Siri Liyanage's demise irreparable loss

"Siri Liyanage whose death occurred on Tuesday was a veteran author, journalist, intellectual and a pleasing personality with whom I have closely associated from my school days. His demise is an irreparable loss to the country, nation, religion, language and culture," said former Presidential Secretary K.H.J. Wijayadasa in a condolence message issued on Wednesday.

The message said Liyanage was a distinguished old boy of Dharmapala Vidyalaya. He entered university after his studies at Dharmapala from 1947 to 1960. During his school days he was a good debator and took an active part in social and Buddhist activities officiating in several school unions and also was the Head Prefect. Even after leaving school Liyanage kept close contacts with his Alma Mater and held several posts in the school OBA as its Secretary and President.

He was a lecturer in Sinhala at the Colombo and Ruhuna Universities and later held the posts of member Sinhala Dictionary Editorial Board, Working Director Agricultural Insurance Board, Writer, Government Publications Department, Co-ordinating Secretary, Tourism Ministry and Public Relations Officer, Sports Ministry.

As an author he had many books to his credit and put out four major dictionaries. Liyanage who took an active part in social and religious activities in his area was a leading member of the Polgasowita Lions Club. He was also a member of the Siyambalagoda Village Council since 1963 and later Vice-Chairman Udagahapattuwa VC and a member of the Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha in 1993 and 1997.

Dharmapala Swarna Foundation conferred the excellence award on him on March 25, 2007 in recognition of the yeoman service he rendered towards the Dharmapala Vidyalaya and nurturing literature. May he attain Nibbana.