Prof. Dammika Ganganath Dissanayake passes away

Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan, Professor Dammika Ganganath Dissanayake passed away today (11) while receiving treatment at Apeksha Hospital in Maharagama.

Prof. Dissanayake has served as the Chairman of the Independent Television Network (ITN) of Sri Lanka and as an Associate Professor of the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.

He served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (State Television), Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Chairman of the Lanka Puvath News Agency from 2002-2003.

He also held the post of Head of Mass Communications and Sinhalese Unit, the University of Sri Jayawardenapura from 2010-2013.

On 19th September 2015, he assumed duties as the Ambassador Extra-Ordinary and Plenipotentiary for Sri Lanka to Japan.

He has authored a number of publications including in the area of mass communication, contemporary Sinhala cinema and political communication as well as the popular publication series “Pani Walalu”.

In 1982, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (First Class) Degree on Japanese Studies from Sri Jayawardenapura University. After completing a Master’s Degree in Mass Communications at Tsukuba University, Japan in 1990, he also obtained his Ph.D. Degree in 1993 from Tokai University, Japan.

He was conferred the Hidoyoshi Mimisu Award in 1999 by Japan taking into account his outstanding services for Mass Media Studies. He was also granted Honorary Awards from the University of Hakuo, Japan in 1989, 1998 and 1990. He was awarded the Mathshumaye Cultural Award of the University of Tokai of Japan in 1993.