Remembering Ajith Samaranayake
“If a man does not keep pace with his companions, Perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, However measured or far away.” – Henry David Thoreau Ajith Samaranayake left us 20 years ago. He had by then spent over thirty years as a journalist, […]
Ajith Samaranayake, a renowned journalist and advocate for press freedom, passed away 20 years ago at the age of 53. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over three decades, he served as a news reporter, feature writer, literary critic, and editor at two of Sri Lanka's leading journalism houses: Lake House and the Upali Group.
Ajith's influence extended far beyond his professional accomplishments; he inspired a generation of journalists in Sri Lanka. He was celebrated for his self-effacement, unpretentiousness, and lack of ambition or rancour. Born in Kandy to a lawyer father, Ajith grew up in a bourgeois, Western social environment. However, he embraced both Western values and his Sinhala culture, literature, and traditions, enriching his thinking and writing with profound depth, profusion, and precision.
Even as a young schoolboy, Ajith cultivated an inquiring and critical mind, developing a social conscience and political awareness that set him apart as an outsider. His bilingual fluency and social conscience allowed him to bridge linguistic, racial, and social divides, advocating for reflection, enlightenment, and understanding throughout his life. He was a writer with a purpose, utilizing language to build bridges and promote inclusiveness.
Ajith's remarkable background and unique perspective made him a profound thinker and communicator. Beyond being a literary critic or a well-informed journalist, he was a writer dedicated to using his skills to foster understanding and inclusiveness. His commitment to these values was rooted in a deep appreciation of traditional culture and a connection to the positive aspects of the world beyond.
Ajith's passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt, but his legacy as an exceptional journalist and advocate for understanding will endure.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.