In the annals of Sri Lankan journalism, Edmond Ranasinghe emerges as a towering figure, a luminary whose indomitable spirit has carved an enduring legacy.
As the pioneering editor of the groundbreaking Divaina newspaper, he unfurled a new chapter in the narrative of Sri Lankan journalism.
The forthcoming ceremony, presided over by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is a testament to Ranasinghe’s unparalleled contributions to the nation’s media landscape.
Scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, at 3.00 pm in the Auditorium of the President’s Office, this event not only recognises a career marked by a national media mission but also celebrates the wisdom amassed by the most experienced journalist in the country today.
Honouring a stalwart
The ceremony serves as a poignant acknowledgment of Ranasinghe’s invaluable service to the field of journalism. President Wickremesinghe’s presence amplifies the significance of this occasion, underscoring the profound impact of Ranasinghe’s national media mission.
The ceremony will resonate with admiration for the veteran journalist’s epoch-making work, further immortalised in the book ‘Edmund’s Newspaper Revolution.’ A chronicle of transformative journalism, this book will be unveiled at the event, allowing the nation to peer into Ranasinghe’s groundbreaking contributions.
The ceremony promises to be a symphony of gratitude, with senior journalist Upali Tennakoon delivering the keynote speech—a thoughtful exploration of the transformative journey that Ranasinghe has steered.
This ceremony is an opportunity to delve into the intricacies of his extraordinary life and the nexus he shares with ANCL, especially the ‘Silumina’ newspaper.
Ranasinghe, the luminary of Sri Lankan journalism, is a shining star in the newspaper world. He not only steered a new generation but also nurtured seeds that grew into towering trees, casting shade for several more generations. Silumina takes pride in being the birthplace of journalism for Edmond Ranasinghe, a luminary who enriched the media landscape with his courage and transformative energy.
Born on August 14, 1930, in Puwakpitiya, Avissawella, Edmond’s journey from teacher to Editor is a testament to his commitment to truth and service to the nation.
Hailing from the Ranasinghe family, Edmond received his primary education at Ferguson Girls’ School, Ratnapura, and continued to Avissawella St. Mary’s College for his secondary education. Despite a brief stint as a teacher at Tummodara Vidyalaya, Edmond’s heart always leaned toward a different path – journalism.
In 1952, destiny led Edmond to Esmond Wickremesinghe, the Managing Director of Lake House, opening the doors to his journalistic career. The intensity of the 1952 General Election marked his entry to Lake House, and despite facing initial challenges, Edmond’s dedication and rapid rise distinguished him in Parliamentary reporting.
With family members
In the fervent heat of the 1952 General Election, a group of aspiring individuals, including Meemana Premathilaka, A.S. Subasinghe, Dharmapala Wettasinghe, and the young Edmond Ranasinghe, found themselves immersed in a pivotal moment. They were thrust into the dynamic realm of Political Desk, actively engaging in electoral politics reporting. Upon the election’s conclusion, their journey took an unexpected turn as they transitioned into reporting Parliamentary proceedings for Daily News and Dinamina newspapers.
What started as a surprise took on an extraordinary twist. The quartet, including Edmond Ranasinghe, not only delved into investigative journalism but also went on to make history as they assumed senior editorial roles at Silumina, a fact that Edmond Ranasinghe vividly reflects upon.
On March 21, 1952, Edmond Ranasinghe embarked on his journalistic journey, joining the esteemed Daily News of Lake House. His monthly salary, a modest Rs.75, marked the commencement of a career that would eventually shape the landscape of Sri Lankan journalism.
The Sri Lankan Parliament of that era served as a haven for intellectuals, where debates and discussions unfolded in English.
In this intellectual crucible, Edmond honed his craft, preparing Sinhala and English Parliamentary reports. The exposure to the articulate discourse of politicians of yore endowed him with a wealth of practical experience. With a knack for fast and accurate reporting, Edmondnaturally emerged as a standout journalist amidst his peers.
The culmination of Edmond Ranasinghe’s early experiences came to fruition when he ascended to the position of regional news editor at the Dinamina. During this time, Dharmapala Wettasinghe was at the helm of Dinamina. Edmund’s journey was characterised by a step-by-step ascent, armed with accumulating experience and expertise.
