Mysterious death of Lankan in Atlanta: probe underway

Sri Lankan origin Hasith Nawarathne (34), who had gone missing since July 2 while he was travelling to Atlanta in the USA from his residence in Kennesaw, Georgia, was reportedly found dead in a car in Atlanta on Sunday (9), foreign media reported yesterday.

However, the police are yet to confirm his death.

Hasith Nawarthne was first reported missing on July 7. He had reportedly intended to travel to Atlanta on July 2 and had not been heard from since then.

Kennesaw police say they are currently waiting for the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm his identity. A body was found outside the grocery store in a car in Atlanta on Sunday.

Hasith Nawarathne was supposedly last heard travelling to Atlanta in his white 2010 Lexus. Nawarathne, is a 34-year-old individual hailing from Kandy, Sri Lanka.

The Kennesaw Police Department issued a statement on Facebook on Tuesday.

"Our department received notification from Atlanta Police regarding Hasith Nawarthne. Based on evidence found at their death investigation scene, the deceased appears to be Mr. Nawarthne."

Police also stated that based on the investigation, the family and investigators believe that the remains found belong to Nawarathne, but his body was decomposed.

Authorities said they are awaiting to confirm his identity and cause of death from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. The department has since cancelled the BOLO they issued when he was reported missing.