A devastating incident stemming from a family dispute claimed three lives in the Galenbindunuwewa, Padikaramaduwa area of Anuradhapura early this morning (6), police said.
According to authorities, a father allegedly set fire to the family residence using kerosene or petrol following ongoing domestic tensions. The blaze resulted in the deaths of the man, his wife, and their teenage daughter.
Police revealed that the 43-year-old father had been living separately from his wife due to a history of domestic violence. The couple had previously been arrested in connection with such incidents but were later reunited through court-mediated reconciliation.
The father and the couple’s 13-year-old daughter died at the scene, while the 36-year-old mother succumbed to severe burn injuries after being admitted to hospital.
Two other children and the children’s grandmother sustained serious burns in the incident and are currently undergoing treatment at hospital.
Investigations are ongoing, with police suspecting the act was premeditated and linked to prolonged family disputes.
