Bandula Jayasekera is no more

Veteran journalist, newspaper editor and former diplomat, Bandula Jayasekera passed away yesterday morning after a battle with cancer. He was 60 years old. Jayasekera, who worked as a news editor with The Island went on to become editor-in-chief of the Daily News (2006–2007).

Jayasekera also served as Director General, President’s Office, Media Unit, in 2011, and Director General (Public Communication) at the External Affairs Ministry. He conducted a successful talk show on Sirasa/MTV.

During his time as a diplomat, Jayasekera served in Australia, Canada and as Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

In July 2019, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a type of blood cancer. His attempts to seek treatment having failed due to COVID-19, Jayasekera spent his last days at the Palliative Care Centre of the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle.

His remains are lying at Raymond Funeral Parlour, Borella. His funeral will be held today at 3 pm Borella Cemetery.