Leslie Dhanaike: A life dedicated to journalism

Lakmal Welabada

COLOMBO: "What is your Lagna?" that would be the common question he might forward to his colleagues as when someone sits in front of him.

"Ah! there is a planetary change in couple of weeks time. And you will get the result in this way," he continued.

Amidst all his sub-editing, writing, re-writing, reading and answering numerous phone calls William Leslie Dahanaike had always some prediction for his colleague.

"Tell me your birth chart in your horoscope if you do remember it," would be his next query. His knowledge in English, Buddhism and astrology was incompatible, and was known as a 'walking English dictionary'.

His dark complexion earned him the nickname the 'Black Prince' of the Sunday Observer Leslie Dahanaike, former Editor of the Sunday Observer bids farewell to us today. After a brief terminal illness, he passed away around 12.10 a.m. last Sunday night.

When his mourning wife Indi informed me about his death early Monday morning, I was one way shocked and on the other way not, as his prediction of the exact period of the time of his own death was revealed to me twice earlier - firstly two-three years ago just after his retirement from Lake House, and secondly, when I got him and his wife for my column 'Darling we are not too old though we pass Jubilee Gold' in the Sunday Observer with the headline of 'The story of the Black Prince and his lady love' which appeared on October 29 in 2006 (last year).

When the article appeared in the paper he called me.

"Well done, Lakmal!" , he expressed his joy and rapture over it. I was really elated to get that kind of remark from my former Boss, my Guru and almost one of my idols, after many years at work.

Along with that article I felt that I paid my debt owed to him though I knew I would never complete paying it back to him - the help, assistance and guidance he rendered to me to come up in the journalistic career.

Whatever the article or the caption story he was handed over was somehow found space in the Sunday Observer then. He was a gentle giant who never used arm twisting methods to subdue the bubbling spirit and enthusiasm of young journalists.

Whoever that came to him seeking his assistance either to get a copy sub edited, getting an article or picture published or over some other personal matter, he was ready to turn a listening ear and help him or her.... His patriarch figure repressed the image of a boss, and we, the youngsters never felt scared or embarrassed to discuss with him of any topic or problem we encountered.

But simultaneously the simple Black Giant never failed to spread his charismatic leadership among his staff. His word was highly respected.

Sunday Observer was his unmarried teenager. He, the busiest bee then in our staff was a dedicated workaholic who strove hard to bring about the best of the paper.

Although he strode like a colossus in the portals of Lake House, his simplicity and benevolence towards fellow employees was the hallmark of his greatness. When a story was sent or handed over to him he paid a lot of attention to detail, and nothing ever escaped his eyes. He was witty and absolutely humorous person who never lost his cool working under pressure. The Black Prince was a go-getter and was often seen in the social gatherings with his wife. He was a great entertainment lover who played the piano and organ by ear.

He maintained an excellent relationship with all walks of people, from the elite to the labourer. To my knowledge he never followed any special course or diploma in PR. All that was his in-born talent and skill.

Dahanaike was born as the eldest offspring of Mudlier William Dahanaike and Jessie Charlotte Nella Rupasinghe. He had his education at S.Thomas, Mount Lavinia. After getting through the London Matriculation exam, he joined the Daily News during the time of the Managing Director of Lake House, Esmond Wicremasinghe in early 1950s. Dahanaike the all-rounder retired from Lake House in 1999.

e was honoured with a Doctorate by the Open International University. He was presented the Excellence in Journalism Award by the Sri Lanka Press Institute and Editors' Guild early this year. Despite his age he had an abundance of stamina to work as a Consultant for another print newspaper.

is work made him neglect himself, especially his health. "I lead a good life, and have done my duties to my parents, my wife, my children, my relatives, friends and everybody. Now my time has come. I don't want to suffer, and waiting until I get Visa to heaven," the smiling Dahanaike often used to tell in his later months. He wrote his own obituary note two months back. I would pause right at this point as there's no end to writing about a figure like him. The former Captain of the Sunday Observer had decided to sail far, far away from its shores. And whether we meet again him in this Samsara - never know when. Accept our salute Captain.

May you attain Nibbana