The Payagala Police arrested an 18-year-old man for allegedly murdering his girlfriend by assaulting her with a rock.

According to the police, the victim was a 19-year-old woman from the Pahalagoda in Payagala. Investigations revealed that an argument broke out between the couple while they were at the beach in Dhiyalagoda. During the altercation, the suspect struck her on the head with a rock.

The Police discovered the rock used in the attack at the incident site.

Following the assault, the suspect notified a friend about the incident, and they transported the victim via ambulance to Kalutara Nagoda Hospital. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment this morning.

The suspect is a resident of Maggona in Payagala, is set to be presented before the Kalutara Magistrate’s Court.

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Femicides

Femicides—violence against women that results in death—remain a grave issue in society. Femicide is broadly defined as the killing of a woman or girl because of her gender, and can take different forms, such as the murder of women as a result of intimate partner violence; the torture and misogynist slaying of women; killing of women and girls in the name of “honour”; etc. It is crucial to raise awareness about this epidemic and encourage communities to support victims of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is facing violence or needs help, please reach out to local support services.  

• Toll free helpline operated by Sri Lanka Police 109.