Doyen of local Radio Livy R. Wijemanne passes away
[November 26, 2002 - 9.00 GMT ]

Livy R. Wijemanne, a veteran broadcaster and one-time Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) passed away Sunday, November 24.

“Kalasuri Livy R. Wijemanne was undoubtedly the doyen of broadcasting in this country. He will be remembered by all Sri Lankans for his distinguished services to radio and his contributions to the arts during his lifetime,” President Chandrika Kumaratunga said in a message of condolence.

A product of Colombo’s Royal College, Livy Wijemanne joined State Radio in 1945 as a relief announcer. It was then known as the Department of Broadcasting of Ceylon. 

He pioneered the English Commercial Service and was appointed its director in 1971.

Mr. Wijemanne was also the first broadcaster to conduct a live commentary from beyond the shores of Sri Lanka when he covered the coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. 

He later went on to become the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation in 1984.

The late broadcaster was instrumental in establishing Sri Lanka’s first private broadcasting institution Colombo Communications whose call name was ‘FM 99’.

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Last Updated Date: November 26, 2002  - 9.00 GMT.