Jealous Husband Receives Minimum 23-Year Sentence for Brutal Cardiff Murder
A jealous husband who stabbed his ex-wife to death after she began dating a colleague has been jailed for a minimum of 23 years and nine months. Thisara Weragalage, 38, ambushed his former wife, Nirodha Niwunhella, 32, as she left for work from her new partner's home in Cardiff, committing what the judge described as a "ferocious attack" she had "no chance of surviving."
Background of the Relationship and Deterioration
Cardiff Crown Court heard that Weragalage and Ms Niwunhella married in Sri Lanka in 2017 and relocated to the United Kingdom in 2022. Ms Niwunhella secured employment at the Springbank Care Home in Barry, where she developed a friendship with colleague James Stephenson. As their bond strengthened, she confided in him about marital difficulties, revealing that her husband was physically abusive and they were experiencing sexual issues.
Weragalage's jealousy intensified after discovering messages between his wife and Mr Stephenson on her phone. He began "spying" on her and attempting to control her social interactions. The marriage continued to deteriorate, leading the couple to separate and move into different addresses in April 2025. Subsequently, Ms Niwunhella and Mr Stephenson entered into a romantic relationship.
Escalation of Obsession and Premeditation
The court was told that Weragalage became "obsessed" with his ex-wife and her new partner. He pleaded with both Mr Stephenson and Ms Niwunhella's father to help reconcile the marriage, but as his desperation grew, he began threatening the couple. A message found on Ms Niwunhella's phone, sent to a friend on July 10, indicated that Weragalage had threatened to kill her and Mr Stephenson.
In the lead-up to the murder, Weragalage visited Mr Stephenson's address on eight occasions and purchased a pack of kitchen knives the day before the attack. On the morning of August 21, 2025, while Mr Stephenson was working a night shift, Weragalage waited for Ms Niwunhella to leave the property. He ambushed her in the car park outside, where she was found dead between two cars in Riverside, Cardiff.
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
Ms Niwunhella sustained "extensive and catastrophic" injuries, including 17 stab wounds to her neck, face, chest, and leg. The prosecution noted that the ferocity of the assault was so severe that the knife broke during the attack. Weragalage fled the scene and was later detained after attempting to throw himself under a lorry. He told police he could not recall the confrontation and claimed he bought the knives only to scare his wife.
Sentencing Weragalage on Friday, Judge Daniel Williams condemned his "brutal selfishness," which cut Ms Niwunhella's life short. The judge stated, "You could not accept that your marriage was at an end. You could not accept Nirodha making her own choices to live a life without you. Nirodha's relationship with James Stephenson became your sole and obsessive focus."
Family Tribute and Legal Statements
Following the tragedy, Ms Niwunhella's family released a heartfelt tribute, describing her as a "cherished daughter, family member and dear friend to many." They added, "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."
Emma Davies of the Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the premeditated nature of the crime, stating, "Thisara Weragalage planned his attack, visiting the area several times leading up to it and buying the murder weapon. His premeditation was a significant factor in this shocking murder." She highlighted ongoing efforts to prosecute violence against women and girls, ensuring victims receive justice.
Defence barrister Andrew Taylor acknowledged that Weragalage was "obsessed by his wife and overtaken by jealousy," adding that he could not envision a future without her. Weragalage pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a knife in a public place, resulting in the lengthy prison term. The community in Cardiff has been left "shocked and saddened" by this devastating incident.
