Nilani Nimalarajah was described as a 'lovely woman' who was 'always very kind'
17:49, 15 Jan 2026
This is the first picture of a mum-of-three who was stabbed to death while at work in a shop in Bootle. Nilani Nimalarajah, 44, was knifed 18 times by her former partner, Nimalarajah Mathiyadaranam, at Low Cost Food and Wine on Stanley Road, due to his "anger" over not being invited to a family celebration.
Liverpool Crown Court was told the 47-year-old defendant donned a "disguise" as he purchased the weapon used in the attack, which snapped due to the ferocity of the "merciless, sustained and extremely brutal" assault, in a supermarket before stashing it in a JD Sports bag and making his way to the scene on a bus.
He then downed whisky and "poisoned" himself with a pesticide after killing Nilani, having already been banned from contacting the 44-year-old mum of his three children due to previous episodes of "violence and harassment".
Tributes have since been paid to Ms Nimalarajah by family and friends. Writing on RIP Book, one friend said: "Dear sister, I haven't been close with you, yet have witnessed the love your family hold towards you. They show their utmost love in all drops of tears, which proclaim how much they miss you.
"With a broken heart, I think God wished to have your love for himself that he called you so early. With a belief that you are safe and happy in God's hands, I can only say rest in peace."
Another family member wrote: "Loving memories last forever. I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort.
"You live in our memories every day. Always there and talking to us no matter how far you are. I'll always love you. Miss you so much Aunty."
Neighbours described their shock following news of the incident. One neighbour said: "I can't believe it, I’m in shock to be honest.
"I shop there all the time. My grandson is a stubborn eater so I always go there to buy his cheese and onion fries and milk. She’s a lovely woman. She’s always friendly when I’ve been in there. If I tell her she doesn’t have something in, she’ll go out of her way to get what I need."
Another resident said: "It’s really sad. I was only in there a few days ago. They’ve been in that place a while. You just get to know their faces and they get to know you. It’s hard going when it’s right on your doorstep."
On Facebook, one person described Ms Nimalarajah as "a lovely woman," adding: "Always smiling and very kind to me and my kids. Spoke to her almost every day as we shopped in her shop a lot. She has small children. Absolutely heartbreaking."
Another said: "Always polite and asking her customers how they were , and just general chit chat. Thinking of her family at this sad time".
Mathiyadaranam had denied her murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place and went on trial at Liverpool Crown Court this week. However, his counsel Tim Forte KC this morning (Thursday, January 15) asked for his client to be rearraigned before the jury.
Having been seen with his hands together in front of his face prior to the panel of nine men and three women entering courtroom 32, as if in prayer, Mathiyadaranam then admitted both charges in their presence. He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching his restraining order.
Mathiyadaranam will now be sentenced tomorrow, Friday.