The 'Black Prince' of the Sunday Observer
Prasad Gunewardene
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Leslie Dahanaike
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REMEMBERED: William Leslie Dahanaike known as the 'Black
Prince' of the Sunday Observer and a former Acting Editor of that
newspaper passed away on Sunday after a brief illness. He was 82 at the
time of death.
Born to Mudliyar William Dahanaike of 'Giruwapattuwa Walauwa' in
Walasmulla, Matara, Leslie had his education at S. Thomas' College, Mt.
Lavinia during Warden Canon R. S. de Saram's tenure.
The dark, curly haired, soft-spoken man earned many nicknames for his
dark complexion. In school he was known as 'Dark Horse' among his
colleagues. Later, he became Mr. 'Black Prince' of the Sunday Observer.
Leslie, soon after leaving school fought against his father's move to
send him to Law College. He began to contribute articles to newspapers
like the then 'Times of Ceylon' and the 'Ceylon Daily News'. Later, he
was recruited to the Daily News by the late Esmond Wickremesinghe as a
sub-editor. From there he rose to the Chief Sub-Editor of the Sunday
Observer. He climbed the ladder patiently to end up as Acting Editor of
Sunday Observer prior to his retirement.
Leslie was a workaholic. There were days and times he forgot home
till the early hours of the next day. This 'Black Prince' strode like a
colossus in the portals of Lake House. He was simple and understanding
of the problems of his colleagues.
Dahanaike was a devout Buddhist who always kept his cool. He was a
man who practised Buddhism to ease stress and strain in life. That was
why he had a tranquil mind that helped him to practise the noble and
sublime quality of equanimity entwined by the Dhamma.
During his career as a journalist, Leslie never failed to contribute
articles on all Poya days of the year. He was well versed with the
doctrine of Buddhism.
Leslie earned the Excellence award from the Sri Lanka Press Institute
and the Editors' Guild last year. He was also honoured with a Doctorate
from the Open International University.
He leaves behind his wife Indi, three daughters and a son. Dahanaike
will make his final journey in life this evening. |
