In the serene ambiance of a Buddhist temple, flickering candles illuminate the peaceful setting while the scent of incense fills the air as the lone survivor of a tragic event in Ottawa bows his head in reflection. Amidst the chanting of monks, Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, aged 40, draws strength from his faith in Buddhism.
Recently, Febrio De Zoysa pleaded guilty to the brutal murders of Wickramasinghe’s wife, their four children, and a close family friend in a horrific mass stabbing incident that was described by the judge as “monstrous.” Wickramasinghe, reflecting on the night of the tragedy in March 2024, expressed his pursuit of justice and his satisfaction in seeing it served.
Having broken his silence for the first time since the sentencing of the perpetrator, Wickramasinghe recounted the tragic irony of extending kindness and support to De Zoysa, a young student from their homeland of Sri Lanka, only to have that goodwill met with devastation. Wickramasinghe, who suffered six stab wounds and underwent multiple surgeries following the attack, vividly remembers the heart-wrenching moment when he learned of the loss of his entire family.
While De Zoysa is now incarcerated, Wickramasinghe has chosen not to dwell on the individual responsible for his family’s demise, emphasizing that forgiveness cannot bring back his loved ones. He credits the unwavering support of Ottawa’s Sri Lankan and Buddhist communities for helping him navigate through this harrowing ordeal.
Despite the tragedy, Wickramasinghe’s father and brother have remained by his side, seeking approval to stay in Canada to continue offering him solace and support. However, bureaucratic challenges have hindered their efforts to reunite with their own families, prompting appeals to the Canadian government for leniency in their immigration process.
Wickramasinghe, determined to rebuild his life in the country he now calls home, expresses gratitude for the support he has received in Canada despite the immense loss he has endured. Embracing his new reality, he remains resolute in his commitment to forge a new beginning in the place he holds dear.