A man and his younger daughter died after a house fire allegedly set by the man following a family dispute in the Galenbindunuwewa Police area early today (6), Police said.

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. at a house in Padikaramaduwa. The 43-year-old father and his 13-year-old daughter died at the scene after being trapped in the fire.

Four other family members sustained serious burn injuries. The victims — the man’s 36-year-old wife, his 15-year-old elder daughter, and his 66-year-old mother — are currently receiving treatment at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

Police said the family’s son was not at home at the time of the incident. Upon learning about the fire, the 20-year-old rushed to the house and sustained burn injuries while attempting to rescue his mother and sisters.

Preliminary police investigations have revealed that the man had a history of frequent disputes with his wife, often linked to alcohol consumption. Police also said that complaints related to ongoing family conflicts had been made to the Galenbindunuwewa Police on several previous occasions, during which both parties had been counselled.