By Dwayne Ferreira
Melville “Melo” Ferreira, a 22-year veteran of the Sri Lanka Navy, father of The Morning Telegraph’s Chief Editor Marlon Dale Ferreira, passed away peacefully in Colombo.
The Ferreira family is mourning Melville “Melo” Ferreira, father of senior Sri Lankan journalist and The Morning Telegraph Founder and Chief Editor Marlon Dale Ferreira.
Melville “Melo” Bernard Ferreira passed away peacefully in Colombo on August 6, 2026. He leaves behind a family that remembers him with deep love, gratitude and affection.
A former member of the Sri Lanka Navy, “Melo” served his country for 22 years. Yet those closest to him remember a legacy that reached far beyond his years of service.
He was a good man.
He was loved by many.
“Melo” lived quietly, without show and without seeking the spotlight. His strength was gentle. His kindness was constant. To his family and friends, his presence brought warmth, humility and love.
Melville “Melo” Ferreira Remembered With Love
Melville “Melo” Bernard Ferreira was the beloved ex-husband of the late Maureen Ferreira, née Jansen, and Mignonne Ferreira, née Vangunster.
He was the brother of the late Dagmar, Doreen, Maxwell, Merril, June and Douglas.
“Melo” was the loving father of Jeremy in Australia, Judy in Australia, Marlon in the United States and Ralston in Sri Lanka.
He was also the cherished grandfather of Darren, Deandra, Christian, Dwayne, Jayden and Jonathan, and father-in-law of Wendy Packeer.
For his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends, his passing closes a life lived with simplicity, dignity and goodness.
His was not a life measured by public recognition. Instead, his family remembers the quieter things: character, love, loyalty and the steady presence of a father, grandfather and father-in-law.
The Father Behind a Journalist’s Journey
Among Melo’s children is Marlon Dale Ferreira, whose career in journalism began in 1988 at the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited.
Marlon began writing sports for the Sunday Observer and Daily News.
Over the years, his journalism appeared across several publications, including the Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, Daily FT, The Daily Morning, The Sunday Morning, Minnesota Post in the United States, Colombo Telegraph and Emirates 24/7 in Dubai.
His media work later expanded into podcasts, including The Morning Sports On-The-Go and Cricket On-The-Go.
Today, he continues that journey as Founder and Chief Editor of The Morning Telegraph, an English and Sinhala news platform.
As Marlon along with his family members mourn the loss of his father, he does so as a son saying farewell to a man whose life helped shape his values, character and journey.
Final Farewell to Melville “Melo” Ferreira
The viewing will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at A. F. Raymond’s Funeral Parlour in Borella.
A further viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, at the same venue.
The funeral service will commence at 3:00 p.m. The cortege will leave at 3:30 p.m. for burial at 4:30 p.m. at Mount Lavinia Cemetery, Galkissa.
As relatives and friends gather for the final farewell, they do so in sorrow, but also in faith.
“Melo” ran a good race.
As Scripture says:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7
May his soul rest in eternal peace, safe in the loving arms of the Lord.
