Lake House Chairman Anusha Palpita lights a candle on the cake to celebrate the anniversary of the Silumina newspaper, while Editorial Director Sisira Paranathantri and Silumina Chief Editor Dharman Wickremaratne look on. Pictures by Nishanka Wijeratne and Wasitha Patabendi
The 93rd Anniversary of the Silumina newspaper was grandly celebrated on the afternoon of March 29 at the Lake House Auditorium.
Lake House Chairman Anusha Palpita presided over the event which started with one minute’s silence to remember the late past editors and journalists who worked for the Silumina newspaper.
The special guests of this event were senior lawyer Deepthi Liyanage, the son of Sri Lal Hikkaduwa Liyanage, who was the third editor of the Silumina, and Dinulka de Silva, the great-grandson of Mr. Liyanage.
Mr. Liyanage, who was the Editor of Silumina from 1944 to 1953, passed away on September 30, 1998.
Addressing the event, Deepthi Liyanage spoke about his father’s commitment to bring the newspaper closer to the people when he was the Editor of Silumina 70 years ago. He also reflected on interesting information from the past.
Mr. Liyanage’s great-grandson, Dinulka said that he is currently compiling a book about his great-grandfather who is a great pride for him.
Lake House Editorial Director Sisira Paranathantri pointed out that the historical role played by the Silumina and the other Lake House newspapers in achieving Independence was remarkable.
Silumina Editor Dharman Wickramaratne said that in the last 93 years, the Silumina newspaper has had 26 Editors-in-Chief and 18 of them have passed away. Mr. Wickramaratne said that many novelties have been added to the newspaper to make it more popular among the readers. He recalled that the newspaper had to face utmost difficulties in the last three years due to the Covid pandemic, economic crisis and political turmoil. Many senior executive officers including members of the Board of Directors of Lake House were present on this occasion.
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