Appreciation: Leslie Dahanaike
by Budhaprema
It is with deep regret that I pen this tribute to an educated and 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 class at St. Mary’s College, Dehiwela and entered S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia. During the war years he was at St.Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa.
After leaving school he took to law and was very proficient in Latin. However, he was best in journalism and started writing articles to all the newspapers on various topics including Buddhism.
He was invited to join Lake House by the late press baron D.R. Wijewardene and there Leslie rose to become the editor of The Sunday Observer. He trained several young men to become good journalists.
He then joined The Sunday Leader and worked there untiringly until his demise. During the last few years before his demise he functioned as a consultant for 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 a gentleman to his fingertips. He always had a nod and a pleasing smile for everyone he met, and led an exemplary life.
Hearing that Leslie was sick I visited him at his residence in Dehiwela. 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 that he had no regrets in life and nothing to repent for since he had done his duty as a media-man and his duty by his caring and dutiful wife who had very lovingly and painstakingly brought up their daughter and son.
Religious rites were performed at his residence by Buddhist priests and Leslie was cremated on Wednesday, June 27. There was a large and representative gathering at his funeral to pay him their last respects.
A sangika dana was held at his residence on July 18, to confer merit on him.
Leslie was the president of the Union of Journalists of Sri Lanka and was elected to the prestigious position of the chairman, Union of Journalists for Southeast Asia for two years in the late 1990s.
Leslie was a well-built, tall and strong man with a good physique to attract the attention of any gathering.
He was an astrologer who predicted things correctly and won the acclaim of those who sought his services.
Attanan Damayanthi Panditha — The learned can control themselves well.
May Leslie Dahanaike attain the supreme bliss of nirvana.
[Courtesy: MorningLeader.lk]
