Tribute to a gentleman and journalist Ranjan Anandappa
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It was indeed a dreadful offensive alarm to learn from the media the demise of my colleague journalist Ranjan Anandappa at the age of 68 years after a brief illness.
He was a old boy initially at De Mazenod, Kandana before moving to Ananda College where he played cricketer in the years 1967-68. He has served Lake House for three decades having commenced a career at the Navy after leaving school.
During his tenure at Lake House until his demise, Ranjan served as a senior journalist, reporting mainly on cricket, rugby, motorsports and athletics and discharged his duties enthusiastically.
I was fortunate to meet him while reporting as a novice reporter for another weekend newspaper in the score-box, media box and at media conferences.
I cannot still believe why Ranjan always took a seat next to me. We travelled together to Australia for the Commonwealth bank tri series in year 2008 involving hosts Australia, India and Sri Lanka. We both stayed at my daughter’s house in Brisbane for the first leg of the tour.
He has also served as a first class umpire and a match referee at club level. Ranjan served at the sports desk of the Sunday Observer and was responsible for organising the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest yearly where he worked tirelessly with dedication.
Ranjan was also a talented singer having released albums in Sinhala and English over two decades ago.
Ranjan was a very humble, unassuming, devoted friend and colleague who always were ever willing to help every person. I am sure all his colleagues would obviously miss him dearly. He leaves his beloved wife Christine, son and daughter both employed in private banks.
His remains lie at the AF Raymond funeral parlour and the funeral would held be at the General Cemetery Kanatte Roman Catholic section at 4 pm today.
May his soul rest in peace!
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane