Death of Upatissa Hulugalle

The death occurred on Sunday (Christmas day) and a private funeral was held on Thursday of Mr. Upatissa Hulugalle, 94, eldest son of the late Mr. Herbert Hulugalle, long time editor of the Ceylon Daily News and among the best known journalists in the country in the 20th century.

Upay, as he was popularly known, a chartered accountant, set up an accountancy partnersip, Hulugalle and Wikramanayake early in his professional life. He was best known as a business and financial advisor to business leaders like Upali Wijewardene, the AMW group founded by Sir Cyril de Zoysa and the well-known lawyer, Mr. GG Ponnambalam, QC among others.

“They seldom took major business decisions without consulting him,” a close associate said.

An enthusiastic and creative gentleman farmer like his father, Upay lived the latter part of his life on an agricultural property close Colombo. He was closely associated for many years with the Freedom From Hunger Campaign.Hulugalle’s wife Sita, predeceased him some years ago. He leaves four children all of whom live in Sri Lanka.