Police Sergeant found dead at Matara District Judge’s residence

By Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk  

A police sergeant who was on guard duty at the Matara District Judge’s residence on Matara Beach road was discovered dead with gunshot injuries.

 The Matara police recovered his body early yesterday morning.  

The deceased, identified as Sergeant 56508 Bandula Pushapakumara, aged 55, had been on duty at the District Judge’s residence the previous night and was scheduled to be off duty yesterday morning.  

A senior police official has stated that it is yet to be determined whether the death was a result of suicide or foul play, and a formal investigation will be conducted in this regard. Sergeant Pushpakumara had served in the police department for 37 years.  

Another police sergeant who had also been on night duty at the District Judge’s residence reportedly reported to the police station the following morning, after the incident had occurred.  

The District Judge, upon discovering the police sergeant lying on the ground, promptly informed the Matara police.  

Police have disclosed that the sergeant sustained gunshot injuries to the chest, and his service weapon was found near his body. During the investigation, the police also recovered two empty cartridges from the nearby road.   The circumstances surrounding the incident, whether it was a case of suicide or foul play, are still under investigation by Matara police.