A man who was believed to have died after consuming poison, and whose body was buried and religious almsgiving ceremonies held, has reportedly returned home alive nearly two months after disappearing.

The bizarre incident was reported from the Kokawewa Police area.

The man had disappeared from his home about two months ago. As he was accustomed to leaving home for several days at a time and returning, his family initially did not become alarmed.

However, when he failed to return for more than a week, his wife lodged a complaint with the Kokawewa Police.

On August 27, police received information that a body had been found in a reserve within the Habarana Police Division. The man was believed to have died after consuming poison.

The deceased’s relatives were called to identify the body. The man’s wife and family reportedly confirmed the body was that of the missing man after identifying the clothes he was wearing as those his son had given him for the New Year.

The body was subsequently buried in Polonnaruwa on August 31, while religious almsgiving ceremonies were held on September 6 and 7.

But in an extraordinary turn of events, the man suddenly arrived by bus at his sister’s house—alive.

After receiving a telephone call informing them of his unexpected return, the family immediately notified the Kokawewa Police.Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, including how another person’s body came to be identified as that of the missing man.

The Government is closely monitoring the case of Sri Lankan national Anojan Sivarasa, who is undergoing judicial proceedings in Saudi Arabia over alleged defamatory remarks against Islam, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

According to Ministry sources, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh was verbally informed by Sivarasa’s lawyer, who was present at the relevant court proceedings, that the sentence imposed on Sivarasa had reportedly been enhanced to capital punishment.

However, the Embassy is awaiting the formal written judgment from the competent Saudi judicial authorities, which is expected to set out the official details and legal basis of the decision.

The Ministry said the matter had been discussed with the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Colombo. The Sri Lankan Government conveyed its deep concern over the reported enhancement of the sentence, as well as the concerns of Sivarasa’s family.

Sivarasa’s lawyer has informed the Embassy that the judgment could be appealed before the Supreme Court of Saudi Arabia within one month.

Accordingly, the Sri Lankan Embassy, in consultation with and under the guidance of the Foreign Ministry, is taking necessary steps to pursue an appeal within the stipulated period, in coordination with Sivarasa’s next of kin.

Sivarasa had previously been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and fined three million Saudi Riyals. His lawyer submitted an appeal memorandum to the competent appellate court in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia on August 25, 2026.

The Ministry said the Government remained engaged in the matter through its diplomatic network and bilateral channels with the relevant Saudi authorities, while continuing to provide consular assistance to Sivarasa and his family.

It said the Government would continue to monitor developments while respecting the judicial processes and laws of Saudi Arabia.

The Church of Ceylon Mothers’ Union (CCMU) celebrated the 150th anniversary of the worldwide Mothers’ Union with a special Eucharistic service at the Church of Christ the Living Saviour, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo, on August 29.

The Chief Celebrant and Preacher was the Bishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dushantha Rodrigo, who blessed and commissioned the new CCMU Executive Committee.

Those commissioned were Rukmal Fernando, Christobel Manohar, Eileen William, Roshini Mendis, Uthpala Kalpage, Dharshini Peter, I. V. Samuel, Tishani De Mel, Sabrina Karunanayake, Shehara Rodrigo, Deemathi Periyapperuma, Jeya Balan, Sriyani Kaldera, Sherrine Perera, Vasanthi Nanayakkara, Iromi Gunawardena, Sudharshini Hettige and Sulochana John.

The Archdeacon, several priests and distinguished invitees attended the service.

The Mothers’ Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner, who sought to support young mothers and strengthen family life through Christian faith and mutual support. Born in Manchester on December 31, 1828, Mary was the daughter of banker Thomas Heywood. She married George Sumner, son of the Bishop of Winchester, in 1848.

The movement has since grown into a global Christian organisation within the Anglican Communion, with more than four million members in 84 countries. Its work focuses on family support, community development, social action, prayer and fellowship.

The Mothers’ Union is headquartered at Mary Sumner House in Westminster, London. Its global Board of Trustees is headed by President Kathleen Snow of Canada.

In Sri Lanka, the CCMU was founded in 1908 and now has more than 3,500 members in 105 branches.

The anniversary service was followed by a Bible quiz award ceremony, a presentation on Mary Sumner and a talent show