatment.

The family members had brought the person to the center on May 7.Police said that the patient, who had been lying on his back for a long time was forcefully brought to a sitting position by Senadhipathi and then his condition had worsened.

The Pothuhera Police stated that Janaka Senadhipathi, who was worried at that time, informed the relatives to take the sick person to the hospital as soon as possible. But the Kurunegala hospital had pronounced him dead on admittance.