# Sir Christopher Ondaatje, explorer and philanthropist, dies

Sir Christopher Ondaatje, the Sri Lankan-born Canadian businessman, explorer, and philanthropist, has died. He was known for his expeditions, including retracing the Nile, and for major charitable gifts to cultural and literary institutions. His death marks the loss of a prominent figure who linked high finance with adventure and the arts.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Health
- [The Guardian Health](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/07/sir-christopher-ondaatje-obituary) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:34:26 GMT