Veteran journalist Sirimal Fonseka passed away yesterday (22) at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital after a brief illness. He was 63 years old.

Sirimal joined the Dinamina editorial in 1977 and switched to the Divaina editorial in 1982 and was later promoted as Provincial News Editor. After retirement from the Upali Group of newspapers, he served the Southern Development Authority as its press secretary.

He joined the Lakbima as News Editor in 2002 and held that position till he passed away.

Sirimal Fonseka had his secondary education at Mirigama Central College and higher education at the Vidyodya University. He was an Assistant Librarian at the University of Colombo for sometime and also a Flying Officer of the Sri Lanka Air Force (Volunteers). He also acted in a number of tele plays.

His remains lie at his residence Muruthawala, Pasyala.

Funeral arrangements will be notified later.