The body of a 50-year-old woman who had reportedly been receiving prayer healing instead of medical treatment was found at a prayer centre in Kuda Uduwa on Monday (7), Moragahahena Police said.
The deceased was identified as Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Nirmala Prasadi Ekanayake, a resident of Vikasitha Uyana, Karagahadeniya, Kuda Uduwa.
Police began investigating after a Grama Niladhari reported information about a foul odour coming from the premises.
Initial investigations indicated that the woman had developed a paralysis-like condition following an accident in Maradana last May. Police said she had reportedly been receiving prayers and religious services at home rather than hospital treatment.
According to police, she had been living with a pastor, with whom she operated the prayer centre from their residence, offering prayer healing to residents of the area.
Police suspected that she had been dead for at least two days before her body was discovered. Investigators also received information that prayers had continued after her death in the belief that she could be healed.
Following the discovery, residents gathered outside the centre in protest and demanded action against those responsible. The pastor had reportedly fled the area, police said.
The body was taken to Homagama Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Moragahahena Police were conducting further investigations.
