Eraj Fernando Case: Body Samples Sent for Further Examination

COLOMBO (News 1st): An open verdict has been returned following the post-mortem examination conducted into the death of former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando.

The post-mortem examination was carried out today (3) by the Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo.

During the examination, the Judicial Medical Officer ordered that samples from the body of Eraj Fernando be forwarded to the Government Analyst for further investigations and testing.

The body of the former Hambantota Mayor was discovered yesterday (2) morning inside an apartment on the eighth floor of a residential complex in Thimbirigasyaya.

According to Police, investigations conducted so far indicate that Fernando is believed to have been found hanging by a necktie attached to a door near one of the rooms in the apartment.

Police also stated that another individual had been staying at the residence with the former Mayor. However, that individual had travelled to the Hambantota area the previous day.

Investigators revealed that the individual had attempted to contact Fernando by telephone yesterday morning but did not receive a response.

As a result, the individual reportedly contacted a woman engaged in cleaning duties at the apartment and requested that she check the residence.

Police said it was during that inspection that the body of the former Mayor was discovered.

Former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando was 61 years old at the time of his death.