Asanka – Remanded Because His Phone Rang in Court – Was Killed in Prison

Relatives of Asanka Idunil, who died while incarcerated at the Angunakolapelessa Prison, have urged authorities to conduct a fair and impartial investigation into his death. Asanka Idunil, aged 46, from Ambilipitiya New Town, passed away after falling ill while serving his sentence at the Angunakolapelessa Prison.

According to relatives, Asanka was arrested by the Ambilipitiya Police under section 1664 and taken to the prison after his mobile phone rang during a court hearing regarding a vehicle-related case. It was during this incident that the police brought him before the court.

While in prison, Asanka reportedly fell seriously ill and was transferred to the Hambantota General Hospital for treatment. However, on May 2nd, under the supervision of prison officers, he passed away.

Following the incident, the Angunakolapelessa Police reported the case to the Magistrate Court on May 3rd under case number B 13875/25. An autopsy was carried out by Dr. Prasanna Sellahewa, the court-appointed medical officer at Hambantota General Hospital.

The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was internal bleeding due to injuries inflicted on Asanka’s head with a blunt object, as well as damage to his brain and teeth. Based on these findings, the court medical officer concluded that the injuries led to his death.

Asanka’s body was transferred to his family home  in Ambilipitiya New Town on May 4th. His final rites were scheduled for May 5th in the local public cemetery.

Relatives of the deceased have expressed concerns that the death is suspicious and have called for an impartial investigation. They have requested that legal action be taken against those responsible for his death. Authorities are currently conducting further investigations, and it is reported that they are giving special attention to the relatives’ request for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

This tragic event has raised serious questions about prison conditions and the safety of inmates, especially regarding how incidents like these are handled. The family and the public are awaiting answers to ensure justice is served.