3 November 2023 05:14 pm Views - 2387
By Sheain Fernandopulle
The Sri Lankan national, who was believed to have been taken hostage by the Islamic militant group Hamas in Palestine, has been confirmed dead, according to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tel Aviv.
The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel, Nimal Bandara, stated that the death of 48-year-old Sujith Bandara Yatawara was confirmed by the Interpol branch of the Israel Police. This confirmation came after DNA samples provided by Bandara's children were matched with an unidentified body.
Yatawara had been missing since October 7, the day when Hamas militants infiltrated Israeli towns near the blockaded Gaza Strip to carry out an unprecedented attack.
Following his disappearance, his children provided DNA samples, which were then sent to Israel for further investigation.
Yatawara who had traveled to Israel in 2015, is a resident of Wennappuwa
The Sri Lankan Embassy expressed its condolences to Yatawara's family and assured their commitment to providing assistance during this difficult time.