CID launches extensive probe into mysterious deaths linked to preacher

• Investigations into seven suspicious deaths handed over to the CID 
• Followers influenced by his sermons have tragically ended their lives

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched extensive investigations regarding Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, a preacher who is accused of distorting the core religious teaching and convincing people to commit suicide.   

Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne, known for delivering lectures on religion in various parts of the country, recently committed suicide through poison ingestion. Later, his wife was also found dead, along with their three children a few days after, two other individuals, closely associated with Ruwan, have also succumbed to poisoning.

It was revealed that a 21-year-old girl and a 34-year-old man, both suspected to have died from ingesting poison. The girl’s body was discovered in a residence in the Yakkala area, while the body of the 34-year-old man, a resident of Ambalangoda, was found in a lodge in Maharagama. Investigations revealed that the deceased woman and man had participated in the last rites of Ruwan and his family.   
Accordingly, the investigations into seven suspicious deaths have been handed over to the CID.   
The CID had reported the facts to the Fort Magistrate’s Court yesterday in this regard.   

The Police obtained a court order from the Fort Magistrate to find out whether Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne received money from other organizations and to investigate how the money was received and how the money was spent.   

Investigations revealed that individuals who were influenced by the concerned preacher’s sermons have tragically ended their lives. Reportedly, in these sermons, he ‘justified’ suicide, suggesting that it was a means to transition quickly to the ‘next soul.’   

Following the reports that several followers of the preacher had committed suicide, the police urged the public to exercise caution if there are individuals in their homes who have been exposed to the teachings of Ruwan Prasanna Gunaratne.