Srilanka, April 5 -- Former Dinamina journalist and veteran media professional Bhakthi Dharmapriya Mendis passed away on Friday while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital of Colombo, following critical injuries sustained in a road accident caused by a drunken driver. He was 47.

He is survived by his wife and young son.

Mendis began his journalism career in 2000 as a founding editorial staff member of the Lakbima daily. Over the years, he served at Dinamina and Rivira newspapers, as well as at Hiru TV, earning a reputation as a dedicated and respected journalist.

Born in Galle to veteran journalist Sugathapala Mendis and his wife, he was an old boy of Richmond College.

His remains lie at his residence...