Dayananda de Silva remembered:

Tribute to a trusted colleague

Hilton PERERA

The sudden demise of Dayananda de Silva has been a shock and surprise to his numerous colleagues and has removed a versatile and competent media personality and a talented pianist and music critic from our midst.

He had his early education at Ananda College and proceeded to England where he completed his Higher Studies obtaining a First Class in Economics from Sussex. On his return Dayananda joined the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation as a English relief announcer in the latter part of the 1960's.

He was later attached to the News Division where he rose gradually to be an Assistant Editor, Duty Editor and Ultimately Director of News.

During his spare time he would visit studio and which had a Grand Piano. His dexterous fingers moved over the keyboard rendering brief compositions of reputed musicians. He was an accomplished pianist having obtained his licentiate from the Trinity College of music. He utilised his skill and knowledge to write critiques on recitals by visiting artistes to leading newspapers. These were widely acclaimed and appreciated by connoisseurs of music. Had he stuck to his forte in piano.

He could have on his performing ability and talent reached the top rung as a pianist. During his stinct as an announcer Dayananda was at his best interviewing those occupying exalted positions in every walk of life. As an announcer and news presenter he had all attributes as a resonant and vibrant voice, perfection diction, delivery, timing, correct pitch, modulation and clarity.

He read news both on the local and Asia beams. His program "Foreign Affairs Review" featured the best analysts and had garnered a wide listenership and had a high popularity rating. He was also much sought after by educational institutes preparing students for London examinations. Dayananda adored his father and eulogised the fact that he held the post of Director PWD under the Kotalawela Regime which was then a prestigious position. He was fond and had a passionate affection and attachment to his mother which was perhaps the reason why Dayananda chose to be single in life. He was inconsolable as news of her passing away reached him in the news room.

Dayananda will best be remembered from his commitment to excellence, as a person with a genial disposition, knowledgeable and a trusted colleague.May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.