Thisara Weragalage, 37, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella - who was found dead in a Cardiff street having suffered stab wounds
14:36, 19 Sep 2025
A man has denied murdering a woman whose body was found lying between two cars on a street and having suffered multiple stab wounds.
Thisara Weragalage, 37 was arrested and later charged with the murder of 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella, who was found dead on August 21. He entered a not guilty plea to Ms Niwunhella's murder at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, but admitted an offence of having an article with a blade or point. The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd Clark, remanded Weragalage in custody, and a provisional trial date has been set for February 9 next year.
Ms Niwunhella's body was discovered after police received a call from a member of the public who alerted them to a seriously injured woman between two cars in Riverside, Cardiff. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene at 7.50am, Wales Online reports. Ms Niwunhella, of Canton, was born in Sri Lanka and was formally identified by a friend.
She underwent a post mortem examination at the University Hospital of Wales and Pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter gave a provisional cause of death as multiple sharp force injuries.
Area coroner Patricia Morgan said there was reason to suspect Miss Niwunhella's death was "violent or unnatural" and formally opened and adjourned the inquest, until criminal proceedings had concluded.
Following her death, Ms Niwunhella's family paid tribute to the "cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many". They added: "Nirodha will be forever remembered with peace, love and gratitude. She touched many lives with her kindness and warmth and her memory will continue to inspire us. Though her life ended too soon, the love she shared will always remain with us. Rest in peace angel."
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Matthew Davies of South Wales Police said: "My heartfelt condolences are with Nirodha's family, friends, and loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss. We have specially trained officers supporting her loved ones at this time and ask that their privacy is respected. I continue to urge anyone with information who is yet to speak to officers to come forward and support our investigation."