Asanka Idunil, a 45-year-old father of one, died under suspicious circumstances just a day after being remanded in custody, allegedly over an incident involving his phone ringing inside a courtroom.

According to his family, Asanka had gone to the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court on 30 April to post bail for a friend involved in a road accident. During the court session, his mobile phone reportedly rang, leading to charges of contempt of court. As a result, he was remanded for 14 days.

He was subsequently transferred to the Angunakolapelessa Prison.

Tragically, on 2 May—just a day after his incarceration—his family was informed that Asanka had died in custody. During the post-mortem inquiry, a medical officer allegedly informed relatives that Asanka had sustained head injuries, according to the family.

His family suspects he may have been assaulted while in prison, leading to his death.

වයස 45 පමන වන අසංක ඉදුනිල් එක්දරු පියෙක්. අසංගගේ ඥාතීන් පවසන ආකාරයට ඔහු පසුගිය අප්‍රේල් 30 වෙනිදා ඇඹිලිපිටිය…Posted by Prabodha Rathnayaka on Monday, May 5, 2025