Death of Anil Obeyesekere, PC

COLOMBO: Anil Obeyesekere, PC, Chairman of the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited, passed away in the early hours of yesterday. He was under medication at the time of his death, after a by-pass operation he underwent a few months ago.

Born on May 18, 1938, he had a very successful career as an Attorney-at-law. Obeyesekere had his early education at S.Thomas' College, Mt.Lavinia and was the leader of the debating team and also served as the Secretary of the Literary Association of the College.

Being a member of a family with a legal background, he entered the Law College in 1959 and passed out as an Advocate in 1962. He practised under eminent lawyers Sam Kadirgamar QC and Siri Perera QC. His grandfather D.C.F. Obeyesekere was also practising at the Galle Bar.

Before holding the ANCL Chairmanship, Obeyesekere served as Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and Sri Lanka Telecom.

He assumed duties as ANCL Chairman on June 1, 2006 and was holding that post until his death.

He leaves behind his wife Irangani, a son and a daughter.

The funeral is due to be held on Wednesday. The remains now lie at his residence in Old Nawala Road, Nawala.