• A three-wheeler driver who tried to stop him fleeing was attacked with a knife 

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

Investigations have revealed that a man who committed shoplifting at a supermarket in Ragama and later had slit his own throat, was a drug addict who had stolen the items to make quick cash to purchase drugs. 

Police said the man who visited the supermarket had stolen some baby cream and cologne items used for children on Sunday.

However, the man had tried to get into a three-wheeler with the stolen goods in which the driver of the three-wheeler noted that the man was running away with the stolen items.
The driver tried to stop the suspect, and later he was attacked with a knife outside the supermarket. The injured three-wheeler driver was admitted to the Ragama Hospital.
Police said another group who had witnessed the incident had chased after the suspect.

Thereafter, the man had threatened to slit his throat if anyone approached him, and had eventually slit his throat with the knife in his hand.

The suspect died after being admitted to the Ragama Hospital.

Investigations by the Ragama Police into the incident revealed that the 48-year-old suspect, a resident of Matale, was residing in his sister’s house in Ragama and was addicted to drugs.
Police recorded a statement from the suspect’s sister, in which it was revealed that he was unmarried and had reportedly stolen the items to be sold to consume drugs.   
      
The man had tried to get into a three-wheeler with the stolen goods in  which the driver of the three-wheeler noted that the man was running  away with the stolen items