General

The primary suspect in the case of six deaths from illicit liquor poisoning in Waikkala has been taken into custody under a two-day detention order. The 47-year-old suspect, living in the Bandirippuwa area, was arrested on January 7, 2026. He appeared in the Marawila Magistrate’s Court the following day, January 8, where the detention order was issued. The Wennappuwa Police are continuing their investigation into the tragic incident that resulted in six deaths and sent eight others to the hospital for treatment. Additionally, two suspects were presented in court on January 7 and have been remanded until January 19, 2026.