Maintaining journalistic integrity has consistently challenged newspaper editors, particularly those committed to presenting diverse viewpoints amid potential political pressure. Jayatilleke de Silva, who served as editor of the Daily News (2000, 2003, 2009) and the Sunday Observer (2003), faced this challenge constantly. While some editors opted for more amicable relationships with political figures, de Silva prioritised upholding journalistic integrity, which placed him at odds with other appointed editors.
De Silva, who passed away in February 2019, was a highly accomplished wordsmith with extensive knowledge in diverse fields, including education, politics, academia, literature, and broader societal issues. This multifaceted expertise uniquely equipped him to excel as editor of both the Daily News and the Sunday Observer. De Silva was known for his voracious reading habits. His commitment to staying informed was impressive due to his deep understanding of current events.
As a government newspaper, the Daily News was expected to present the government’s opinion, which was made even more difficult by restricted terminology and political pressure. However, de Silva refused to compromise the truth and fought to maintain the readership’s trust, which he believed was more important to the paper’s success.
Journalistic integrity
Despite frequent scrutiny and pressure from politicians, de Silva consistently presented diverse viewpoints. He ensured never to become a mere tool for political figures. He declined to prioritise a parliamentarian’s criticism on the front page, judging it to lack newsworthiness. Similarly, when a media advisor to a VVIP politician requested editorial-page placement for a written piece, de Silva published it elsewhere bylined ‘special correspondent’, claiming his editorial authority.
De Silva’s refusal to play to the whims and fancies of political bosses earned him their ire, but his commitment to journalistic integrity never wavered. He believed that political figures often saw things in black and white, overlooking the grey areas crucial to presenting the truth. Despite his challenges, de Silva remained a dedicated journalist, always striving to keep the paper from losing its esteem.
De Silva was acutely aware of the potency of language and demonstrated exceptional prowess in articulating his thoughts in a manner unparalleled in both Sinhala and English. As a result, his columns in both languages were ardently anticipated by readers and, at times, were met with disdain by politicians and other influential figures who frequently found themselves the subject of his acid criticism.
Nevertheless, he lacked trepidation, standing firm in his convictions and fighting for what he deemed just. For instance, when a superior censured him for publishing a report that offended a prominent advertiser, he firmly supported his reporter – and resigned from his position.
Those who closely worked with Jayatilleke de Silva during his tenure as Daily News / Sunday Observer editor would coyly remember him as an unofficial principal who adhered to principled conduct. His commitment to these principles earned de Silva a combination of respect and affection from the staff. He consistently prioritised the well-being of his team and even opposed any unjust actions by the management if necessary. No staff member could deceive him on the other hand, as he had a good understanding of each person’s role and knew how to ensure tasks were accomplished effectively.
Bilingual scholar
Jayatilleke de Silva, born in 1938 in Ambalangoda, was a distinguished alumnus of Colombo University. Beginning his professional career as a teacher, he served as the Principal of Deniyaya Central College for a brief period before transitioning to a full-time job in politics. He was an active member of the Sri Lanka Communist Party for several decades.
De Silva’s initial immersion into journalism was through the Aththa newspaper affiliated with the Sri Lanka Communist Party. It wasn’t long before he established himself as an author and translator of numerous seminal treatises pertaining to socialism and other political ideologies. Among his most renowned literary accomplishments is the titanic task of producing a voluminous three-part Sinhala translation of Karl Marx’s seminal work, Das Kapital, which remains a masterpiece in Sinhalese non-fiction literature.
After retiring from politics, de Silva returned to journalism, where he continued to make a significant impact. His editorials and journalistic acumen earned him a reputation as a fearless writer and critical analyst of contemporary politics. Even after leaving the Daily News, de Silva continued to write political columns for both English and Sinhala newspapers, and readers eagerly awaited his Cross Currents column in the Daily News.
De Silva’s passion for journalism continued until the end of his life. He remained committed to staying informed and up-to-date on current events, as evidenced by his request for a copy of the Daily News even in his final hours. His dedication to journalism was further exemplified by his continued contribution to newspapers through his columns, which he wrote until just weeks before his passing.
Sri Lankan newspaper editors generally need to be bilingual. This is particularly important for English newspapers (The Daily News and Sunday Observer are no exception), since the readership is conversant in both English and Sinhalese. Jayatilleke de Silva was proficient in both languages, and he could easily handle editorial duties for both publications. He even assisted the Sinhalese newspaper Dinamina at times when editors were unavailable. De Silva’s Sinhalese was both formal and clear, similar to poetic language.
The late Jayatilleke de Silva was not just a journalist but a true luminary in the field. His extensive knowledge and experience in various domains of life, coupled with his exceptional linguistic skills, enabled him to produce remarkable pieces of writing that readers across the country eagerly awaited. He fearlessly stood up for what he believed in and never shied away from speaking truth to power, even at the risk of incurring the wrath of influential individuals and organisations.
Jayatilleke de Silva’s legacy as a journalist, writer, and intellectual will continue to inspire generations to come.
