News
New twist in school teacher kneeling episode: Open verdict on witness’ death
The Judicial Medical Officer of Chilaw returned an open verdict on the death of a witness in the case where an ex – Provincial Council Member ordered a school teacher to kneel down.
H.M Punyasena Bandara, the man who gave crucial evidence in the teacher’s court case was found dead in a well on August 1.
The body was found by his nephew W.M Chandrasena Bandara. Acting Magistrate Asoka Ranasinghe ordered the Nawagattegama Police to hand over the body to the JMO for identification.
R.N.M Kumarihami, the sister of the dead man said, her family had requested the police to investigate into his death as it looked suspicious.
Five days after the witnesse’s body was found, the humiliated school teacher (Priyani Susila Herath) said she had received an anonymous letter bearing a death threat. The letter was delivered by the Chilaw post office and three journalists had been at her premises when the letter was received. She said that she is concerned over the safety of her family.
Provincial Councillor Sarath Kumara has given a statement that he is not linked to the letter or the death of Punyasena and added there is a conspiracy against him.