“My husband was not mad to tear any poster. I want justice” - Wife of Priyantha Kumara

• Requests authorities to remove videos and photographs of her husband’s brutal murder
• Urges Pakistani government to carry out full investigation
• His remains will be flown in on state expense

By JAMILA HUSAIN

Young Nilushi Kumara, the widow of Sri Lankan export manager Priyantha Kumara who was brutally massacred in Pakistan on Friday, has appealed to the Pakistani government for justice and compensation over her husband’s killing and urged for the safety of all Sri Lankans on Pakistani soil.

Speaking to Daily Mirror on the eve of receiving her husband’s remains which will be flown in from Lahore on a special flight today, Nilushi said she demanded for answers as to why the mob in Sialkot killed her husband in such an inhumane manner, and she wanted compensation for a stable future for her two sons aged 14 and 9.
Nilushi who met Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne yesterday has also urged for the intervention of the Defence authorities to remove the videos and photographs of her husband’s brutal murder, saying it affected the family and her children.

“I have not had the courage to see these videos as it’s my husband’s final moments. I urge everyone to stop sharing these videos and pictures on social media and have sought the intervention of the Defence authorities to remove them from the internet,” Nilushi said.

“My house is presently a funeral home. But people forward these videos to us. It is affecting us.” she added.
Nilushi who now says she must protect the future of her two sons said her husband was the sole breadwinner of the family and since he was employed overseas she had quit her job as a teacher and was busy raising her children. Priyantha Kumara had been employed in Pakistan for the past 11 years and was employed in this factory for the past 9 years.

Nilushi described him as an innocent individual who cared for his employees and colleagues. He respected the Pakistani laws and lived as a peace-loving citizen. He also respected all religious views.

When questioned if she knew what led to Priyantha’s attack, she said she was still unaware of the exact details but said she had seen it in the news that there was a poster torn.  

“My husband lived in Pakistan for 11 years, and he never once complained about the people or his colleagues there. So he is definitely not mad to tear any poster. If I knew there was any threat on him, I would have never let him leave us,” she said.

She has called on the Sri Lankan government to also ensure justice over her husband’s killing and says this case must not be forgotten. She has also urged the Pakistan government to carry out a full investigation and provide her with answers. “I do not want this case to be swept away,” she said. 

According to the Foreign Ministry. Priyantha Kumara’s remains will be flown into Colombo from Lahore this evening.  Nilushi said the remains will be sent for autopsy and on Tuesday morning they will receive his remains in a sealed coffin.

 His remains will be flown in on state expense.

 The Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry, is also in discussions with the Pakistan authorities and the employer of the deceased regarding payment of compensation.

• Priyantha Kumara had been employed in Pakistan for the past 11 years
• He respected the Pakistani laws and lived as a peace-loving citizen
• Wants compensation for a stable future for her two sons aged 14 and 9