A journalist full of life and laughter

Ian Mervyn Dias Jayasinha

The death of Ian Dias Jayasinha, was undoubtedly an irreparable loss to his close friends and loved ones. I had a fruitful friendship with him for over three decades. As a journalist and creative writer, he showed a distinctive flair.

Our deep-rooted friendship was nurtured as we found a common ground as ardent lovers of classical literature. Ian, who was educated at S.Thomas' College worked for over 25 years at Lake House as a journalist. He lived in the USA for sometime and appeared twice on Florida TV reading poems from Dylan Thomas and his own. Looking back, touching a surfeit of fond memories, without being overtly nostalgic is rather difficult, for Ian was indeed a colourful and jovial personality who was the cynosure of all eyes in any social gathering, enlivening it with his laughter and banter. He lived a full life spreading in his own way the gospel of universal love.

Ian, as a poet was a lover of humanity though to the circle of his intimate friends, he showed a streak of unconventionality, extolling a nature friendly bohemian-life style.
To me, he will always remain an inspiration, who was very generous in appreciating my writing, specially my poetry. Ian, as a recipient of your love, I take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will miss your bubbling laughter.

Ranjan Amarasinghe