Toronto, Canada – A devastating tragedy unfolded in the suburbs of Ottawa as a Sri Lankan father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, returned home from work to discover his wife and four young children brutally murdered. Amidst the horror, Wickramasinghe, 34, himself was also attacked but managed to overpower the suspect, before being rushed to the hospital for his injuries.
The heart-wrenching incident, which left the entire community in shock, also claimed the life of an acquaintance living with the family, adding to the sense of loss and grief. Police in Ottawa were alerted to the scene after receiving distress calls late in the evening, leading to the grim discovery of the slain family members.
As the investigation unraveled, it was revealed that a 19-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, has been charged in connection with the murders using a “knife-like object”. The motive behind the heinous crime remains unclear, with authorities describing the Wickramasinghe family as “innocent victims” caught in a tragic turn of events.
The close-knit nature of the family was highlighted by Bhante Suneetha, the resident monk at a local Buddhist monastery where the family worshipped. Suneetha described them as kind and helpful individuals, sparking an outpouring of support and disbelief within the community.
In the wake of the senseless tragedy, the General Consulate of Sri Lanka in Toronto issued a statement expressing condolences and urging vigilance among Sri Lankan students abroad. The consulate emphasized the need for parents to closely monitor their children during transitions to foreign countries, like Canada, to ensure their safety and well-being.
In the face of unimaginable loss, a vigil is planned to honor the memory of the Wickramasinghe family, while a fundraising campaign has been launched to support Dhanushka Wickramasinghe as he navigates this incomprehensible tragedy. The community rallies around the grieving father, offering solace and solidarity in the midst of profound sorrow.