Lankan undergrad in Nottinghamshire killed in a police chase

Sujeeva Nivunhella reporting from London

A Sri Lankan undergraduate student in the University of Nottingham Trent, Oshada Jayasudera, 31, was killed after being struck by a vehicle during a police chase in Nottingham City Centre in the early hours of December 13.

The incident occurred while the police was chasing a vehicle, which collided against Jayasundera. Despite immediate medical attention by paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man has been arrested under suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen for analysis in connection with this tragic accident.

Sergeant Mark Baker, heading the investigation by the Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said, “This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with the man’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time. We are conducting a detailed and thorough investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”

High Commissioner Rohitha Bogollagama took a personal initiatives to engage with the late Mr. Jayasundera’s parents and has requested concerned officials to expedite the repatriation of the body, prioritizing the family’s needs.

While details remain unclear about the circumstances of Jayasundera’s presence outdoors at approximately 3 a.m. when the accident occurred, a Sri Lankan resident in Nottingham said that Jayasundera had arrived in the city on a student intake earlier in the year and had been living there for nearly three months.

Following protocol in incidents involving a police vehicle, Nottinghamshire Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC specializes in investigating incidents resulting in fatalities related to police involvement, ensuring a comprehensive and impartial examination of the circumstances.

This tragic death has sent shock waves through the Lankan community in the UK. As investigations continue, authorities are working to provide answers to unresolved questions and support to his grieving family and friends.