Toronto, Canada – A horrific tragedy unfolded in Ottawa, Canada as a Sri Lankan father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, returned home from work to discover his wife and four young children brutally murdered. Despite being attacked himself, Wickramasinghe fought back and subdued the suspect, ultimately surviving with injuries to his eye and hand.

The heart-wrenching incident came to light when Ottawa police responded to calls for help at the family’s townhouse in the Barrhaven suburb late on Wednesday night. The victims included Wickramasinghe’s wife, Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake, and their children Inuka, Ashwini, Ranaya, and Kelly, along with a family acquaintance, Amarakoonmudiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon. The family had recently immigrated to Canada, arriving just last year, according to local Sri Lankan community leaders.

A 19-year-old Sri Lankan student, Febrio De-Zoysa, was arrested at the scene without incident and has been charged in connection with the murders. The suspect, identified as an international student at Algonquin College in Ottawa, is facing multiple counts of first-degree murder and attempted murder. The motive behind the gruesome crime remains unclear as police continue their investigation.

Bhante Suneetha, the resident monk at the local Buddhist monastery the family attended, expressed shock and grief over the devastating loss, describing the Wickramasinghe family as kind and helpful individuals who were actively involved in their community. The tight-knit Sri Lankan community in Ottawa has been left shaken by the tragic events, with a vigil planned to honor the victims and support Mr. Wickramasinghe.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging parents of Sri Lankan students studying abroad to be vigilant and provide support during the transition to a foreign country. The General Consulate of Sri Lanka in Toronto has extended its condolences to the family and friends of the victims and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students living overseas.

In response to the overwhelming support from the community, a GoFundMe campaign initiated by the Buddhist Congress of Canada has raised significant funds to aid Mr. Wickramasinghe in the aftermath of the tragedy. The devastating loss of the Wickramasinghe family has not only shocked the local community but has also highlighted the need for continued support and vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of immigrant families in foreign countries.