Deaths of Opposition Leader of Yatinuwara PS and family Probe launched into suicide note alleging police involvement and threats

An investigation has now been launched into the claims outlined in the letter and the broader circumstances of the incident

Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala has directed the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) to launch a special investigation into a letter reportedly written by Nilantha Champika, the Opposition Leader of the Yatinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha, who is believed to have taken his own life after allegedly murdering his wife and daughter.   

The letter, discovered after the tragic incident, reportedly refers to a financial dispute and the name of a senior police officer in the Kandy region. It also mentions alleged death threats made by a local businessman.   

Police said that, on instructions from the Kandy Division in-Charge of the police, the OIC of the Peradeniya Police has launched a preliminary investigation into the suspected murder-suicide.   

The incident has gained significant attention in electronic, print, and social media, with reports circulating naming the senior officer mentioned in the letter.   

In response, Kandy Division Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anuruddha Bandaranaike has requested the Police Media Division to take steps to correct misinformation and clarify the facts.   

Police said SSP Bandaranaike has also informed the Director of the Police Media Division that he has formally requested the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Kandy/Matale District to deploy a separate investigative team to examine the matter. He further said that both the Senior DIG for the Central Province and the Acting IGP have been briefed in this regard.   

Police said that an investigation has now been launched into the claims outlined in the letter and the broader circumstances of the incident.   

They said further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.   

The bodies of Yatinuwara PS Opposition Leader’s 44-year-old wife and 17-year-old elder daughter were discovered inside their residence on Tuesday while Champika’s body was found hanging near the house, with a nylon rope suspected to have been used.   

His 12-year-old younger daughter was unharmed and is currently under protective custody, police said.