Lasantha Wickrematunge
Sri Lankan journalist and editor
Born
April 5th, 1958
67 years ago
Died
January 8th, 2009
16 years ago — 50 years old
Category
Activists & Humanitarians
Country
Sri Lanka
Links & References
Worked as a journalist and editor in Sri Lanka, primarily for a major newspaper focused on political issues and human rights. Criticized government actions and reported on corruption, leading to tensions with authorities. Assassinated in 2009, his death highlighted dangers faced by journalists in the region. Recognized posthumously for courageous reporting.
Founded the newspaper 'The Sunday Leader'
Reported on the Sri Lankan civil war extensively
Critiqued government and military operations
Advocated for press freedom and human rights
Other People Born on April 5th
Feridun Buğeker
Born in 1933, a Turkish footballer played as a midfielder. Buğeker made significant contributions to the Turkish national team during his career. He was part of the squad that participated in the 1954 FIFA World Cup. His club career included playing for prominent Turkish teams, most notably Galatasaray, where he won multiple league titles.
Continue ReadingThomas Hitzlsperger
A former professional footballer played as a midfielder. Started youth career at VfB Stuttgart, making first team debut in 2002. Transferred to clubs such as Aston Villa and VfL Wolfsburg. Achieved notable success with Stuttgart, winning the Bundesliga title in 2007. Represented the German national team in 52 matches, participating in the 2008 UEFA European Championship. Retired from professional football in 2016.
Continue ReadingWincenty Krasiński
Born in 1782, a Polish nobleman played a significant role in political and social movements of the 19th century. Active in the opposition against Russian control, he became involved with the November Uprising, which aimed to restore Polish sovereignty. He also contributed to cultural and educational reforms within Polish society, promoting national identity. His writings and political advocacy emphasized the importance of social issues and the need for reform in the Polish political system. He was part of the Polish nobility's efforts to support independence and resist oppression during a tumultuous period in Polish history. He died in 1869.
Continue ReadingAlexander of Battenberg
Born in 1857, served as the Prince of Bulgaria from 1879 to 1886. His reign followed the country’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Faced various political challenges, including tensions with neighboring countries and internal opposition. Resigned in 1886 following a coup, marking the end of his leadership. Contributed to the nation-building process during a critical period in Bulgarian history.
Continue ReadingEvan Parker
Born in 1944, a British musician specialized in free jazz and improvisational music. Renowned for pioneering the use of circular breathing techniques in saxophone playing, which allowed for extended phrases without a break in sound. Collaborated with various avant-garde musicians and ensembles throughout a prolific career. Instrumental in establishing a distinct voice in the European jazz scene and maintaining significant influence in contemporary music.
Continue ReadingOleg Khodkov
A prominent handball player, achieved significant success in international competitions. Represented the Russian national team in multiple championships. Won a gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. Played for various clubs throughout the career, contributing to the development of the sport in Russia.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 8th
Steve Clark
Guitarist and songwriter contributed to the success of the rock band Def Leppard. Joined the band in 1978 and participated in the creation of multiple albums, including the highly acclaimed 'Hysteria' released in 1987. His guitar work became integral to the band's sound, which played a significant role in popularizing the rock genre during the 1980s. Played a prominent role in the band's performances and was a key contributor to their signature hits. Struggled with personal issues until untimely death in 1991.
Continue ReadingHarvey Haddix
Played as a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball for teams including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals. Achieved notable success during the 1959 season, earning an All-Star selection. Coached several teams after retirement, contributing to the development of players and pitching strategies. Finished a distinguished career with over 130 wins and recognized for a nearly perfect game against the Milwaukee Braves in 1959.
Continue ReadingPeter Sarstedt
A singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributed significantly to the music scene in the 1960s and 1970s. Achieved fame with the hit single 'Where Do You Go To (My Lovely)' in 1969, which reached the top of the charts in several countries. Released multiple albums, showcasing a blend of folk and pop styles. Continued to perform and record music throughout his career, maintaining a loyal following.
Continue ReadingGerman Moreno
Television host, actor, and comedian played a significant role in the Philippine entertainment industry. Hosted the popular noontime show 'Eat Bulaga!' and served as a mentor to numerous aspiring artists through various talent search programs. Moreno also starred in films and television series, becoming a familiar face in Filipino households. As a talent manager, he contributed to the careers of many entertainers in the Philippines. His work spanned several decades, solidifying his status in Philippine culture.
Continue ReadingAndres Larka
Served as the first Estonian Minister of War and played a significant role in shaping Estonia's military policies following the country's declaration of independence in 1918. Contributed to the establishment and organization of the Estonian Defence Forces during the War of Independence. Engaged in various military strategies to ensure the nation's security and sovereignty. Held various military ranks and participated in key military and political discussions pertaining to Estonia's defense and territorial integrity until his death in 1943.
Continue ReadingJiří Dienstbier
Started a career in journalism, focusing on political issues and dissidence in Czechoslovakia. Activism against the Communist regime led to imprisonment. After the Velvet Revolution, served as the first Minister of Human Rights and Minorities in the Czech Republic from 1998 until 2002. Contributed to the democratization process and the development of human rights policies in the country. Involved in various media outlets and continued to influence political discourse until death in 2011.
Continue Reading