Canadian authorities are investigating a tragic incident in Ottawa described as a "mass killing," where a Sri Lankan family, including four young children, lost their lives. The victims, newcomers to Canada, ranged in age from less than three months old to adults. A 19-year-old Sri Lankan student, residing with the family, faces charges in connection with the deaths. Ottawa's police chief condemned the violence as senseless, emphasizing the innocence of the victims. Emergency services responded to calls from the Barrhaven suburb late Wednesday, leading to the arrest of the suspect without resistance. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered the deceased individuals, comprising a mother, her children, and a family acquaintance.

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The victims of the tragic incident were identified as Darshani Banbaranayake Gama Walwwe Darshani Dilanthika Ekanyake, aged 35, and her four children: seven-year-old Inuka Wickramasinghe, four-year-old Ashwini Wickramasinghe, two-year-old Rinyana Wickramasinghe, and two-month-old Kelly Wickramasinghe. Additionally, the sixth deceased individual, an acquaintance, was identified as 40-year-old Amarakoonmudiayansela Ge Gamini Amarakoon.

Chief Eric Stubbs revealed that the family's father sustained injuries and was hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Febrio De-Zoysa, faces charges of six counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder.

Chief Stubbs disclosed that the victims were fatally and injuriously assaulted with an "edged weapon," and investigations by the police are ongoing. He described the incident as the largest murder case in recent Ottawa history, labeling it a "genuine tragedy" with significant ramifications for the nation's capital.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed profound shock and horror at the incident during his remarks in Toronto, condemning the "terrible violence." Ottawa's Mayor, Mark Sutcliffe, characterized the multiple homicide event as "one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city's history," acknowledging the distress it caused among residents and praising emergency responders for their efforts.