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President’s brother dies following axe attack; alleged assailant claims provocation
View(s):Priyantha Sirisena, the President‘s brother, visited a friend on Thursday night. An altercation ensued between him and his friend Lakmal
The critically injured Priyantha Sirisena. Pic by Jayamal Chandrasiri
Saputantri. The latter hit Priyantha on the head with an axe, Police said yesterday.
According to Chief Inspector (CI) S.M. Gerald, the suspect later surrendered to Police. Acting Polonnaruwa Magistrate Sarasi Iddawela remanded him till April 8.
CI Gerald said that Saputantri claimed he was provoked.
The deceased, along with a group of persons, had visited the suspect’s parents’ house on that fateful day. Saputantri, who was hiding in the house had come out and attacked Mr Sirisena. He was rushed to Polonnaruwa hospital and later airlifted to Colombo. He succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital last morning.
Mr. Sirisena, was the youngest in a family of six sisters and four brothers.
The victim
Mr. Sirisena- a businessman for many years- was also the owner of Raja Rata Construction Company (RRCC) and Raja Rata Rice Company (RRRC) at the time of his untimely death, according to the family.
The suspect is also a father of three girls and his wife is employed in the Middle East.
Mr. Sirisena had his early primary education at Laksha Uyana in Polonnaruwa, before moving on to sit for his GCE O/L at Gampaha Udupilla Maha Vidyayala.
He sat for the GCE A/L at the Galahittiyawa Central College in Polonnaruwa.
Mr. Sirisena’s remains are presently lying at his residence in Ethumalpitiya-Polonnaruwa and the funeral will be held at 3 pm tomorrow (30), the family said.