‘Dead’ man returns home nearly two months after his burial

A man who was believed to have died after consuming poison, and whose body was buried and religious almsgiving ceremonies held, has reportedly returned home alive nearly two months after disappearing.

The bizarre incident was reported from the Kokawewa Police area.

The man had disappeared from his home about two months ago. As he was accustomed to leaving home for several days at a time and returning, his family initially did not become alarmed.

However, when he failed to return for more than a week, his wife lodged a complaint with the Kokawewa Police.

On August 27, police received information that a body had been found in a reserve within the Habarana Police Division. The man was believed to have died after consuming poison.

The deceased’s relatives were called to identify the body. The man’s wife and family reportedly confirmed the body was that of the missing man after identifying the clothes he was wearing as those his son had given him for the New Year.

The body was subsequently buried in Polonnaruwa on August 31, while religious almsgiving ceremonies were held on September 6 and 7.

But in an extraordinary turn of events, the man suddenly arrived by bus at his sister’s house—alive.

After receiving a telephone call informing them of his unexpected return, the family immediately notified the Kokawewa Police.Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the case, including how another person’s body came to be identified as that of the missing man.