Spouse deaths on the rise

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

A number of suicides committed by married women mostly relating to domestic issues has been reported during the past few weeks. The number of suicides commited by unmarried couples have risen during the past few years, according to police. Although some appeared to be suicides, a case reported from Madawachchiya a fortnight ago, turned out to be a murder, police said.

The woman who consumed poison along with her husband in the jungles off Gurukanelegama was found dead by the villagers on April 4 while her husband was rushed to the Anuradhapura hospital where he recovered. The deceased woman (43) was identified as one S. Indrani Nandawathie, a resident of Kahatagasdigiliya. According to police the couple was married earlier but subsequently they had lived with new partners.

The deceased woman with grown up daughters had later met a disabled soldier who continued to live with her for about two years. The husband was taken into custody by the police as they suspect that he was responsible for her death. He was produced in court and was remanded until investigations are completed. Meanwhile another suicide case was reported from Malwatte Cross Road at Dehiwela where a married woman (48) J. Suwadine doused herself with petrol and set ablaze in the toilet last Thursday.

According to police although the reason for the suicide is not known she had had differences with her elderly husband. The woman was admitted to the Colombo South Hospital where she passed away, police said. Last month another woman was battered to death by her husband at Kotagala, Nawalapitiya. The deceased woman was identified as Angela Morrel Harrignton (29) a schoolteacher by profession. The husband was taken into custody by the police following her death. A number of suicides involving love affairs was reported last year from Anuradhapura and from Dehiaththakandiya.