Srilanka, Oct. 11 -- It is with deep sorrow and profound gratitude that I record the passing of my beloved brother, Abul Hassan, who peacefully returned to his Creator-Almighty Allah-on 11 August at his residence in Dematagoda, Colombo, at the age of 86.

Born in Akkaraipattu, he was the eldest of four sons and one daughter. He began his schooling at Fatima College, Kalmunai, and later pursued his higher education at Batticaloa Central College and Colombo Pembroke Academy. Though his roots were in the East, much of his education and professional life unfolded in Colombo.

He began his career nearly sixty years ago as a Staff Correspondent with Independent Newspapers Ltd (popularly known as the Dawasa Group). After seven years of dedicated...