Fast-track Anil dies on the track
A senior journalist Anil Atapattu who had an exciting career in journalism for more than three decades died suddenly last Wednesday amidst the nail biting tension of the famous Happy Valley race track in Hong Kong.

Anil Atapattu may not have had as much as others in terms of intellectual achievements or academic degrees, but his dynamic approach and commitment to hard-work well past midnight took him right to the top in journalism.

From S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia, the young Anil rode straight into the fast track and frontline of journalism as a sports reporter for the old Times of Ceylon/Daily Mirror group. He was then still in his teens at 18 but his exuberant and energetic flair carried him far.

In 1978 Anil joined the Sun/Weekend group and the Editor there quickly saw the immense potential in the young journalist and opened the way for the flamboyant Anil to rise fast. He first became the chief Sub-editor and then the Deputy Editor of the Sun/Weekend, leading the staff more by example and friendly persuasion.

In 1985 Anil still in his early 30s saw the opening of a new page with the offer of a top post in the Hong Kong Standard. Behind the fun-loving and fast track journalist was a heart that deeply cared for others.

So Anil after working for a few months in Hong Kong opened the pages for several other young sub editors from the Sun/Weekend group and other media to come there at salary scales which were unimaginable here.

Later Anil Atapattu joined the South China Morning Post where he worked in various capacities till his sudden and shocking death last Wednesday at the age of 51. The family said the body was scheduled to be flown back on Tuesday night and if all went according to plan the funeral was likely to take place on Wednesday.

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