Ranjith Kankanamalage, known as ‘Roy’, was violently attacked and killed in the park
(Picture: Met Police)Police have offered a £20,000 reward for information on a suspected homophobic murder as people gather for a vigil against hate crimes at the cemetery where his body was found.
Ranjith Kankanamalage, 50, known as ‘Roy’, was violently attacked and killed in the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park on Thursday, August 16.
He was found with fatal head injuries and a post-mortem confirmed they were caused by blunt force trauma, police said.
The “horrendous” murder has so far yielded no arrests with police admitting this is causing fear in London’s LGBTQ+ community.
Police have also issued CCTV images of two men walking past the cemetery at the time of the attack that they would like to speak to.
The first of the two possible witnesses is described as medium build, with short, light coloured hair, wearing a dark t-shirt, light blue shorts, dark brown trainers and carrying a black backpack.
The second person is also of medium build but with short dark hair, wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.
A vigil, organised by Let Voice Be Heard, will be held at the scene at 5pm on Tuesday.
A spokesperson said: “We are coming together to show respect to Ranjith. At the same time convey a message to the community that together we are stronger. Our voices need to be heard loudly against any kind of homophobic attack.
“We believe we can only stop these kinds of attacks if we are together.”
Det Supt Pete Wallis, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command: “We understand that given the circumstances of the murder, people may be reluctant to come forward.
“We continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant they believe it to be, to report it to police or any of our LGBT+ partners. We are particularly appealing to the two people pictured to come forward.
“I can assure the public that any information shared will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and consideration. My colleagues and I remain dedicated to finding Ranjith’s killer.”
Derek Lee, from the Met’s LGBT+ Advisory Group, said: “We appeal for anyone who knows anything about this horrendous crime to come forward using the many channels available. We are aware that, while it remains unsolved, this is causing considerable concern amongst LGBTQ+ people in Tower Hamlets and across London.
“We are advising the police on sensitive ways of keeping our parks safe and wider reassurance for all communities. At the same time we ask everyone to please use common sense when going home or out late at night. We must all be vigilant.”
John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We have been deeply saddened and shocked following the senseless murder of Ranjith Kankanamalage.
“Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward so that we can ensure the safety of our residents and the LGBT+ community here and across the rest of London.
“Tower Hamlets is proudly a No Place for Hate borough and hate crimes of any sort will not be tolerated. We have a rich history of diversity which we celebrate alongside our work to ensure we are a safe and cohesive borough, free from all forms of hate.”
