Ex-Armoured Corps NCO died after inhaling police tear gas

The funeral of Priyantha Wanninayake, 56, who died due to complications caused following police tear gas attack on Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) protest near the Law Faculty of the Colombo University last week was conducted at the Halmillakulam cemetery, Nochchiyagama on 11 March.

Having served the Army since March 1989, Wanninayake retired in January 2012. At the time of his death he served a private security firm deployed at the Colombo University.

The Non-Commissioned officer Wanninayake retired from the 3rd Reconnaissance Regiment of the Armoured Corps. During his military career, he participated in several military operations including Jayasikurui launched during Kumaratunga presidency to restore the overland supply route to the Jaffna peninsula.

Wanninayake died after being admitted to the National Hospital. (SF)