Just 24 hours after a tragic suicide within the Cinnamon Life hotel, linked to its casino, domestic flights between Bere Lake and Katunayake commenced today (October 03). The ceremonial launch, aimed at boosting tourism, took place at the very hotel where the incident occurred —a detail that has sparked public outcry over perceived insensitivity.
Deputy Ministers Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku (Ports and Civil Aviation) and Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe (Tourism), along with other officials, arrived at Bere Lake by air this morning on a Cinnamon Air flight. They were greeted by Minister of Transport Bimal Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defense Sampath Thuyyakontha, and John Keells Group Chairman Krishan Balendran. Minister Ratnayake, in his address, extended an invitation to other airlines to join the domestic flight network.
However, the launch has been overshadowed by the revelation that a 45-year-old man from Kandy committed suicide in his room at the luxurious Cinnamon Life five-star hotel after gambling in its casino. Police reported that hotel staff, concerned after the man’s room remained locked for several days, alerted authorities. His body was subsequently discovered, having died by hanging.
Autopsy investigations have revealed a note found at the scene, indicating that the man became distraught after losing a significant amount of money at the casino.
