Thisara Weragalage, 37, denies the murder of Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, whose body was found in Riverside, Cardiff, having sustained multiple injuries
10:50, 19 Sep 2025Updated 11:13, 19 Sep 2025
A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a woman who was found dead lying between two cars having suffered "multiple sharp force injuries". He has admitted an offence of having an article with a blade or point.
Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, died on Thursday, August 21, and her body was discovered in Cardiff after police received a phone call from a member of the public to report a woman had been seriously injured. Miss Niwunhella was later declared dead at the scene by paramedics at 7.50am.
Thisara Weragalage, 37, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, was arrested and later charged with her murder. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
The defendant appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday where he formally entered a not guilty plea to Ms Niwunhella's murder.
He pleaded guilty to a charge of having an article with a blade or point.
The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Tracey Lloyd Clark, remanded Weragalage in custody. A provisional trial date has been set for February 9 next year.
An inquest hearing at Pontypridd Coroners' Court previously heard Miss Niwunhella was found between two cars in South Morgan Place in Riverside.
She had significant injuries and was formally identified by a friend.
Miss Niwunhella underwent a post mortem examination at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on August 22.
Pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter gave a provisional cause of death as multiple sharp force injuries.
The court also heard Miss Niwunhella, of Romilly Road, Canton, was born in Sri Lanka.
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 Miss Niwunhella's death, her family paid tribute to her by saying: "We remember Nirodha as a cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many.
"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."
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