In Ottawa, a 19-year-old Sri Lankan man, Febrio De-Zoysa, accused of a horrific mass killing that claimed six lives and injured another, is currently in protective custody. De-Zoysa faces charges including six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder following the attack on a family of Sri Lankan newcomers. The victims included 35-year-old Darshani Ekanayake, her four children, and family friend 40-year-old Gamini Amarakoon Amarakoon Mudiyanselage, with the tragedy occurring on March 6.
De-Zoysa, who had recently arrived in Canada as an international student and shared a residence with the victims, appeared in court via phone. His lawyer, Ewan Lyttle, confirmed the protective custody arrangement and ongoing communication with De-Zoysa’s family.
A multi-faith funeral service organized by the Buddhist Congress of Canada for the victims is scheduled for Sunday at an Ottawa convention centre. This event comes as the local Sri Lankan community and the nation mourn this devastating loss, highlighting the ripple effect of violence on communities and the need for solidarity in times of grief.
