Man jailed for life for murdering wife in Cardiff

A 38-year-old man has been handed a life sentence after admitting he murdered his estranged wife in Cardiff last summer.

Thisara Weragalage, of Pentwyn, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today (Friday, February 20) to serve a minimum of 23 years and nine months behind bars for killing 32-year-old Nirodha Niwunhella.

The attack

Emergency services were called to South Morgan Place in Riverside, Cardiff, at 7.37am on August 21 after reports of a seriously injured woman. Officers arriving at the scene began immediate first aid, with paramedics following shortly after – but despite their efforts, Nirodha was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy revealed she had been stabbed at least 20 times. A broken knife blade and handle were recovered nearby.

The arrest

Witnesses reported seeing a man flee the scene in a Ford Fiesta. Fast-track CCTV enquiries linked the vehicle to Weragalage.

Less than an hour later, officers responded to a welfare call from the ambulance service following a separate incident on Seawall Road. The man at the scene matched the description of the suspect in Nirodha’s death. The Ford Fiesta was located nearby with blood inside, and Weragalage was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The conviction

Weragalage initially entered a not guilty plea but changed his plea and was convicted at Cardiff Crown Court on January 16, 2025.

‘He bought knives to intimidate her’

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Graham Williams said: “Nirodha was beloved by her family and friends, and her life was ended by her jealous and cowardly former partner. Nirodha was in the process of separating from Weragalage, who could not accept that Nirodha no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. He bought knives to the area which he said were to intimidate her and then went on to murder her.

“I’m pleased he owned up to his cowardly actions and spared Nirodha’s loved ones from enduring a trial. While no sentence can compensate for this loss of life, I hope the end of criminal proceedings helps bring them some peace.

“This sentencing is the result of countless hours of work from teams across the force, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their time and efforts to secure this verdict. I’d also like to thank those from the community who supported our investigation throughout.

“We will not stand for violence in any form, inclusive of violence against women and girls perpetrated by men, and we will do everything in our power to hold those responsible to account.”

Tributes 💐

The family of Nirodha, whose full name was Niwunhellage Dona Nirodha Kalapni Niwunhella, paid tribute following her death. They said:

“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.”

In a victim personal statement read to the court, her father said: “My only daughter was Nirodha Kalpani Niwunhella. She was a happy, mischievous, playful girl who captivated everyone’s hearts as a child. She loved her mother and father dearly and was a very good friend to her friends. She was a sweet girl who also loved animals.”

He continued: “I am 64 years old and my wife is also 64 years old. The pain and anguish we felt when we were informed on August 21 that our daughter had been murdered cannot be described in words. After the brutal murder of our only daughter, all our hopes were ruined. Her loss is an unbearable mental burden for the family.

“We faced a lot of problems because this crime took place abroad. We were further affected by communication difficulties and economic hardships. We were further hurt and mentally distressed after it was confirmed that this crime was committed by our daughter’s husband. We still cannot understand how he could have committed this heinous crime, as we loved him also as much as we loved our daughter.”

⚖️ Weragalage must serve a minimum of 23 years and nine months before he can be considered for release.