General

The main suspect linked to the recent incident in Waikkala, where six people died from drinking illicit liquor, has been arrested by the Wennappuwa Police. The suspect, a 47-year-old man from Bandirippuwa, is now in custody. Post-mortem examinations conducted at the Chilaw District General Hospital confirmed that five of the deaths were due to poisoning. The autopsy for the sixth victim is set to take place today, January 8, at the same hospital. Additionally, eight other individuals who became ill after consuming the liquor are being treated at hospitals in Negombo and Peradeniya. After the tragic event on January 6, the Wennappuwa Police began their investigation, leading to the initial arrest of two suspects. These two individuals were presented in front of the Marawila Magistrate’s Court yesterday, January 7, and have been remanded until January 19. The Wennappuwa Police continue to investigate the case further.