A Sri Lankan woman was found dead between two cars with multiple stab wounds in a Cardiff street, sparking a murder investigation that has sent shockwaves through the Welsh capital’s tight-knit Sri Lankan community.
Niwunhellage Dona Nirodha Kalapni Niwunhella, 32, known as Nirodha, was discovered with “significant injuries” on South Morgan Place in the Riverside area at 7.37am on 21 August, an inquest at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court heard today. Pathologist Dr Stephen Leadbeatter gave a provisional cause of death as “multiple sharp force injuries.”
Thisara Weragalage, 37, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody. The Sri Lankan national, who police say was known to the victim but lived in a separate area of the city, will next appear at Cardiff Crown Court on 19 September for a plea hearing. A trial date has been set for 9 February 2026.
Community Left Reeling by Tragedy
The brutal killing has devastated Cardiff’s close-knit Sri Lankan community, with neighbours expressing shock at the loss. “She was such a beautiful woman,” one neighbour told reporters. “This is such a tragic waste of a young life full of promise.”
Coroner Patricia Morgan told the inquest there was reason to suspect Nirodha’s death was “violent or unnatural” and formally adjourned proceedings until the criminal case concludes. The hearing revealed a friend had identified Nirodha’s body following the early-morning incident.
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.”
Family’s Emotional Tribute
In a touching tribute, Nirodha’s heartbroken family remembered her as someone whose warmth touched countless lives. “We remember Nirodha as a cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many,” they said in their statement.
The family 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.”
Police were initially called to reports of a seriously injured woman, with paramedics rushing to the scene. Despite their best efforts, Nirodha was pronounced dead at the location. Weragalage was arrested shortly afterwards on Seawall Road in Splott, approximately two miles from where Nirodha’s body was discovered.
Police Appeal for Vital Evidence
Detectives have launched an urgent appeal for witnesses as they piece together the circumstances surrounding Nirodha’s death. They are particularly keen to trace a grey Ford Fiesta seen in the area around the time of the incident.
DCI Davies urged: “I continue to urge anyone with information who is yet to speak to officers to come forward and support our investigation.”
Police specifically want to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle in or near South Morgan Place or Seawall Road between 7.30am and 8.30am on 21 August. The search area includes Wellington Street, Clare Road, Penarth Road and East Tyndall Street.
Officers have also appealed for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the vicinity to come forward, emphasising that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the investigation.
Wider Context of Violence Against Women
The tragedy occurs against a backdrop of alarming statistics on violence against women in the UK. Data published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council in July 2024 revealed that violence against women and girls (VAWG) had been declared a “national emergency,” with recorded crimes increasing by 37% between 2018 and 2023.
In Wales specifically, women were found to be disproportionately affected by violent crime. According to the Office for National Statistics, 6.6% of women experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024, compared to 3.0% of men. The figures show that VAWG-related crimes now account for approximately 20% of all recorded crime in England and Wales.
South Wales Police recorded 35,687 incidents of domestic abuse in 2019/20, with 23,443 incidents involving female victims. Of these, 13,063 were recorded as crimes. The force, alongside the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, has developed a joint strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, focusing on increasing victim confidence, reducing repeat victimisation, and improving partnership working.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The case has moved swiftly through the legal system, with Weragalage appearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on 23 August before being remanded to Cardiff Crown Court. His appearance on 26 August saw him formally charged with murder and remanded in custody.
The lengthy wait for trial, not scheduled until February 2026, reflects the complex nature of murder investigations and the backlog in the crown court system. During this time, Nirodha’s family and the wider community must grapple with their loss whilst awaiting justice.
The inquest heard evidence from pathologist Dr Leadbeatter, whose provisional findings pointed to multiple injuries inflicted with a sharp weapon. Such forensic evidence will likely form a crucial part of the prosecution case when the matter comes to trial.
Support for the Family
South Wales Police has assigned specially trained family liaison officers to support Nirodha’s loved ones through the investigation and legal proceedings. These officers provide a vital link between grieving families and the criminal justice system, ensuring they are kept informed of developments whilst respecting their need for privacy during an incredibly difficult time.
The Sri Lankan community in Cardiff, estimated to number several thousand, has rallied around Nirodha’s family. Community leaders have called for calm whilst the legal process unfolds, emphasising the importance of allowing police to conduct their investigation thoroughly.
Local support services for victims of domestic violence have also highlighted the importance of seeking help. Women’s Aid Wales and other organisations continue to provide confidential support for anyone affected by violence or abuse, operating 24-hour helplines and safe spaces across the region.
Investigation Ongoing
As the investigation continues, police remain focused on building a comprehensive picture of events leading to Nirodha’s death. The appeal for dashcam and CCTV footage suggests officers are working to establish a timeline of movements on that fatal morning.
The specific interest in the grey Ford Fiesta indicates this vehicle may hold crucial evidence. Modern investigative techniques, including automated number plate recognition and mobile phone data analysis, are likely being employed alongside traditional witness appeals.
DCI Davies emphasised the importance of community cooperation: “Every piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact South Wales Police through their dedicated portal or by calling 101, quoting the relevant reference number. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.
As Cardiff’s Sri Lankan community mourns the loss of a woman remembered for her kindness and warmth, the pursuit of justice continues. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence against women across the UK, with calls growing for comprehensive action to address what police leaders have termed a “national emergency.
Nirodha Niwunhella’s life may have been cut tragically short, but her family’s poignant tribute ensures her memory of spreading love and kindness will endure long after the legal proceedings conclude.
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