A British musician, 54-year-old Thomas Crawford, was found dead near a Buddhist temple in the southern Sri Lankan town of Thihagoda on the afternoon of August 16. Worshippers discovered his body in the upper courtyard of the temple.
Police responded to the scene and recovered a scooter and helmet, which had been rented locally on the same day. An investigation into Crawford's death has been launched, though authorities do not currently believe there are suspicious circumstances involved.
Crawford, originally from Glasgow, had been residing at a hostel in the coastal surf town of Weligama for several years. He was known to share videos of his music and travels in Sri Lanka, including performances and clips of him recording a religious music album titled "Master of Miracles" at his hostel. He had reportedly told hostel staff he was visiting the coastal city of Hambantota on the morning of his death.
Praveen Ariyaratne, the boss of the Sugar Co-Living hostel where Crawford stayed, described him as a "very talented and kind person" who was involved in music, art, and charity work. Ariyaratne had known Crawford for three years. A Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that support is being provided to Crawford's family.
