In a heartbreaking turn of events, the harrowing details of a mass murder involving a Sri Lankan family in Canada have come to light. Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, the lone survivor, returned home from work to discover his wife and four young children brutally slain, while he himself sustained injuries in the attack. The perpetrator, a 19-year-old Sri Lankan student living with the family, has been arrested and charged with the deaths.
The tragedy unfolded in the Barrhaven suburb of Ottawa, where police responded to distress calls from Mr. Wickramasinghe, who managed to subdue the suspect despite his own injuries. The victims included Mr. Wickramasinghe’s wife, Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake, their four children, and an acquaintance residing with the family.
Described as newcomers to Canada, the Wickramasinghe family was known for their kindness and willingness to help others, according to Bhante Suneetha, the resident monk at their local Buddhist monastery. The motive behind the crime remains unclear, with authorities affirming the family’s innocence and ongoing investigations.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan community in Canada and beyond, prompting expressions of condolences and calls for heightened vigilance among those studying abroad. As the community mourns the loss, efforts are underway to support Mr. Wickramasinghe, with a fundraising campaign launched by the Buddhist Congress of Canada garnering significant support.
The devastating loss serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for unity and compassion in times of adversity.