By Budddika Kumarasiri

Echoes of a dark past reverberated through the quiet town of Malabe on New Year’s Eve as Police uncovered what they say a suspected plan for mass suicide, reminiscent of the 1978 Jonestown tragedy. 

A local religious preacher’s wife, daughter, and two sons were found dead in their Malabe residence, with their deaths shrouded in a veil mystery. 

Police said that the initial investigations had revealed the preacher, whose funeral was held on December 30, had led a devoted following, prompting fears of a wider cult network and potential danger lurking beneath the surface. 

However, as at last evening no other suicides linked to this cult had been reported across the island, the Police said. The Police said they had come across details on the so-called cult which this preacher had led during initial investigations carried out after the leader himself and his family died after consuming a poisonous liquid.

The Police also said that the investigations had revealed that the teachings of this religious leader were somewhat based on Buddhism. 

The Police said they suspected that the Cult Leader had distributed the poison among all his followers across the country. 

He had a session on December 26 and had reportedly told his followers that there was no hope for Sri Lanka and therefore it was not worth living in the country, the Police said.  Police are conducting further investigations to determine whether poison liquid has been distributed to all his followers.

It has also been found out that the preacher and his family also had plans to migrate.

• Police said that the initial investigations had revealed the preacher, whose funeral was held on December 30, had led a devoted following, prompting fears of a wider cult network and potential danger lurking beneath the surface