A series of tragedies has unfolded in the aftermath of extremist religious lectures given by Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, causing 7 untimely deaths.
A 26-year-old father of one child, Sasindu Amalka Wimalaratne, hailing from 31 Paludeniya address, Dimbulagala, Siripura, was rushed to Dehiattakandia Hospital after consuming poison. This distressing development followed his attendance at the funeral ceremony of Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, who had been actively giving religious lectures.
While approximately five individuals from Nuwaragala reportedly participated in the funeral, the extent of Sasindu Amalka Wimalaratne’s involvement in Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne’s lectures remains unconfirmed. The funeral, attended by a woman who later gave religious lectures spreading a particular opinion, has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding these events.
The incident is linked to the suicide of Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, who took his own life in the Makumbura area of Homagama on December 28th. Subsequently, his wife and three children followed suit two days later.
Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne had been renting a house from a Dehiattakandiya police constable for approximately six years.
The ongoing investigations into this incident are spearheaded by Polonnaruwa Senior Superintendent of Police Nishan De Silva, with the assistance of Assistant Superintendent of Police Sudath Asmadale.
The incident has reignited concerns about the influence of religious extremism, with followers seemingly incited to carry out extreme actions. Authorities stress the urgent need to reject heretical teachings masquerading as religion and to foster a deeper understanding of the sanctity of human life.
