The body discovered in a burnt cab on the Polonnaruwa-Habarana main road in the Minneriya Batuoya area on Christmas night, December 25th, has been identified as that of a 64-year-old man from Dekatana, Gampaha, according to Minneriya Police.
Preliminary investigations have confirmed that a flammable substance was used to ignite the vehicle, suggesting foul play, police sources revealed.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sudath Asmadala, overseeing the Habarana area, stated that identification documents, including a national identity card and a driving license, were recovered from a suitcase near the vehicle. These items, along with clothing found in the bag, belonged to the deceased, confirming his identity.
Chief Inspector Duminda Fernando, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Minneriya Police, noted that the incident contains several suspicious elements. A comprehensive investigation is underway with the involvement of the Government Analyst, the Judicial Medical Officer, and the Magistrate.
Under the supervision of Polonnaruwa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nishan de Silva, a team led by ASP Sudath Asmadala and OIC Chief Inspector Duminda Fernando is continuing the investigation into this mysterious and tragic incident.
