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Mystery death of Dutch monk: Medical experts join probe team
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Netherlanthaye Jinawansa Thera
Investigations into the mysterious death of a Dutch monk in Ratgama were expanded this week, with a team of medical experts also visiting the area to conduct inquiries.
On Friday (18), the team, including several Consultant Judicial Medical Officers (JMO) and a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, visited the Polgasduwa Forest Monastery where the deceased monk had spent the last eight years.
The cause of death has so far not been determined, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital JMO Dr Janaki Varushahendi told the Sunday Times. “Further investigations are being conducted. We have sent specimen from the body for further examination,” she added.
The CID detectives recorded more statements from people in the area on Thursday and Friday.
The body of the 59-year-old monk, known as Netherlanthaye Jinawansa Thera, was found in the Ratgama lagoon on December 8. He had earlier been reported missing from the Polgasduwa Island Hermitage located two kilometres from Ratgama town. The small fibreglass boat which the monk used to travel to and from the island was found stuck in the mangroves of the nearby Parappuduwa island where another forest monastery is located.
The mystery deepened when it was observed that a concrete block (10 inches in length and 6 inches wide) had been strapped to the monk’s right leg by a wire.