UNHCR asylum seeker found dead in Negombo

A 49-year-old asylum seeker registered with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), was found dead in Negombo last night, Negombo police said.

Negombo Crime OIC IP Jayanath said the deceased individual, a Pakistani national was found in his room with multiple cut injuries.

The asylum seeker has been staying in a rented annexe alone with the assistance of the UNHCR, awaiting the asylum determination of his claims. An investigation is underway to arrest the suspects, the police said.

According to the UN, at present, there are 844 refugees and 826 asylum seekers in Sri Lanka.  (Piyumi Fonseka)