An open verdict has been returned following the post-mortem examination into the death of former Hambantota Mayor Eraj Fernando.The post-mortem examination was conducted today (3) by the Judicial Medical Officer of Colombo. Following the examination, the JMO ordered that samples obtained from Fernando’s body be sent to the Government Analyst for further investigations and testing.

The 61-year-old former Mayor was found dead yesterday (2) morning inside an apartment on the eighth floor of a residential complex in Thimbirigasyaya.Police said preliminary investigations indicate that Fernando may have been found hanging by a necktie attached to a door near one of the rooms in the apartment.Another individual had reportedly been staying at the residence but had travelled to the Hambantota area the previous day. After attempting to contact Fernando by telephone the following morning without success, the individual asked a woman who worked as a cleaner at the apartment to check on him.

Police said the woman subsequently discovered Fernando’s body.