Toronto, Canada – A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Ottawa when Dhanushka Wickramasinghe returned home from work to discover his wife and four young children brutally murdered. The Sri Lankan father survived the attack but sustained injuries while defending his family, now recovering in a hospital from his wounds.
The shocking incident took place in their townhouse in Barrhaven, a suburb of Ottawa, where police responded to emergency calls made by Mr. Wickramasinghe after the violent attack. The bodies of his wife and children, along with a family acquaintance, were found at the scene, leading to the arrest of a 19-year-old Sri Lankan student who was living with the family.
As the community grapples with the devastating loss, the story of the Wickramasinghe family’s tragic fate has left residents in disbelief. Described as kind and helpful individuals by the resident monk at the local Buddhist monastery they frequented, the family’s innocence and generosity contrast sharply with the brutal crime they fell victim to.
Authorities have charged the suspect with multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder, shedding light on a senseless act of violence with no apparent motive. The investigation continues as police work to uncover the events leading up to the horrific incident, offering little clarity to a community left reeling from the loss of innocent lives.
In a show of solidarity, a vigil is planned to honor the memory of the family, while a fundraising campaign has been launched to support Mr. Wickramasinghe during this unimaginably difficult time. As the city mourns the tragic loss, the shockwaves of this senseless act serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of tragedy.