COLOMBO: Doctors failed to save the life of a woman who set herself ablaze in the compound of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader’s private residence.

Kumari Cooray, daughter of a former politician, tried to commit suicide in the premises of SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem’s private residence in Colombo on Wednesday night. She died the next day at a hospital.

Ms Cooray (40), a mother of two, had caused a stir last year in political circles by linking herself with SLMC leader Rauf Hakeem. But later she denied the whole affair, alleging that Mr Hakeem’s rivals had fabricated the story to gain political mileage.

Ms Cooray had gone to Mr Hakeem’s house around 11pm on Wednesday, but guards on duty stopped her from entering the residence.