A Sri Lankan family fell victim to a brutal crime that has left six individuals dead, including four young children, in Ottawa, Canada. Initially reported as a shooting, it has since been revealed that the incident involved an edged weapon, adding to the horror of the situation.
The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Darshanee Dilanthika Ekanayake, the mother, and her children: seven-year-old Inuka Wickramasinghe, four-year-old Ashwini Wickramasinghe, two-year-old Rinyana Wickramasinghe, and two-month-old Kelly Wickramasinghe. Additionally, a family friend named Gamini Amarakoon also lost his life in the tragedy.
While the father, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, survived the attack, he sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized for treatment.
The suspected perpetrator, identified as 19-year-old Sri Lankan student Febrio de Soyza, has been charged with the murders. Soyza was known to the family and was present at the scene of the crime when local police apprehended him approximately 15 kilometers away from downtown Ottawa.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan community in Ottawa and beyond. Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe described it as “one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history,” echoing the sentiments of a community reeling from the loss.
While details continue to emerge, the community stands in solidarity with the affected family during this unimaginably difficult time. The Sri Lankan High Commission has been providing support to the family and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Expressing his condolences, Mayor Sutcliffe stated, “Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones. This senseless act of violence has shaken our community to its core, and we must come together to support one another during this tragedy.”
As the investigation progresses, questions remain about the motive behind this heinous crime and how such a tragedy could occur within a peaceful suburban neighborhood. The Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs refrained from providing further details about the relationship between the victims and the suspect, emphasizing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.
