Hema Nalin Karunaratne

Hema Nalin Karunaratne (; 27 August 1962 – 5 June 2018) was a Sri Lankan journalist and television presenter. He is considered as an iconic figure of Sri Lankan media, having inspired many generations of media personalities. Across his career, Karunaratne worked in numerous areas, including direction, script writing, research, program production management, television presentation, and as a compere. He was also the owner of the Heritage TV channel on Dialog TV.

Personal life Karunaratne was born on 27 August 1962 in Wadduwa, Colombo. His father, Galaboda Payagalage Chulasena Karunaratne, was an electrical engineer and his mother, Eugene Leelarathna Perera, was a teacher. He also had an older brother, Jeewath Karunaratne. Karunaratne received his primary education at St. Mary's College in Mathugama and completed his secondary education at Royal College, Colombo. His daughters attend school in Colombo.

Career From a young age, Karunaratne was passionate about working in television. He was exposed to television work by his aunt on his mother's side, Praba Ranatunge, who was the first female newsreader for the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Karunaratne hosted notable programmes like 9.05, Hathata Hithata Hadawathata, Hapan Padura, Mang Podi Kale, Prathiba, Jeewithaya Lassanai teledrama, Sundara Senasurada, Hansa Wila, Maha Sinhale Wansa Kathawa, Dutu Nodutu, Perawadana, and Loke Wate.

Death On 5 June 2018, Karunaratne died at age 55 from a cerebral haemorrhage. He died at his residence in Colombo, Sri Lanka. His body was found the next day and the cause of death was determined to be an intra-ventricular hemorrhage due to ruptured blood vessels in the brain. His funeral was held at the Borella General Cemetery on 8 June 2018.

Awards Sumathi Award for Most Popular Teledrama of the Year – Jeewithaya Lassanai.