SLMTA commemorates slain journalist

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 03 August 2005, 11:01 GMT]
"Mr. Sivaram played an important role as a journalist highlighting the gravity of the NorthEast political and military situation with his in-depth analysis," said Professor Karthigesu Sivathamby, in a tribute to the slain popular military analyst and senior editor at TamilNet, Mr. Dharmeratnam Sivaram, on Tuesday during a commemoration event organised by the Sri Lankan Tamil Media Alliance (SLTMA) at Colombo Tamil Sangam in Wellawatte marking the third month of the journalist's death.

"Mr. Sivaram did not contribute merely on the basis of the day-to-day politics, but he presented his articles with solid historic evidences," Professor Sivathamby further said.

Many journalists and friends attended the event.

Mr. Rohitha Bashana from the Hiru paper, Mr A. C. Yothilingam, attorney-at-law and Mr. Ajith Samaranayake, a senior journalist also spoke at the event.

Mr. Samaranayake in his speech said that he witnessed the progress of Sivaram from the time he first joined as a journalist at the Island.

"Mr. Sivaram had a very distinguish family background. His grandfather was a Senator, his father was educated at Cambridge. But Sivaram led a very down to earth life style," Mr. Samaranayake said.

Sivaram's wife and children participated in the tribute meeting.

Mr. Nixon Amirthanayagam of Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance delivered the welcome speech. The event was chaired by the SLTMA President Mr. Ananth Palakidnar.

Mr. Sivaram was a founder member of the SLTMA.