La Trobe University student allegedly murdered by her husband in Singapore
- A woman was allegedly murdered by her husband
- She found him in Singapore
A woman studying at an Australian university has died after being murdered by her husband in Singapore.
Sewwandi Diyawinnage, 32, was on holiday with her partner Eshan Tharaka Koottage when she was allegedly stabbed to death on September 9.
An argument reportedly broke out between the two men before Mr Koottage stabbed her.
He went to the police before officers discovered his wife’s lifeless body next to a bloodstained knife at the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong.
Ms Diyawinnage was studying chemical sciences at La Trobe University, Melbourne, and was reunited with her husband during a brief getaway to Singapore.
She had told her friends that she was delighted to see him again after living away from him for more than a year.
Woman studying at Australian university dies after being murdered by her husband in Singapore
Mr. Koottage was charged with murder, an offense punishable by death.
Elizabeth Campher, a classmate of Ms Diyawinnage, said Ms Diyawinnage had not seen her husband for more than a year.
“He was working in Sri Lanka while she was studying here,” she said.
“It was the first time they had seen each other in over a year, so she was really excited to go on vacation with him.”
Ms Diyawinnage has been described as “warm and genuine”.
“She was a friend to many and always had a kind word and a smile to give,” Ms Campher said.
“No matter who it was, she always asked everyone how they were, she always had a genuine personal interest in people.”
“She got the best grades and was happy to help people with difficult questions in chemistry.
“She really had a lot of potential, it’s just devastating.”
La Trobe University held a memorial service for Ms Diyawinnage on Monday.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our students, Sewwandi Diyawinnage, while on vacation in Singapore,” a spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and we are in regular contact with them, as well as his student peers and colleagues at La Trobe.
“The university has provided wellness support and other assistance as his family and friends grieve.”
