Edmund Ranasinghe a catalyst of transformative journalism

By Yohan Perera   

A glowing tribute was paid to veteran journalist Edmund Ranasinghe at the launch of a special book “ Edmondge Pathra Viplawaya ( Edmond’s revolution with Newspapers ) at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday where he was identified as a catalyst of transformative journalism and role model for today’s journalists.   

President Ranil Wickremesinghe identified Mr. Ranasinghe as a trailblazer and a catalyst of transformative journalism in Sri Lanka. “ Mr. Ranasinghe played a pivotal role in the press struggle of 1964 and his experience undeniably left an indelible mark on the media culture of the nation,” the President said.   

We as candidates of UNP in 1977 were asked to prepare a write up on ourselves to be distributed among the voters. I sought my father’s advice on this matter and he proposed that we should hand over the responsibility to Mr. Ranasinghe. I don’t have a copy of this write up and hope someone can find it,” he added.   

He said someone has to think new and do something new like Mr. Ranasinghe to safeguard print media in the changing world.   

Veteran journalist Upali Tennekoon who made the keynote address recalled how Mr. Ranasinghe stood his ground when Lakehouse was taken over by the government in 1973. “ Mr. Ranasighe clearly said he will not remain in Lakehouse even for a minute if it is taken over by the government. He kept his word and left the company as soon as it was taken over. He then became the editor of Divaina. He faced a challenging time as Divaina was labelled as the mouthpiece of the opposition at that time. This was during the tenure of Late President J. R. Jayewardene. However, Ranasinfghe received more and more threats during the time of Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. However he was not bothered and continued as the editor of Divaina despite the adverse situation,” Mr. Tennekoon said.   

“Mr. Ranasinghe had a narrow shave when a bomb was thrown at him in 1987 but stood his ground undetected.