An event to mark the 93rd anniversary of the Silumina newspaper was held in the Lake House auditorium on March 29. A moment of silence was observed by attendees as a mark of respect for past editors and journalists of the newspaper who are no more.
The event was held under the auspices of Lake House Chairman Anusha Palpita. Attorney-at-Law Deepthi Liyanage, the son of the third editor of Silumina, Sri Lal Hikkaduwa and the late editor’s great grand son Dinulka de Silva were the Chief Guests at the special event.
Hikkaduwa was the editor of Silumina from 1944 to 1953. He passed away on September 30, 1998.
Liyanage spoke of his father’s dedication to bringing Silumina closer to the hearts of the people and shared interesting anecdotes from the time.
Meanwhile, de Silva said his great grandfather is a source of pride for his family and he is, therefore, in the process of compiling a biography on his life.
Director Editorial at Lake House, Sisira Paranathantrie recalled the historical role Silumina and Lake House played in Sri Lanka’s freedom struggle.
The current editor of the newspaper Dharman Wickramaratne said that out of the 26 editors of the newspaper, 18 are sadly no more. He said many new sections and features have been added to the newspaper in recent times despite facing many struggles such as the Covid-19 pandemic and political and economic turmoil during the past three years.
Many senior executive officers of Lake House including members of the Board of Directors were also present.
Pix by Wasitha Patabandige and Nissanka Wijeratne
Lake House’s Chief Editors inaugurate the anniversary ceremony: Dinamina – Manoj Abayadeera, Siluminia – Dharman WIckramaratne, Daily News – Jayantha Sri Nissanka, Sunday Observer – Pramod De Silva and Thinakaran – Senthilvelvar
Special invitees included Silumina’s Third Editor C.T. Srilal Liyanage’s son, Senior Attorney-at-law Deeptha Liyanage and grandson Dinuka De Silva, Lake House Chairman Anusha Palpita, Director Editorial Sisira Paranathantrie, Director, Legal and Administration, Attorney-at-law Janaka Ranatunga, Director, Operations Attorney-at-law Manjula Makubura and Director, Finance, Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam pose for group picture with Silumina Editor Dharman Wickramaratne
Senior Attorney-at-law Deeptha Liyanage and Dinuka De Silva, Lake House Chairman Anusha Palpita, Editorial Director Sisira Paranathantrie, Silumina Editor Dharman Wickramaratne, Director Finance, Prof. Harendra Kariyawasam, Director, Legal and Administration Attorney-at-law Janaka Ranatunga, General Manager Sumith Kothalawela, Additional General Manager Virajith Bois, Silumina Deputy Editor Sumudu Chathurani and Head of Human Resource Management Amitha Kaththilatha and other invitees