Veteran journalist Sydney Chandrasekara bids final adieu

COLOMBO (News1st): Tributes poured in over the demise of veteran journalist Sydney Chandrasekara whose final rites were carried out in Borella on Sunday. Chandraseka, 61, passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Colombo on Saturday, leaving behind his loved ones and the media fraternity in grief. His remains were placed at 'The Restpect Home’ in Borella and saw several individuals paying their last respects before the final rites took place at the Borella cemetery. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were among those who expressed their condolences over his demise. On Sunday, former president Maithripala Sirisena paid his last respects to the veteran journalist and lyricist who carved an indelible mark in the field of art. "His demise is a loss to the media industry and especially the art of free media in the country," Sirisena said. He described Chandrasekara as a "humanitarian journalist" who showed sincere commitment towards the media industry in the country. "He was well-informed about the economic, social and political problems and was highly knowledgeable in the field of literature," the former president pointed out. During his career spanning several decades, Sydney Chandrasekara excelled in several fields, especially in the art of music and teledrama, in which he made waves in the industry. Some of his significant works include ‘Nidikumba Mal’, ‘Piyambana Assaya’, ‘Samudra Jaya’, Pembarayanani and ‘A-9’. Chandrasekara also penned down songs such as ‘As Deka Piyana Nidaganna Mata Be’, ‘Ananthen Piyamba Awidin Tharukumara’, ‘Prema Dadayama’, ‘Me Adarayai’, ‘Me Ape Deshayai’ and ‘Gammadda’ that gained wide popularity among the public. The ‘Negitimu Sri Lanka Song’, which was composed by him recently saw the country chorusing his lyrics in one voice when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in the country. Chandrasekara who rendered a great service in his capacity as a Consultant at News 1st will continue to be remembered always.