Former cricketer cum journalist Geoff Wijesinghe passes away at 86

The death of former cricketer cum journalist Geoff Wijesinghe at the age of 86 occurred yesterday following a brief illness.

Wijesinghe was a former editor of the Daily News and Sunday Observer and one-time head of ‘Lankapuvath’, the country’s only national news agency.

Wijesinghe was a fine cricketer before he branched into the field of journalism. His cricket career at St. Thomas’ College – Mt. Lavinia was as colourful as his profession as a journalist.

Wijesinghe is best remembered as a cricketer for the fifth wicket record partnership of 186 he put up with the late Ian Pieris in the 1953 Battle of the Blues cricket encounter against traditional rivals Royal College. While Pieris scored a brilliant 124, Wijesinghe’s contribution in the record stand was 64. He later turned out for SSC in the division I Sara Trophy tournament before branching into a career in journalism starting as a stringer for the Daily Mirror in 1961.

Wijesinghe is survived by his wife Leela and three sons Lal (Germany), Yohan and Suresh (New Zealand).

His funeral takes place at Christ Church – Dehiwela at 3.30 p.m. today. – (ST)