Man killed and severed head placed on statue; three arrested in Sri Lanka
Police in Sri Lanka have arrested three suspects after a man was killed and decapitated in Ambalantota, with his severed head later placed on a statue. Authorities said investigations indicate the killing may have been linked to revenge over an earlier triple homicide case.
- Three suspects were arrested over the killing and decapitation of a man in Ambalantota
- Police believe the attack may have been linked to revenge for a previous triple homicide
- Authorities said the victim had previously been arrested in connection with the earlier case before being released on bail
SRI LANKA: Police in Sri Lanka have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a man in Mamadala Junction, Ambalantota, where the victim was allegedly shot, hacked to death and decapitated before the attackers fled.
According to Newswire, one suspect was arrested by Ambalantota Police on 12 May, while two others were later detained by the Tangalle Division Crime Investigation Unit.
Police said all three suspects are residents of the Ambalantota area.
Victim’s head reportedly placed on statue
Authorities said the victim was attacked at his residence late at night after three individuals allegedly arrived at the house armed with sharp weapons.
According to relatives cited in reports, the attackers allegedly killed the man before severing his head and later placing it on a statue at Mamadala Junction.
Investigators also recovered a firearm from in front of the victim’s residence.
At the time of the incident, the victim’s wife, two children and uncle were reportedly inside the house.
Police said the father of the victim’s wife was assaulted during the attack and is receiving treatment at Hambantota Hospital.
Police link killing to earlier triple homicide case
Investigators said the killing is believed to have been carried out in retaliation for a triple homicide reported in the Alegoda Mamadala area on 2 February 2025.
According to police, the victim in the latest case had previously been arrested and remanded in connection with the earlier triple murder investigation before later being released on bail.
The magistrate’s inquiry into the death was conducted under Hambantota Chief Magistrate Y.R.B. Nelumdeniya.
Investigation ongoing
Police said the suspects remain in custody for further questioning as investigations continue into the killing.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding possible charges at the time of reporting.