Later in his illustrious career, he assumed the role of news editor at Janatha newspaper.
The pinnacle of his journey in print media was reached when he secured the esteemed position of Chief Editor at Dinamina.
In the tumultuous political landscape of the 1970s Esmond Wickremesinghe, known for his honesty and independent thinking, took a bold stand. He resigned from Lake House in protest against the takeover by the Samagi Peramuna Government. However, with the winds of change in 1977, he returned to Lake House, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
The 1980s witnessed the ascendancy of Silumina newspaper, dubbed the “university of ten cents” for its profound impact on readers. Edmond Ranasinghe, an integral part of this era, served as the editor of Silumina from 1980 to July 1981. During his tenure, the editorial board comprised ten distinguished members, including Deputy Editor A. W. P. K Gunawardena, Features Editor Dayasena Gunasinghe, P.B. Ilangasinghe, Lakshman Jayawardena, Nandasena Suriyaarachi, Percy Jayamanna, Shantha Senadheera, painter Gunapala Hemachandra, and photographer Raja Perera.
In a testament to his enduring impact, EdmondRanasinghe returned to the helm of Silumina from July 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, holding the title of Silumina Editor for the second time.
A poignant moment etched in the memory of Edmond Ranasinghe was his participation as the Chief Guest during the 92nd anniversary celebration of the Silumina newspaper in 2022.
The event symbolised not just a milestone for the publication but also reflected Ranasinghe’s profound sense of accomplishment in nurturing a generation of accomplished disciples.
Edmond Ranasinghe’s connection with Silumina runs deeper than professional milestones. Born within months of each other, Ranasinghe remarked on the synchronicity of their birthdays.
March 30, 1930, marked Silumina’s inception, and Ranasinghe, born five months later, found himself in the editor’s chair in 1980 as the newspaper turned 50 —an alignment that he considered the pinnacle of his happiness.
Ranasinghe’s editorial journey wasn’t devoid of challenges. In a demonstration of unwavering commitment to literary freedom, he resigned from Lake House while still holding the editor’s chair at Silumina. A conflict arose with a particularly powerful minister. The disagreement centered around a novel by that Minister published in the Silumina.
A brave stand
Edmond Ranasinghe vehemently objected to the administration’s directive to halt the novel’s publication. Despite presenting evidence that the novel increased sales, the management insisted on truncating the story due to political reasons.
Ranasinghe, standing firm on the principles of artistic freedom, likened cutting a novel to severing the limbs of a skilled sculptor’s creation. His stance on defending intellectual rights led to his unconditional resignation from Lake House.
In the realm of Sri Lankan journalism, Edmond Ranasinghe emerges as a transformative figure whose visionary leadership reshaped the landscape of media. The genesis of this transformation lies in an invitation extended by the distinguished Upali Wijewardene, marking the beginning of a revolutionary chapter in Sri Lanka’s journalistic history.
Birth of The Island
Upali Wijewardene, renowned for his intellect and affluence, beckoned Edmond Ranasinghe to embark on a groundbreaking venture—an invitation that led to the inception of The Island Newspaper. This venture, under the astute editorship of Ranasinghe, would prove to be a watershed moment, heralding a revolution in Sri Lankan journalism.
Assuming dual roles as the editor of The Island and the inaugural Editorial Director of Upali Newspapers, Edmond Ranasinghe steered the ship of this new journalistic enterprise. His leadership was marked by a fusion of insightful editorials and the talents of a remarkable team.
On October 4, 1981, The Sunday Island was unveiled, followed by the launch of the Daily Island on February 4, 1982. This timely initiation addressed the traditional demand for populist, free media in the country. Edmond Ranasinghe’s heart bore the weight of this national task, and the dynamic team rallied under his leadership, embodying a shared spirit to fortify the fledgling newspaper.
The establishment of The Island was not devoid of challenges. Edmond Ranasinghe successfully navigated the intricacies of crafting a formal vision, selecting a target readership, and, crucially, forging a unique identity for the newspaper. The challenges of those early days were met with resilience and a commitment to meet national needs while standing shoulder to shoulder with competing newspapers.
