Five students of a private university have been arrested by Homagama Police in connection with the death of a 19-year-old student following a violent clash at a hotel in the Moragahahena area on Wednesday night.
The university had organised a Sinhala and Hindu New Year (Avurudu) festival on April 9 that concluded around 6 PM. Later that evening, a group of students held a private party at a nearby hotel where the fatal incident unfolded.
According to police, a female student went to the washroom during the party. Another male student followed her, prompting the deceased — identified as a 19-year-old resident of Nikadalupotha, Wellawa — to confront and allegedly assault the student who followed. That student’s group of friends then severely attacked the deceased and fled the scene. Hotel staff rushed the victim to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Five suspects have been arrested. Homagama Police are conducting further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The incident casts a shadow over the Avurudu holiday period, during which authorities have repeatedly issued public safety guidelines and warnings about online scams. Schools closed this week for the New Year holiday break, with celebrations set to peak on April 14.
