PICASSO OF PRINT – Gamini Weerakoon – by Joe Van Langenberg
With the sad passing of former ‘Island’ Newspaper Editor Gamini Weerakoon, the Fourth Estate, which he had enriched and nurtured over many decades, has lost a huge chunk of its very soul; leaving it’s heart bleeding, wounded, while refusing to come to terms with the harsh reality, that one of its most valued members has crossed over.
Mr Weerakoon was the consummate journalist; a stickler for perfection, who had a flair for creativity and an eye for the minutest detail.
He was without a doubt, the Picasso of Print.
Never one to stand on ceremony, Mr Weerakoon despite been a journalistic Gulliver among Lilliputians, never believed that he was above and beyond any of his colleagues.
Unassuming, understanding, empathetic and approachable at all times, Mr Weerakoon mentored many aspiring young scribes along the way. Most of them cut their journalistic teeth under the Great Man’s tutelage of finesse.
Mr Weerakoon helped numerous rookies to smoothen many rough edges; even going that extra mile to boost their self-confidence.
More importantly, he valued, respected and trusted the opinions and judgements of editorial staffers who came under his watch.
It’s hard to think and speak of Gamini Weerakoon in the past tense; given the cruel and harsh ring of finality the word Goodbye carries. However it is what it is. And that is something that will never change. All we can do however, is to place “Goodbye” on the backburner and bid Mr Weerakoon “Au revoir”.
May we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and others who held Mr Weerakoon in high esteem. May he attain eternal bliss in the infinite afterlife. And may he rest easy, in peace, power and glory
