Six family members killed in Katuwapitiya explosion

By Pushpakumara Mallawarachchi and Hubert Fernando 

Six members of the same family including five children were killed in the explosion that took place last Sunday at St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Negombo. 

Dulip Shantha Kumara (45), his daughter Dulakshi (19), son Vimukthi (13) and Dulip’s sister’s children Rasini (12), Salomi (10) and Sharlock (7) had been attending the service on Easter Sunday when they were killed. 

Dulip’s wife Kumari and sister Rasika Dilrukshi are in critical condition and being treated at the Colombo National  Hospital. 

Dulip’s mother Theresa Fernando (60), who had not yet recovered from the trauma, gathered all her courage and said everyone she loved was no more.