Altercation at Mediation Board hearing ends in assault and death

By Norman Palihawadane

A 73-year-old man died following a violent altercation during a mediation board hearing in Tihagoda.

The suspect involved in the fatal assault has been arrested, as investigations into the shocking incident continue.

The tragic event which took place on Saturday (25) has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted the dangers of unresolved, long-standing disputes.

The deceased has been identified as Sumanasena Weeratunga, a resident of Tihagoda. He sustained critical injuries during a physical attack that erupted between two parties at the Tihagoda Pethangahawatte Sudharmarama Purana Viharaya. The parties had been summoned by the Tihagoda Mediation Board to resolve a bitter feud between neighbouring households. However, what was meant to be a peaceful resolution turned deadly when a verbal argument spiralled into violence.

According to police, the altercation began when the complainant’s father arrived at the mediation venue. His presence allegedly provoked the accused, sparking a heated argument that quickly turned physical. During the clash, Weeratunga was assaulted and collapsed at the scene. He was initially rushed to Matara General Hospital and later transferred to Karapitiya Hospital in Galle for further treatment. However despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The Tihagoda Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the assault and subsequent death. Authorities are conducting further investigations to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.