President's brother passes away, autopsy to be carried out

Brother of President Maithripala Sirisena, who was being treated at a private hospital in Colombo after an axe attack died this morning (March 28) at the age of 40, local media reported. Priyantha Sirisena  is a businessman predominantly engaged in sand mining. He is the  younger brother of President Sirisena, who is currently on a four-day state visit to China. Mr Sirisena had been first rushed to the Polonnaruwa General hospital following the attack and  was later airlifted to the private hospital in Colombo on 26 March. The suspect who was arrested last night for attacking the President’s brother with an axe, has been remanded until  April 8 by the Polonnaruwa Magistrate’s Court. Don Ishara Lakmal Saputhanthri was arrested after he surrendered to  Police following the incident and produced before the court yesterday. Police said  during interrogations, the suspect revealed that the crime was committed in retribution as Priyantha had yelled at his parents using foul language. The weapon  used by the suspect from near the crime scene in Hathare Ela area in Bendiwewa was found by the investigating team. Police Spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekara  was quoted by media as saying that a special investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the Polonnaruwa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The autopsy of Priyantha Sirisena is to be carried out today.