By Foreigners’ Mysterious Deaths in Kollupitiya Probed
Two foreign women staying at the Miracle Colombo City Hostel on Muhandiram Road, R.A. De Mel Mawatha, Kollupitiya, have died after being hospitalized due to a sudden illness. Authorities now suspect food or drink poisoning as a possible cause.
A 24-year-old British woman died on February 2, while a German woman passed away on the night of February 3.
The Colombo Magistrate’s Court has temporarily ordered the closure of the hostel, which was identified as a “two-star hostel.” This order will remain in effect until the Government Analyst’s Department conducts a full investigation and determines whether the premises are safe for operation.
According to a report submitted by Kollupitiya Police to the court on February 3, the bodies of the deceased women will undergo post-mortem examinations after their family members arrive to identify them.
Incident Timeline
- February 2 – Three foreign tourists staying at the hostel fell ill and were admitted to the hospital.
- The first victim, a 24-year-old British woman, suffered severe vomiting and other symptoms before being admitted to the hospital, where she later died.
- The German couple sharing the same room also showed signs of poisoning and were in critical condition.
- The German woman later died at the Colombo National Hospital, while the German man remains hospitalized and is still receiving treatment.
Ongoing Investigation
The Police Media Spokesperson confirmed that while the identity of the British victim has been verified, further details cannot be disclosed at this stage.
The post-mortem examinations will be conducted after the victims’ families arrive for identification.
Connection to Similar Incidents
British media reports indicate that a similar tragic incident occurred recently in Vietnam, where a British couple died after consuming a homemade limoncello drink during the Christmas season. Investigations later revealed that the drink contained methanol.
Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
This incident could have a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, raising concerns about the safety standards of tourist accommodations.
Authorities have now renewed discussions on safety regulations for tourist accommodations, with an emphasis on stricter enforcement to ensure the protection of foreign visitors.
