4 January 2024 09:26 am
Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa urged the public to exercise caution if there are individuals in their homes who have been exposed to the teachings of a person named Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne.
Gunaratne was recently found dead after consuming poison in Homagama.
Two other individuals closely associated with Ruwan, a philosophical preacher, have also succumbed to poisoning.
Police said that the deaths of a 21-year-old girl and a 34-year-old man are suspected to have caused after consuming poison. The girl's body was discovered in a residence in the Yakkala area, while the body of the 34-year-old man, a resident of Ambalangoda, was found in a lodge in Maharagama.
Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, known for delivering lectures on religion in various parts of the country, recently committed suicide by consuming poison. Later, his wife was also found dead along with their three children in similar manner.
Investigations revealed that the deceased woman and man had participated in the last rites of Ruwan and his family.
SSP Thalduwa said that individuals who were influenced by the concerned preacher's sermons have ended their lives tragically. Reportedly, in these sermons, he had 'justified' suicide, suggesting that it was a means to a quick transition to the 'next soul.'
Investigations have unveiled that the deceased preacher had rented an apartment in the Kottawa area, paying Rs. 150,000 per month.