Journalist Bhakthi Dharmapriya who died in an accident while traveling on a rented motorcycle

Veteran journalist Bhakthi Dharmapriya Mendis, who had been receiving treatment for over twenty days in the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital after being seriously injured in a car accident, passed away on the 3rd instant.

This unfortunate accident occurred in the Akuregoda area of Battaramulla. While traveling on the pillion seat of a hired motorcycle for an urgent need, at the moment of entering the main road, the motorcycle collided with a car driven by a drunk driver, causing Mr. Bhakthi Mendis to be thrown off and sustain serious injuries.

Having received his primary education from Richmond College, Galle, he entered the media field in 2000 as a founding editorial board member of the daily Lakbima newspaper. Subsequently, he worked for Lake House newspapers including Dinamina and Rivira, as well as Hiru TV channel. He was a fearless journalist who steered his creative journalism across various fields including defense and politics. On one occasion, he also contested an election as a candidate.

Mr. Bhakthi Mendis, who was 47 years old at the time of his demise, is the son of veteran journalist Sugathapala Mendis, who worked for several newspapers including 'Divaina' for a period. His beloved wife is Mrs. Imesha Dharmasena, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication Studies at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and he is also the loving father of Dimath Thejaka Mendis, who is studying at Horizon College, Malabe. He was also the brother of three sisters in the family.

Having won the love of everyone both within and outside the media field, he always helped others in their sorrow. He was a friendly media colleague who always had a smiling face. His remains have been placed at his home in Mahagedara Watta, Boossa, Galle, since midnight on the 4th instant, and the final rites are scheduled to take place on the 6th instant at 5:00 PM at the Dadalla Public Cemetery in Galle.