BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Government has confirmed the sudden death of Sri Lankan national Kishanth Peramaiya, revealing that Eswatini and the United Kingdom were exploring arrangements that could have allowed him to remain in the Kingdom on a long-term basis.
In a press statement issued on Monday, September 28, 2026, Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said Peramaiya had been in Eswatini under a mutual temporary arrangement with the Government of the United Kingdom.
Government did not disclose the circumstances or cause of his death in the statement.
“The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini is fully aware of the sudden and unfortunate passing of Mr Kishanth Peramaiya, a Sri Lankan national who was in the Kingdom under a mutual temporary arrangement with the Government of the United Kingdom,” reads the statement.
The latest Government communication also provides important clarification on Peramaiya’s future in Eswatini before his death.
According to Mdluli, discussions were already underway between the two governments over the possibility of him remaining in the country beyond the temporary arrangement.
“At the time of his passing, the two Governments were exploring arrangements for his possible long-term residency in the Kingdom,” Government said.
The statement does not indicate how advanced those discussions were, what form the proposed long-term residency would have taken or when a final decision was expected.
It nevertheless confirms that his stay in Eswatini was not necessarily expected to end with the initial temporary arrangement, as authorities from the two countries were considering a longer-term solution.
Following his passing, Government said its immediate attention, together with that of British authorities, had shifted towards assisting Peramaiya’s family with the necessary arrangements.
“The Government and the British High Commission in Eswatini are working closely with Mr Peramaiya’s family to facilitate the necessary burial arrangements,” said Mdluli.
This means the handling of matters following his death is being coordinated between the Eswatini Government, the British High Commission and his family.
Government also extended condolences to Peramaiya’s relatives and loved ones as they mourn his death.
“The Government mourns with Mr Peramaiya’s family and his loved ones during this sad period,” the statement reads.
No further details were provided about where the burial would take place or when the arrangements would be concluded.
Government also did not provide additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding Peramaiya’s death, and the official statement should therefore not be interpreted as confirming any cause of death that may have been reported elsewhere.
The corrected statement establishes three central facts: Peramaiya was a Sri Lankan national staying in Eswatini under a mutual temporary arrangement involving the United Kingdom; the two governments were considering his possible long-term residency in Eswatini; and authorities are now working with his family on burial arrangements.
The statement was issued by Mdluli in her capacity as Acting Government Spokesperson on September 28, 2026.
(Courtesy Pic)
