Jealous Husband Sentenced to Minimum 23 Years for Brutal Cardiff Murder
Thisara Weragalage, a 38-year-old man, has been handed a prison sentence of at least 23 years and nine months after pleading guilty to the murder of his 32-year-old wife, Niwunhellage Dona Nirodha Kalpani Niwunhella, known as Nirodha. The horrific stabbing occurred in Cardiff last year, following the couple's separation and Nirodha's new relationship with a colleague.
A Marriage Torn Apart by Jealousy and Abuse
Weragalage and Ms Niwunhella married in Sri Lanka in 2017 and relocated to the United Kingdom in 2022. According to testimony presented at Cardiff Crown Court, their marriage began to unravel as Nirodha developed a friendship with her colleague, James Stephenson. She confided in him about severe marital issues, including physical abuse and sexual problems with her husband.
The situation escalated dramatically when Weragalage discovered messages between his wife and Mr Stephenson on her phone. Consumed by jealousy, he began "spying" on her and attempting to control her social interactions. By April 2025, the couple had moved into separate residences, and Nirodha and Mr Stephenson entered into a romantic relationship.
Premeditated Attack Outside Boyfriend's Home
As his depression intensified, Weragalage started threatening the couple. The court heard that he visited Mr Stephenson's home on eight separate occasions prior to the fatal attack. In a chilling act of preparation, he purchased a pack of kitchen knives the day before the murder.
On the morning of August 21, 2025, as Nirodha left Mr Stephenson's home while he was working a night shift, Weragalage ambushed her in the car park outside. The attack was described as "ferocious" by prosecutors, with the knife breaking during the assault due to its intensity.
Catastrophic Injuries and Failed Escape Attempt
Ms Niwunhella sustained "extensive and catastrophic" injuries, including 17 stab wounds to her neck, face, chest, and leg. Prosecutor Mike Jones KC stated that Weragalage's intention was "a determined and planned intention to kill her."
Following the murder, Weragalage fled the scene but was later detained after attempting to throw himself under a lorry. When questioned by police, he claimed he could not remember the confrontation and insisted he had only bought the knives to scare his wife.
Judge's Condemnation and Sentencing
Judge Daniel Williams delivered a powerful statement during sentencing, noting that Nirodha had "no chance of surviving" the brutal attack. He described her as "the kindest and most caring person you could meet" who had "a long and happy future ahead of her."
The judge emphasized that Weragalage's "brutal selfishness has left a void which can never be filled." In addition to the murder charge, Weragalage pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place, resulting in his minimum sentence of 23 years and nine months in prison.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence, jealousy, and premeditated aggression within failed relationships. The sentencing brings some measure of justice for Nirodha's family and friends, though it cannot undo the profound loss caused by this calculated act of violence.
