Veteran journalist Hema Nalin Karunaratne dies aged 56

COLOMBO (News 1^st) - Veteran journalist and popular television presenter, Hema Nalin Karunaratne passed away this afternoon. Hema Nalin Karunaratne, aged 56, died of a sudden illness at his residence. Karunaratne was a father of two and the loving husband of Iresha Karunaratne. Born in Wadduwa on the 27^th of August in 1962, Karunaratne received his education at Royal College, Colombo. Since his days as a student in school, Karunaratne was passionate to pursue a career in television. In 1983 he joined the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation as a Trainee Producer and grew in popularity by hosting the 'Navayai Pahai' magazine programme. A television presenter, a script writer and a researcher, Hema Nalin Karunaratne whose eloquent use of language instantly grabbed the attention of the audience, inspired a generation of media personalities. Hema Nalin Karunaratne who held Directorial positions at multiple private media institutions, went on to Head another private media organization later in his career.