The death toll from a house fire at a two-storey property in Pamunuwa, Maharagama has risen to three, with police now alleging the fire was set by the owner of the house himself.
The third victim, identified by police as the owner of the house, died on Sunday after receiving treatment for serious burn injuries sustained in the blaze. A 55-year-old woman and her 16-year-old daughter had already been found dead in a room of the property when the fire was first reported on Friday night.
Two other residents — the teenage girl’s father and another occupant — were hospitalised with serious burn injuries. Neighbours initially put out the flames and rushed the injured to hospital.
A smell of petrol was detected at the scene, and police had been treating the case as deliberate arson from the outset. Investigations have since indicated that the fire was allegedly set by the house owner. The case has been reclassified from a double murder to a broader arson investigation with the owner named as the prime suspect.
Maharagama Police are continuing inquiries. No motive has been publicly established.
