Veteran author, journalist and former Chief Editor of ‘The Island’, Gamini Weerakoon passed away yesterday following a brief illness.
An old boy of S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, Weerakoon began his journalistic career five decades ago at the ‘Sunday Observer’, where he once served as the News Editor. He then moved to ‘The Island’ when it was launched in the early 1980s, becoming its Chief Editor. He also worked briefly for the ‘Sunday Leader’. After his retirement, he contributed articles regularly to the English press. He was well known for his eloquent editorials and columns.
He is survived by his wife Rajitha, herself a journalist, and one daughter. The remains will be at A.F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour in Borella from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and the cremation will take place at the General Cemetery, Borella at 2.30 p.m.
