Toronto, Canada: A Sri Lankan father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, returned home from work to a tragic scene – his wife and four young children had been killed. The 34-year-old father was also attacked but managed to subdue the suspect and is now recovering in the hospital from his injuries.
The devastating incident unfolded in Ottawa when police discovered the slain family at their townhouse in the Barrhaven suburb after receiving emergency calls. The bodies of Mr. Wickramasinghe’s wife, Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake, and their four young children were found, along with the body of an acquaintance who was living with the family.
The suspect, a 19-year-old Sri Lankan student named Febrio De-Zoysa, was arrested at the scene and has been charged in connection to the murders. The motive for the crime remains unclear, with police describing the family as “innocent victims” and confirming that their investigation is ongoing.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Sri Lankan community in Ottawa has expressed shock and grief over the loss of the Wickramasinghe family. The General Consulate of Sri Lanka in Toronto extended condolences to the victims’ family and friends and urged parents of students studying abroad to pay close attention to their children during their transition and integration into a new country like Canada.
A vigil is set to be held for the family, and a fundraiser launched by the Buddhist Congress of Canada has already raised a significant amount to support Mr. Wickramasinghe during this difficult time. The community is coming together to offer support and comfort as they mourn the loss of an entire family in a senseless act of violence.
As the investigation into the murders continues, the Ottawa Police Service is working to piece together what led to this tragic event. The suspect, now facing multiple charges including first-degree murder, appeared in court where the legal process will unfold to bring justice for the victims and their loved ones. The heartfelt response from the community highlights the impact of this devastating loss on all those who knew the Wickramasinghe family.