Today, the name Edmond Ranasinghe resonates as an undisputed force in Sri Lankan journalism. His legacy extends beyond the pages of The Island, symbolising an era of innovation, courage, and a commitment to journalistic excellence. The newspaper, born from a confluence of vision and talent, stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Edmond Ranasinghe on the media landscape of Sri Lanka.
In the tapestry of Sri Lanka’s journalistic history, Edmond Ranasinghe emerges as not just an editor but a pioneer who crafted an open platform for diverse voices. His journey, spanning over nine decades, intertwines with the nation’s narrative, leaving an indelible mark on journalism.
Edmond Ranasinghe, during his tenure as a journalist and editor of national newspapers, fostered an inclusive space for writers to express their opinions. His visionary approach created a diverse group of designers and journalists. Ranasinghe’s commitment to an open dialogue on political, economic, and social issues became a hallmark of his editorial leadership. His articles and columns, delving into the intricacies of political, economic, and social landscapes, resonated profoundly with readers. In the pages of Silumina and Island newspapers, Ranasinghe’s words became a source of enlightenment and reflection.
Beyond the realms of journalism, Ranasinghe’s literary prowess found expression in works such as ‘Tears of a Land,’ ‘Owners of an Inheritance,’ ‘Sriyalatha,’ and ‘Buddhist Politics of bhikhhu Soma.’ These works, penned during his tenure as a journalist and editor, added a literary dimension to his multifaceted contributions. Having celebrated his 93rd birthday on August 14, Edmond Ranasinghe approaches life with a lightness that can only come from a deep sense of fulfillment. The pride of fulfilling his duty as a brave journalist for the country appears to have added luminosity to his later years. On April 25, 1958, Ranasinghe embarked on another significant chapter by marrying Milina Kumara, a teacher by profession. The couple’s journey resulted in a family, with their eldest daughter Nirmala Ranasinghe, a graduate in English Literature, contributing to education. Darshanee Ranasinghe, the youngest daughter, added her own imprint to the family’s narrative as an IT specialist. In the tapestry of EdmondRanasinghe’s life, journalism, literary endeavors, and family milestones weave together, creating a legacy that extends far beyond ink on paper. His story is one of dedication, enlightenment, and a commitment to the transformative power of words, exemplifying a life well-lived in service to both journalism and society.
A mentor
In the annals of Sri Lankan journalism, Edmond Ranasinghe stands not only as a seasoned journalist but as a mentor who has illuminated the path for a new generation of reporters. His unwavering dedication and sacrifices for the field have seeded a crop of individuals who have risen to prominent positions.
Ranasinghe’s influence extends far beyond his editorial role; he has been the guiding light for aspiring journalists who entered the profession under his tutelage. The commitment to chasing breaking news and staying ahead in the ever-evolving media landscape has become a hallmark of those who walked in the footsteps of Ranasinghe.
The first half of the 2000s saw a remarkable phenomenon — disciples of Edmond Ranasinghe ascending to the top echelons of journalism. Siri Ranasinghe, Upali Tennakoon, Sundara Nihathamana De Mel, Kithsiri Nimal Shantha, Jatila Wellabada are among the names that come to mind, along with former Silumina Editor Karunadasa Suriyaarachchi and former Dinamina Editor Mahinda Abeysundara.
Sisira Paranatantrie, currently the Editorial Director of Lake House and a former Editor of several newspapers, has left an indelible imprint. Dharman Wickramaratne serves as the current editor of Silumina, while Gairika Perusinghe, a former Chairman of the Independent Television Network (ITN), also carved a niche in the industry. Anura Siriwardena, Deepthi Adhikari, Shan Wijetunga, Ashoka Dias, Harith Gunawardena and Chaminda Wariyagoda also honed their skills under Ranasinghe.
Edmond Ranasinghe takes pride in witnessing his students excel in journalism, understanding that their success has paved the way for the next generation to showcase their skills. His legacy is not merely confined to ink on paper but lives on through the accomplishments of those who learned under his guidance.
In celebrating these achievements, it is evident that Edmond Ranasinghe’s dedication to journalism extends beyond his own accomplishments; it is a legacy embedded in the thriving careers of those who once looked up to him as a mentor and guide.
Translated by Dinuli Francisco
