The passing of David Buell Sabapathy Jeyaraj (72) last Sunday in Toronto, Canada has snatched away a great personality not only from the field of journalism but also from the Tamil community. Rather than saying his loss is irreplaceable, it must be said that it is a void that definitely needs to be filled. The Tamil community is in need of a journalist like him once again.

Jeyaraj was as deeply loved on one hand as he was disliked on the other. The reason for this was his courage to speak out in the public sphere, openly and without concealment, whatever he felt was right. People viewed Jeyaraj based entirely on their own political beliefs. However, it cannot be said that he ever worried about how others perceived him.

He dedicated his life to analysing and writing fearlessly, and to recording all the complex dimensions of Sri Lankan politics – especially Tamil politics – as they unfolded. For several decades, he stood as a majestic and towering figure in the field of political analysis, not just in Sri Lanka, but across South Asia.

Jeyaraj’s writings serve not merely as contemporary reports, but as essential historical documents. Because of his unparalleled ability to untangle and explain complex geopolitical issues, regional conflicts, and domestic power dynamics, his analytical columns were, for a long time, considered mandatory reading by everyone – including political leaders, diplomats, scholars, and ordinary citizens.

In a Sri Lankan society that is deeply polarised along ethnic lines, Jeyaraj’s work was anchored in precise fact-checking, a profound memory, transparency, and an unwavering commitment.

The tribute we pay to Jeyaraj upon his passing is a grand honour offered to the life’s work of a journalist defined by intellectual courage and precise narration.

Jeyaraj’s pen did not merely record the trends of history; it helped us understand the very depths from which those trends emerged.

For journalists, writers, observers, and future generations who believe that the true duty of the media is to speak truth to power and to voice opposition against injustice with clarity, dignity, and unyielding integrity, Jeyaraj’s contribution to journalism will remain an everlasting guiding light.

Deepest condolences to his grieving wife and family members.

(The writer is a senior journalist based in Colombo)