A clearer picture emerged Thursday of the two families torn apart by the "stupefying, monstrous, even demonic" slaying of four young children, their mother, and a close family friend in Ottawa last year.
It's a picture many Canadians, permanent residents and hopeful immigration applicants can relate to: the dream of a better life in this country, and the sacrifices that are often required to make it possible.
Public attention since the attack on March 6, 2024, has mainly focused on the Wickramasinghes. The unprovoked slaughter of almost their entire family shocked and stoked outrage across the city, the country and beyond.
But the Amarakoons also endured a great loss, and Thursday helped the community better understand its extent.
My husband carried our family. - Dishani Fernando, widow of Gamani Amarakoon
Gamani Amarakoon's widow, Dishani Fernando, could barely keep herself together as she read her highly emotional victim impact statement in court via video link from Sri Lanka.
"My husband carried our family.
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