Family of Ottawa Mass Murder Victims Urges Immigration Aid Now

URGENT UPDATE: The family of an Ottawa man whose wife and four children were brutally murdered in a mass stabbing is calling on the federal government for immediate immigration support. Dhanushka Wickramasinghe, the sole survivor of the attack, is facing significant challenges related to his permanent residency application, which has reportedly stalled for nearly a year.

In a tragic incident that shocked the nation, Febrio De-Zoysa was sentenced to life in prison on November 7, 2025, after pleading guilty to the horrific killings of Darshani Ekanayake, her four children—including a two-month-old infant—and family friend Gamini Amarakoon in their Ottawa townhouse in March 2024.

Wickramasinghe’s application for permanent residency on compassionate grounds was approved in principle almost a year ago, yet he has received no updates since then. His family, who came to Canada to support him after the tragedy, face their own struggles with immigration, as they await news on their applications for permanent residency.

Dhanushka Wickramasinghe’s brother is also seeking an extension on his temporary resident permit to continue working in Canada. He is appealing to the government after their requests for visitor visas for his wife and daughter were denied, preventing them from joining him during this critical time.

“We are desperate for help,” said Wickramasinghe’s father. “We just want to be together as a family during this unimaginable time.”

This ongoing situation reflects the urgent need for the immigration department to address delays that are affecting families in dire circumstances. The Wickramasinghe family is now urging officials to expedite their applications, emphasizing the emotional toll of the prolonged wait.

As developments unfold, the family remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to heal together in Canada. The Canadian public is encouraged to share this story to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families impacted by violent crime and the immigration hurdles that can complicate their recovery.

Authorities are expected to provide an update on the immigration status of the Wickramasinghe family soon, as the community rallies around them in support. Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue.