By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) former Provincial Council member of the Central Province Michael Ecculas De Silva was killed by electrocution as he trampled on a live wire laid by him to protect his vegetable farm.
Father to one child, Silva, 62 and a resident of Shanthapura, Nuwara Eliya, was nominated in 2023 to contest the upcoming Local Government Election for the Nuwara Eliya Pradeshiya Sabha from the National Peoples’ Power (NPP) and served as the Pradeshiya Sabha team leader. Silva also served as an Executive member of the Party.
The ex JVP Provincial Council member had also been the Principal of a government school before leaving his job to politics. Following separation from his wife, Silva had been living alone in the house. His son had gone abroad.
The live wire that ended up in Silva’s demise had directly been connected to the main switch of the house, Police said, and the officers who arrived at the scene recovered the body on Saturday evening (02).
Investigations determine that Silva may have been electrocuted resulting in his death on the morning of Saturday.
The accident site was visited by Nuwara Eliya Acting Magistrate Jayamini Ambagahawatta, and preliminary magisterial inquiry was held yesterday (03) morning. The body was referred to the Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of the Nuwara Eliya General Hospital expecting an autopsy report as per the order of the Magistrate.
The Nuwara Eliya Police are conducting further investigations.
Meanwhile, the funeral rites of Mr. Silva will be performed at the public cemetery in Shanthipura Kalapura tomorrow (05).
