Courtesy Hiru News

A 27-year-old German woman who was hospitalized after falling ill at a lodge in Kollupitiya has died while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital.

The incident follows the death of 24-year-old English woman Sintosh Ebony Lois, who was also hospitalized with her and passed away on February 2. The Kollupitiya Police reported the matter to the Fort Magistrate’s Court today (3).

The two women, along with a 30-year-old German man, were admitted to the hospital on February 1 after developing sudden symptoms. Investigations revealed that a room adjacent to theirs had been fumigated with phosphine gas on January 30 and was supposed to remain sealed for 72 hours. Police suspect that exposure to the gas may have contributed to their illness.

Public health inspectors also examined the food consumed by the three foreigners at the lodge, though the exact cause of death has yet to be determined. The Kollupitiya Police have recorded statements from the lodge owner and submitted a report to the Fort Magistrate’s Court.

Following an investigation by Government Analyst officers, Fort Additional Magistrate Pavithra Sanjeevani Pathiraja ordered the lodge to remain closed until its suitability for accommodation is confirmed and a proper permit is obtained.

The police stated that a post-mortem examination of the German woman will be conducted once her relatives arrive to identify the body. Investigations are ongoing.