Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Japan Prof. Dammika Ganganath Dissanayake passed away yesterday (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 an Associate Professor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. He served as the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (state television), Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), and Chairman of the LankaPuvath News Agency from 2002-2003. He also held the post of Head of Mass Communications and Sinhalese Unit of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura from 2010-2013. On 19 September 2015, he assumed duties as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sri Lanka to Japan. Prof. Dissanayake has authored a number publications – including in the areas of mass communication, contemporary Sinhala cinema, and political communication – as well as the popular publication series Pani Walalu. In 1982, he obtained a BA (First Class) in Japanese Studies from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. After completing his Master’s in Mass Communications at Tsukuba University in Japan in 1990, he obtained his PhD from Tokai University, Japan in 1993. 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 from the University of Tokai, Japan in 1993.