An inquest has opened into the death of Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, who was declared dead at the scene. A man has been charged with her murder
12:45, 29 Aug 2025Updated 17:14, 29 Aug 2025
Nirodha Niwunhella was described as a “dear friend to many”(Image: South Wales Police)
A woman who “touched many lives with her kindness and warmth” was found dead lying between two cars having suffered “multiple sharp force injuries”. A man has been arrested and charged with her murder and has appeared in court.
Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, died on Thursday, August 21, and 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.
An inquest hearing at Pontypridd Coroners’ Court on Friday, August 29, heard Miss Niwunhella was found between two cars in South Morgan Place in Riverside. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
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.
The coroner “expressed her deepest condolences” to the family and friends of Miss Niwunhella.
Thisara Weragalage, 37 of Pentwyn, was arrested and later charged with murder in connection with the death.
He appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court over the weekend and then at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday morning (August 26). No indication of plea was given.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke confirmed that a plea and trial preparation hearing would take place at Cardiff Crown Court on September 19, while a trial, estimated to take two weeks, was scheduled to start on February 9 next year. Weragalage was further remanded into custody.
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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