at Matara as a punishment for the murder of Premawathi. Remembrance In 1979, a memorial was built in Kataragama to commemorate her death that portray various events of her life and her inhumane death. This shrine was built as a merit to her as pilgrims who visit Kataragama could quench their thirst by drinking water from the clay pot fixed to it. However, later the memorial was vandalized and now is believed to be destroyed. Sri Lankan singer and songwriter, Anton Jones (3 June 1937 – 21 February 2016) whose songs were based on real incidents such as 'Rukmani Devi' (popular Sri Lankan film actress and singer), 'Maru-Sira'(controversial passing away of a death-row prisoner) wrote a song based on Manamperi's death as well. The title of the song is 'Premawathi Manamperi Tharuniya'. Furthermore, a movie named 'Nahi Werena Verani' was filmed based on Manamperi's brutal killing. Director Dharmasiri Wickremaratne used the original case recordings to create the plot line of the movie. The role of Premawathi was acted by Sangeetha Weeraratne, while Sanath Gunathilake played the role of the Army officer Lieutenant Wijesuriya. The role of Army General in the film was played by the veteran actor Joe Abeywickrema. Although not mentioned by name, allusions to Manamperi have been made in the 2022 Booker Winner, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka as Miss Kataragama 1970 and as the Defiled Beauty Queen. 1977 election Her murder attracted national attention and was an issue in the 1977 election. UNP candidate J. R. Jayewardene discussed the attack in great detail and condemned Sirimavo Bandaranaike's handling of the crime to discredit his opponent. Further reading References Deaths by firearm in Sri Lanka Sri Lankan murder victims 1949 births 1971 deaths People murdered in Sri Lanka 1971 murders in Sri Lanka 1971 in Ceylon Deaths by person in Asia Incidents of violence against women 1971 crimes in Ceylon April 1971 events in Asia Violence against women in Sri Lanka