A 34-year-old physiotherapist employed at the Ampara General Hospital was found dead inside a parked vehicle in the Teldeniya area, with police launching an investigation to locate her boyfriend, who is believed to have been the last person seen with her.
Police identified the deceased as Shamya Darshani, a resident of Thalawa. Investigators said the woman’s body was discovered inside a vehicle parked near the Teldeniya Hospital premises after officers responded to information received by the Officer-in-Charge of the Teldeniya Police.
The investigation began after the victim’s brother lodged a complaint with Nuwara Eliya Police on June 17, seeking assistance to check on his sister, who had been staying at an apartment complex in Nuwara Eliya and had reportedly not eaten for several days.
Police officers who visited the apartment found it unoccupied. Subsequent examination of CCTV footage allegedly showed the woman’s boyfriend arriving at the apartment on the night of June 16. Investigators said the footage appears to show him leaving the premises later with the woman and transporting her in a vehicle.
The vehicle was later found parked in Teldeniya, where officers discovered the woman’s body inside. Police said further inquiries indicate that the suspect had also contacted the Teldeniya Police before leaving the area.
Authorities stated that the suspect, identified as a software engineer from Gannoruwa, is currently being sought by police. Investigators are conducting extensive inquiries to trace his whereabouts and record his statement.
Police have also revealed that the vehicle used to transport the body is registered to another woman residing in the Ampara area.
Investigators are examining all circumstances surrounding the death. However, police stressed that the cause and manner of death have not yet been determined, and it remains unclear whether the death resulted from a criminal act or other causes pending post-mortem findings and further investigations.
Teldeniya Police are continuing inquiries while efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the suspect for questioning.
