A police sergeant attached to the Maligawatta Police Station has died from stab wounds sustained during a violent clash at an Avurudu festival in Bowala, Walasmulla, police confirmed on Friday.
The incident took place near the officer’s residence on April 16, when his brother became involved in an altercation with a group at the festival. The sergeant intervened and sustained serious stab injuries in the confrontation. He was admitted to hospital but later succumbed to his wounds, police said.
Two suspects arrested in connection with the killing were produced before the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court and remanded until April 30 pending further investigation.
The death is one of the more serious incidents reported during the 2026 Sinhala and Tamil New Year holiday period, when alcohol-related disputes at village festivals routinely lead to a spike in violent incidents. Police nationwide had earlier urged organisers and revellers to avoid escalation at festival venues during the long Avurudu weekend.
Investigations are continuing.
