Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, was struck by tragedy as residents of Barrhaven and members of the Sri Lankan community grappled with the devastating loss of four young children, their mother, and a family acquaintance. The bodies were discovered in their Barrhaven home, located about 15 kilometers south of Ottawa’s downtown core, on Wednesday night, leaving the community in shock.
Among the victims were Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, the father who survived the attack but sustained injuries, and his wife, 35-year-old Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake, along with their four young children – Kelly, Rinyana, Ashwini, and Inuka. The family, newcomers to Canada from Sri Lanka, had only been in the country for about a year, with Dhanushka arriving first in 2020 before being joined by his wife and children in 2023.
The shocking incident also claimed the life of 40-year-old Gamini Amarakoon, who, along with the accused 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, was living with the family. De-Zoysa now faces six first-degree murder charges and one count of attempted murder, and has made his first court appearance following the discovery of the bodies.
As the community mourns the loss of innocent lives, residents have come together to pay tribute to the victims at a makeshift memorial in a nearby park, lighting candles and leaving flowers and stuffed animals as a sign of remembrance and solidarity. Bhante Suneetha, a resident monk and director of a local Buddhist monastery, described the family as kind and helpful, emphasizing the tragedy of the situation.
Authorities revealed that an edged weapon was used in the homicides, adding further details to the shocking nature of the crime. In the wake of the tragedy, plans for a candlelight vigil and fundraising efforts for the victims’ families have been announced, as the community rallies together to support those affected by the devastating loss.
The impact of the mass killing has reverberated through the tight-knit community, leaving residents struggling to come to terms with the senseless loss of life. As investigations continue and the suspect faces legal proceedings, the community remains united in grief, seeking solace and support as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking tragedy.