Father sets fire to the house, kills his daughter, and commits suicide.

A tragic end to a family dispute was reported this morning (06) from Nuwaragam area, Padikaramaduwa, Galenbindunuwewa Police Division. Due to a prolonged family dispute, a person set fire to his house by pouring petrol, resulting in his death and the death of his 13-year-old youngest daughter.

Four other family members sustained serious burn injuries in this incident and have been hospitalized.

Police state that this crime occurred around 2:00 AM today. The 43-year-old father, who was the head of the household, and his 13-year-old daughter died at the scene after being caught in the fire. The 36-year-old mother, 15-year-old elder daughter, and 66-year-old grandmother, who sustained serious burn injuries in the incident, have now been admitted to Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital for further treatment.

The family's 20-year-old son was not at home when the arson occurred. However, upon learning of the fire, he immediately rushed to the scene. Police say that while making strenuous efforts to rescue his mother and sisters who were burning in the fire, the young man also sustained burn injuries and had to be hospitalized.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Galenbindunuwewa Police in this regard have revealed that the person who committed the arson was a habitual alcoholic who frequently quarreled with his wife. Furthermore, it has been further revealed that complaints regarding these family disputes had been lodged with the police on several previous occasions, and on such occasions, the police had intervened and warned both parties.