Unexpected Death of a Young Professional

A glimmer of hope faded amidst dark clouds. Mrs. Dilrukshi Wickramanayake, a young graduate who worked as a development officer at the Colombo Commercial High Court, bid farewell to this world suddenly on a dark night, just ten months after beginning a new chapter in her life.

What initially appeared to be a minor illness with fever, cough, and cold gradually progressed and claimed her life in an uncertain manner. The attempt to save her was unsuccessful. Death overcame all efforts of the medical field. Her final journey from Kurunegala to Teldeniya serves as a poignant reminder of life's uncertainty.

The testimony of Dilrukshi's husband, Mr. Themiya Lak Ruwan de Soysa, vividly reflected how he diligently attended to his wife's medical condition. Similarly, the words of Dilrukshi's father, Sub-Inspector D. W. J. K. Wickramanayake, expressed a father's heartache and shattered hopes.

This incident highlights the challenges in our healthcare system as well as the brevity of life. The tragedy, occurring close to Dilrukshi's younger sister's wedding, illustrates the fine line between joy and sorrow.

The open verdict given by Mr. P.K. Aberathna, the Teldeniya, Udadumbara Coroner, paves the way for further investigations into this incident. This event reminds us all of the value of life and the importance of each moment, while emphasizing the significance of looking to the future with hope, even amidst tears of disappointment.

After being admitted to Kurunegala Teaching Hospital with fever, cough, and cold, she was transferred unconscious to Teldeniya Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, where she passed away while receiving treatment. The Teldeniya, Udadumbara Coroner, Mr. P.K. Aberathna, gave an open verdict regarding the death of this graduate who worked as a development officer at the Colombo Commercial High Court.

The post-mortem examination was conducted by Dr. K.G.C.S. Chandradasa, Assistant Judicial Medical Officer at the Kandy National Hospital. Samples from the body were taken for further examination by specialists at the Government Analyst's Department. Dr. Chandradasa informed that the cause of death would be declared after receiving these test reports. The coroner, Mr. Aberathna, gave an open verdict considering this medical report.

The deceased was a 29-year-old woman named Dilrukshi Wickramanayake, residing in Buluwanawatte Gedara, Kottaya Junction, Uhumiya, Kurunegala. It was revealed during the inquest that she had entered into marriage about ten months ago.

Mr. Themiya Lak Ruwan de Soysa (30), Dilrukshi Wickramanayake's husband, testified before the coroner as follows:

"The deceased is my wife. We got married about ten months ago. We were temporarily living in Delkanda Junction, Nugegoda, for the convenience of work. My wife had fever, cough, and cold, so we sought medical treatment.

However, as the symptoms didn't subside, my wife went to her parents' home in Uhumiya, Kurunegala, last Friday. I work as an Information Technology Investigation Officer in a private gas company.

As it was difficult for me to take leave, she went home alone.

She called around 5 PM to inform me that she had reached home. She had gone to a private medical center and received treatment from a doctor. Around 7:30 PM, my wife developed difficulty breathing and back pain. I then quickly came home. We admitted her to Kurunegala Cooperative Hospital. Following the advice of the doctors there, we admitted her to the third ward of Kurunegala Teaching Hospital around 11 AM the next day.

Although doctors decided she needed intensive care unit treatment, it couldn't be provided at Kurunegala Teaching Hospital's ICU. Later, my wife was transferred unconscious to Teldeniya Hospital's ICU around 10:30 PM. We were informed of her death around 11:50 PM that night."

Mr. D. W. J. K. Wickramanayake (56), Sub-Inspector of the Kurunegala Police Special Investigation Unit and father of the deceased Dilrukshi Wickramanayake, testified before the coroner as follows:

"The deceased is my eldest daughter. She had been suffering from cough, cold, and fever. We provided medical treatment for that. Although my daughter needed to be admitted to the ICU for treatment, we couldn't secure a bed in the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital's ICU. Since there was an available bed in Teldeniya Hospital's ICU, we transferred her there unconscious. As soon as I was informed, my wife, younger daughter, a nephew, and I left for Teldeniya Hospital. She was admitted to the ICU there and given treatment. A doctor from Teldeniya Hospital's ICU informed me of my daughter's death."

Sergeant Madduma Bandara (64596) of Teldeniya Hospital Police led the evidence in this inquest. Dilrukshi's younger sister was also due to get married this month. Dilrukshi's funeral was scheduled to be held yesterday (3rd) in Uhumiya.