Text: Marianne David
Pix: Arthur Wamanan

A memorial service was held at slain Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge’s gravesite at Kanatte on the morning of 8 January to mark the fourth anniversary of his brutal murder.

The service was attended by Lasantha’s brother Lal Wickrematunge and his family, and current and former The Sunday Leader staffers, including The Sunday Leader Editor Shakuntala Perera, Associate Editor Mandana Ismail Abeywickrema, and Consultant Editor under Lasantha’s watch Gamini Weerakoon.

Also present were politicians Karu Jayasuriya, Dr. Harsha de Silva, Eran Wickremaratne, Ravi Karunanayake, and Malik Samarawickrema.

Delivering the sermon, the Pastor gave thanks for Lasantha’s life and work and called on those gathered not to lose hope, despite the odds.

A vigil was held later in the evening in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, attended by Lal and his family and media personnel, who lit candles in his memory.