CHAMINDA PERERA
COLoMBO : Veteran journalist D.P. Wickremesinghe, affectionately known as “Wickie” to generations of Daily News colleagues, passed away Saturday morning, July 18 , bringing to a close yet another distinguished chapter in the history of the Daily News. A respected journalist and mentor Wickremesinghe dedicated more than four decades of service to Lake House, earning the admiration and affection of colleagues for his professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment to journalism.
With remarkable speed and precision, he could translate a Sinhala press release into a well-structured English news report within minutes.
He showed unparalleled talent in identifying the most newsworthy element of a story and crafting a powerful introduction that immediately captured its essence. This rare ability elevated the quality of the news, easing the work of news editors and sub-editors, who could always rely on his copy to be clear, concise, and publication-ready.
He held the post of Deputy Provincial News Editor and later Deputy Editor of Daily News. Don Punyadeva Wickramasinghe, a proud Richamandite joined then Independent Newspapers of Ceylon Limited in 1970 after graduating from the University of Peradeniya.
He later joined the UNP Publication Department in Sirikotha headed by one time Editorial Managing Director of Lake House Esmund Wickremesinghe where he was a translator and correspondent. There he had to translate Sinhala copies into English for UNP newspaper ‘The Journal’. Wickie joined the Daily News in 1977 at the invitation of then Daily News editor Dharmapala Wettasinghe.
He honed his talents under the guidance of newspaper legends Gaston de Rosayro, Gamini Weerakoon, and K. Nadarajah, whose influence helped shape his career in journalism. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the profession, and the absence of his commitment to quality journalism will be deeply felt for years to come.
The remains will lie at the Orchid Parlour, Jayaratne Florists, Borella, on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The funeral will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Borella Cemetery.
