Ottawa, Canada – A community in Ottawa is grappling with the devastating news of a mass killing that claimed the lives of four young children, their mother, and a family acquaintance. The bodies were discovered in a townhouse in Barrhaven, a suburb located about 15 kilometers south of downtown Ottawa on Wednesday night. The father of the children is the sole survivor, having sustained injuries during the attack.

Bhante Suneetha, who knew the family from a local Buddhist monastery, described them as sweet and kind individuals. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with residents coming together to mourn the loss. The victims, who were newcomers to Canada from Sri Lanka, include the mother, Darshani Dilanthika Ekanayake, and her children – two-month-old Kelly, three-year-old Ranaya, four-year-old Ashwini, and seven-year-old Inuka.

The father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, was injured in the attack, and another man, 40-year-old Gamini Amarakoon, was also found dead at the scene. The accused, Febrio De-Zoysa, a 19-year-old international student from Sri Lanka, has been charged with six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder. Police confirmed that an “edged weapon” was used in the homicides.

Residents, both from the Sri Lankan community and beyond, have been deeply affected by the tragic event, emphasizing the innocence and kindness of the victims. The Hilda Jayewardenaramaya Buddhist Monastery, where the family were members, is collecting donations for the victims’ families. A candlelight vigil is planned for Saturday morning in Palmadeo Park, where a makeshift memorial currently stands.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of the mass killing, questions remain about the motive behind the horrific crime and how such a tragedy could unfold. The father, Dhanushka, who is still recovering from his injuries, is said to be in great shock as he tries to come to terms with the loss of his wife and children. The impact of this senseless act of violence will linger for a long time to come, serving as a stark reminder of the preciousness of life and the need for support and solidarity in times of grief.