Six people have died and several others are hospitalized following a mass poisoning incident in the Waikkal area of Wennappuwa, Sri Lanka, authorities confirmed. The tragedy, which came to light on January 6, has sparked national concern over the continued dangers of illicit alcohol in the country.
The victims include a 53-year-old resident of Pothanegama, Anuradhapura, and a 28-year-old man from Dayagama. Separately, a 53-year-old man living alone nearby was found dead in his home. Three additional individuals who had been admitted to Marawila Base Hospital in critical condition also succumbed to the poisoning, including a 60-year-old resident of Pelmadulla, 56-year-old Kariyawasam Hewage Jayantha from Makola, and one unidentified person. Three more people showing symptoms have been admitted to Negombo General Hospital, with at least one in serious condition.
Police investigations revealed that all the victims had purchased and consumed illicit alcohol, locally known as kasippu, from a woman operating in Wennappuwa, Waikkal, and Thambarawila on the evening of January 4. The woman, previously convicted for involvement in a kasippu racket, was arrested and told police that she was “only selling it,” claiming she was not responsible for its production. A second woman has also been detained, and authorities are searching for the alleged manufacturer of the lethal alcohol.
Sri Lanka’s police have highlighted that areas such as Wennappuwa and Dankotuwa are longstanding hubs for illegal liquor, which is often consumed by factory workers seeking cheap alternatives. Despite repeated raids, smugglers continue to evade law enforcement using increasingly sophisticated tactics.
