Senior journalist and former Sarasaviya Editor A. D. Ranjith Kumara passed away yesterday (10).
Hailing from Kosgas Handiya in Grandpass, he was the eldest among four siblings and was the only member of his family to venture into the field of journalism.
Ranjith Kumara worked as a journalist and Editor of Sarasaviya for 25 years while organizing the Sarasaviya cinema awards.
During this time, he was honoured with two prestigious literary awards in recognition of his significant contributions to the development of the Sinhala cinema industry.
The veteran journalist was awarded the Ranapala Bodhinagoda Memorial Award at the Sarasaviya Film Awards ceremony and later he also won the Cyril B. Perera Memorial Award at the SIGNIS Award ceremony.
He wrote his first novel “Sanda Langa Tharu” and “Kosgas handiye kolu getaya”, a book made up of recollections of celebrities close to him was released to mark his 55th birthday.
Ranjith is married to award winning vocalist Damayanthi Jayasuriya.
Following the footsteps of Ranjith, their only son, Dr.Nuwan Nayanajith Kumara is Sarasaviya Editor now.
He is the author of “Sri Lanka Cinema Wanshaya”, the most up to date film chronicle ever compiled.
Family sources said that remain will lie at Mahinda Funeral parlour Mount Lavinia for two hours from 8.00 a.m. today and the remains will be handed over to the Kotelawala Defence University, according to his wishes.
(dailynews.lk)
