Police are keeping an open mind regarding the investigations into the killing of Bernard Jayaratne, 65, a wealthy land owner and businessman in Biyagama, despite several leads, officials said. "We believe that it was a premeditated attack," Sub Inspector N.D.A.Nissanka, the Officer in Charge of the crime division at the Dompe Police said.
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| Bernard Jayaratne |
He said the police had recorded statements of at least 15 persons and three teams of detectives were investigating the victim's business connections and reports that he had purchased large amounts of land in the area, despite objections from villagers.
The victim, owner of Biyagama Village Hotel, was hacked to death by a lone man who, according to eyewitnesses, attacked the victim at a coconut and banana plantation he owned in Dompe.
The victim had parked his cab outside the property and walked into the garden when he was attacked from behind. The victim had fallen to the ground as the attack continued. He died on the spot, SI Nissanka said.
He said a caretaker at the plantation made an attempt to save the victim, but the attacker had turned on her, forcing her to flee. She said she observed a man waiting outside on a motorcycle, with his helmet on, prior to the incident.
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| A solitary white flag marks the scene of the crime. Pic by Mangala Weerasekera |
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