Journalist V Thanabalasingam enters his 70th year

 

Senior journalist V. Thanabalasingham

By Sinnathurai Thillainathan

Veeragathy Thanabalasingam, a journalist who has left a distinct mark on the Sri Lankan Tamil media landscape through his public-interest-driven thinking and honest political analysis, enters his 70th year today  (September 1st).

Having entered the field of media as a modest proofreader, evolving into the news editor and chief editor of a national Tamil daily, and today standing as a leading political columnist across print and digital media, Thanabalasingam’s nearly half-century-long media journey is a stellar example of tireless hard work and dedication.

From a young age, Thanabalasingam maintained close ties with N. Sanmugathasan, the leader of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (Pro-Peking faction). That association and camaraderie with the Communist leader played a vital role in shaping Thanabalasingam’s intellectual trajectory.

As a student of the political school of Sanmugathasan—who possessed the courage and principled stance to fearlessly criticize the anti-people policies of the ruling class—Thanabalasingam trained himself to view social and political transformations not superficially, but through a Marxist prism. It was this theoretical foundation that imparted depth and integrity to his writings.

Thanabalasingam’s journalistic cradle was Virakesari, Sri Lanka's leading Tamil daily. The training he received there molded him into a media personality of strong character.

During his tenure as the Chief Editor of the Thinakkural newspaper, the editorials penned by Thanabalasingam were widely acclaimed by Sri Lankan Tamil readers. He also selected a curated collection of those editorials and published them as two books.

Amid the country's extraordinary circumstances, wartime restrictions, and political crises, Thanabalasingam fearlessly recorded truths aligned with the public interest. He crafted editorials on complex political issues in a clear, accessible linguistic style that common readers could easily understand.

Even after retiring from full-time newspaper work, his political pen lost none of its sharpness.

His articles regarding Sri Lanka’s changing electoral landscapes, party politics, and solutions to the national ethnic problem continue to be published alongside rich historical data and deep comparative insights. He also regularly writes analytical essays on international politics.

A few months ago, Thanabalasingam released his autobiography, "Patrikaitthuraiyil En Kathai" (My Story in Journalism), encompassing his nearly 50 years of journalistic experience and the historical events he witnessed.

As he steps into his 70th year, we extend our heartfelt birthday wishes to Thanabalasingam, wishing that his sharp pen continues to write and provide the right guidance needed for society. (S. Thillainathan is a senior journalist from Vadamaradchy)