What began as a child’s birthday celebration in rural Sri Lanka descended into a night of flames, death, and unanswered questions, exposing the brutal cost of domestic violence and family breakdown.
In a horrifying incident that has shaken Sri Lanka, a family birthday celebration in the Anuradhapura District ended in deadly tragedy after a father allegedly set fire to his own home, killing four people and leaving several others seriously injured. The incident took place in the Pandikaramaduwa area of Galenbindunuwewa and has triggered renewed national concern over domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and unresolved family conflict.
According to police investigations, the 43 year old carpenter is alleged to have poured a flammable liquid into a room where his wife, two daughters, and mother in law were asleep before igniting it around 2.00 a.m. on January 6. The fire spread rapidly through the house, trapping those inside and turning a family gathering into a scene of devastation.
The blaze claimed the lives of the suspect himself, his 36 year old wife, and his 13 year old daughter. The mother in law also died from her injuries, bringing the death toll to four. Authorities say the intensity of the fire left little chance of escape for those inside the room.
Three other family members survived the inferno but sustained severe burn injuries. Among them were the couple’s 20 year old son, their 15 year old daughter, and a relative. Police say the son attempted to rescue his mother and sisters during the fire and suffered serious injuries in the process. All injured victims were first admitted to Huruluwewa District Hospital before being transferred to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for advanced treatment.
Investigators believe the incident may have been fueled by long standing domestic tensions within the household. Police sources indicate that alcohol abuse, repeated assaults, and ongoing family disputes had plagued the family for some time. The wife had reportedly moved out with her children following repeated incidents of abuse and had lodged complaints with local authorities. Officials believe the suspect’s anger over his family living separately may have played a key role in triggering the attack.
Judicial Medical Officers and a local magistrate conducted on site examinations, while further investigations are being led by the Galenbindunuwewa Police under the supervision of the Horowpothana Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Authorities and social advocates say the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger domestic violence prevention systems, early intervention, and community level support to protect vulnerable families and prevent similar disasters.
