Scots victim of Sri Lankan bigamist who fleeced her for more than £100k demands family pays her back

A Scottish woman who fell victim to a Sri Lankan bigamist demanding her family repay her over £100,000 has shared her harrowing story. Diane Peebles, 65, from Edinburgh, was deceived by her husband, Priyanjana De Zoysa, who conned her out of a substantial amount of money before meeting a tragic end. Diane spent £60,000 to construct a house for them to live in together and also bought him a new car to use as a taxi. She sacrificed her home and career for a life with Priyanjana, who was 33 years her junior. Unbeknownst to her, Priyanjana was already married, which led to her fleeing back to Scotland after he was killed by criminals.

Diane is now demanding that Priyanjana’s family, who currently live rent-free in the house she financed in Sri Lanka, repay the money she spent. She expressed her frustration at the situation, highlighting that her savings went towards various expenses for the family. Despite facing financial ruin, Diane is determined to fight for what is rightfully hers and hopes her story serves as a cautionary tale for others in similar situations.

The unfolding of events saw Diane uproot her life and move to Asia to be with Priyanjana, even selling her flat and taking early retirement. She found herself solely responsible for funding her husband’s family’s living costs, gradually depleting her resources. Despite her efforts to salvage the relationship, Diane eventually discovered Priyanjana’s deceit, leading to his untimely death and leaving her in a precarious financial situation.

Struggling to reclaim the money she invested and facing threats to her safety, Diane ultimately sought refuge in Scotland. She has since reached out to Priyanjana’s family through intermediaries in an attempt to recover her losses. With support from her bank, she is determined to trace the transactions made to Priyanjana’s account as evidence for her claim. Diane’s resilience and determination to seek justice serve as a powerful testament to her strength in the face of adversity.

Insights:
Diane Peebles’ story sheds light on the vulnerability individuals can face in romantic relationships, especially when trust is betrayed. Her bravery in speaking out and seeking restitution highlights the importance of standing up for oneself in the face of deception. The emotional and financial toll of such experiences can be devastating, underscoring the need for awareness and caution in relationships, no matter how promising they may seem initially. Diane’s pursuit of justice serves as an inspiration for others to advocate for themselves and seek resolution in challenging circumstances.