SLA soldier dies from gunshot wounds

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 25 February 2003, 12:25 GMT]
Jayatillake Arachige Wijeratne (23) belonging to 8th Gemunu division of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) was found dead at the guard post close to the Koliyar Kulam checkpoint in Vavuniya, Monday, sources said. Wijeratne who is from Thenuwara region in Puttalam had gun shot wounds to his head.

Vavuniya district court judge, M. Sittampalam visited the scene on receiving information from Vavuniya Police and conducted investigations.

Three SLA soldiers were staying close to the checkpoint with two of them off duty. Monday night on hearing the sound of gun shots the off-duty soldiers had rushed to the checkpoint and saw Wijeratne lying on the ground with injuries to his head, the Judge was told.

Sources speculate that Wijeratne took his own life. His body has been taken to the Vavuniya hospital for examination. Police investigations are continuing.