The Mystery of Chula's Death

Ms. Chula Padmendra Kumarapathirana, a veteran fashion model, consultant, and actress in Sri Lanka, has suddenly passed away at the age of 46. A full investigation and post-mortem examination are currently underway regarding her demise, which occurred after a beauty pageant held last night. Sources suspect that the cause of her sudden death was a heart attack.

According to preliminary police investigations, after an event held at a hotel in the Battaramulla area, she arrived at a businessman's house located on Gangaramaya Road, Wewala, Piliyandala, in the early hours of the morning. The businessman later attempted to wake her, as she was found lying face down on a bed in the house. When she did not respond, he checked on her and noticed blood on the pillow. Subsequently, the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service was called, and upon examination, it was confirmed that she had passed away. The Piliyandala Police were then informed.

Ms. Chula Padmendra, who had been a prominent name in the country's fashion modeling industry for over two decades, participated in the grand finale of the 'Universal Woman Sri Lanka 2026' pageant held at Waters Edge, Colombo, on the night before her demise. She served as the National Director and Chief Training Consultant for the pageant. Through 'Chulpadmendra Catwalk Studio,' she introduced many newcomers to the industry and also worked as a personal trainer for Caroline Jurie, a former Mrs. World.

She also made her mark on the international stage, receiving the Media Award at the 'Miss Tourism Model of the World' pageant held in Tanzania in 2006. In addition to modeling and consulting, she ventured into acting, contributing her talents to films such as 'Sweet Angel' (2011), 'Gindari 2' (Asani Wasi), and 'Swara' (2023), as well as several popular tele-dramas.

After her marriage, she briefly stepped away from the industry to prioritize her family and child, only to return later. She was a personality who stood firmly against injustice and for what she believed in. In connection with the incident where Ms. Pushpika de Silva's crown was removed during the Mrs. Sri Lanka for Mrs. World pageant held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre in 2021, a lawsuit had been filed against her along with Caroline Jurie. The verdict for this case was scheduled to be announced by the Chief Magistrate of Colombo on October 17th.