ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Vol. 42 - No 11
Plus  

He had a nod and a smile for all

Leslie Dahanayake

It is with deep regret that I pen this tribute to one of the finest and veteran journalists of the present era. He was born at his mother's ancestral home in Wattala on May 23, 1925. His father hailed from a respectable family from Walasmulla. His father and uncles were all Mudliyars. Leslie started his schooling at the Nursery at St. Mary's Dehiwala and later entered S. Thomas', Mt. Lavinia.

After leaving school he took to law and was proficient in Latin. However, he was bent on journalism and started writing articles to all the newspapers on various subjects especially on Buddhism. He was invited to join Lake House by the late D. R. Wijewardene, the press baron. Then Leslie rose to become the Editor of the Sunday Observer. He trained many young men to become good journalists.

He later joined the Sunday Leader and worked there untiringly until his demise. During the last few years before his demise he functioned as a consultant to the Sunday Leader.

In recognition of his invaluable service he was awarded a doctorate, a title which he never used. He was an unassuming person, simple and kind- hearted and gentleman to his fingertips. He always had a nod and a pleasing smile for everyone he met, and he led an exemplary life.

On hearing that Leslie was sick I visited him at his residence in Dehiwala. On that occasion he told me that it was time for him to depart from his dear career as well as his loved ones. From his calm and cheerful disposition it was clear to me that he did not fear death.

He told me he had no regrets in life and nothing to repent since he had done his duty as a media man and his duty by his caring and dutiful wife who had lovingly looked after him through thick or thin.

Leslie was the President of the Union of Journalists of Sri Lanka and was elected to the prestigious position of Chairman, Union of Journalists for South-East Asia for two years in the late 1990s. He was an astrologer who predicted correctly. As the saying goes “Attanan Damayanthi Panditha” – The learned can control themselves well.

May Leslie Dahanayaka attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

By Budhaprema

 
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Copyright 2007 Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka.