Clarence Wijewardena
Background information
Born. August 3, 1943(1943-08-03)
Origin. Haputhale, Sri Lanka
Died. December 13, 1996 (aged 53)
Genres. Playback singing, Sri Lankan music
Occupations. Singer–songwriter, guitarist, record producer
Years active. 1965–1996
Clarence Wijewardana (August 3, 1943 – December 13, 1996) was a Sri Lankan musician who pioneered the use of electric guitar in Sinhala music. He is said to have revolutionized Sri Lankan music in the 1960s and is often named as the father of Sri Lankan pop music - having influenced performers in ranging from W D Amaradewa, Premasiri Kemadasa to Athula Adhikari. His music is often characterized by simple melodies built around a melody that features the electric guitar - this style may be best illustrated by the song Malata Bambaraku Se (Translated: Like a Bee To a Flower).
Early life
Clarence Wijewardena was born on August 3, 1943, in Haputale, Sri Lanka, to an estate medical doctor. His family moved to Batugedara, Ratnapura in 1964, where Wijewardena eloped with the daughter of a local landlord, and abandoned a budding planting career to pursue music full time.
Moonstones
Wijewardena formed the Moonstones at the age of 21 with Annesley Malewana as lead vocalist. Managed by a leading advertising icon, Sri Sangabo Corea, the group recorded several songs to be aired on the Saturday Star program in 1966. The young musicians were mentored by Sri Sangabo Corea together with veteran Radio Ceylon/SLBC broadcasters Vernon Corea and Vijaya Corea. Their 1968 debut EP Mango Nanda was released on the JVPC007 Philips label selling up to 5000 copies. It included the songs "Mango Nanda," "Ruwan Puraya," "Seetha Ude" and "Menike." The sophomore release More Hits by the Moonstones came out November that year on the Sooriya label and included the hits "Kalu Mama", "Rosa male", "Ramani" and "Goyam Kapanawa." "Mango Nanda" was selected the best Sinhala song by the Hit Parade program on Radio Ceylon. In 1969 the Moonstones welcomed female vocalist Indrani Perera who sang lead on the best selling "Dilhani." Wijewardena himself only sang lead on "Dileepa Podi Puthu," an adaptation of a poem written by Karunarathne Abesekara to his son.
During the 'Moonstones' era, Clarence Wijewardena who performed as a composer and music director, became a singer. Clarence took the initiative to start a three-man band, he was only the finest self-taught guitarist, and as yet unknown. However, later the 'Moonstones' were formed with Annesley Malawana playing the key role as lead singer. Since then this exceptional man and his music dominated the Sinhala pop music industry. He is regarded by many as a pioneering Sri Lankan musician in the realms of Sinhala popular music.
After he left the Moonstones in 1970, he held a musical show in Moratuwa with Shanaka Perera and Wijith Peiris and the show was named as "Breakaways from the Moonstones".
Golden Chimes
Wijewardena departed the Moonstones and formed a new music group called the Golden Chimes, with ex-Moonstones bassist Chanaka Perera and Lankika Perera in January 1971. Their first release included "Kimade Nawe", "Mage pelpathe", "Sihin Sinawai" and "Samanalayo." Subsequently English language vocalist Anil Bharati joined. The second EP on Philips label contained "Malai Velai", "Sihil Nuwan", "Surangana Vesvala" and "Mage Viyowen" and third EP contained "Iru Dina", "Sandai Tharui", "Muhudu Rella" and "Thakkita Tharikita."
At this time Clarence Wijewardena found a professional lead guitarist at a wedding. He was the maestro Dixon Gunaratne.
When Christmas bells chime this man is never forgotten with the breeze in December. The Sinhala channels take the lead with the popular Christmas hit "Bethlehempure". He is none other than the popular man who emerged from another Clarence Wijewardena group "Golden Chimes" – Anil Bharati. Clarence is a man who found new talent into Sinhala pop scene. Anil was one of them.
After evaluating Anil's performance for one year, Clarence Wijewardena decided to enter him into the Sinhala pop music scene. Clarence composed "Ada Wei Iru Dina" for Anil which became an all time hit followed by the lovely Christmas song "Bethlehempure" and "Maa Adarai Nangiye". Clarence offered him another all time hit "Tikirimalee" with "Ma Mulin Liyu Pem Pathe", "Desa Vidala", "Bambaraku Aduna", "Sarojini" and "Iru Dina Pamanak".
The Super Golden Chimes
In 1972 Clarence Wijewardena and Dixon Gunaratne left the Golden Chimes and they both formed a new band known as Super Golden Chimes also with the support of Annesley Malawana in 1973. Clarence formed the "Super Golden Chimes" back in the company of his lifelong friend Annesley Malawana. It was one of the most productive music groups in Sri Lanka and together they hit the number one slot in the Sri Lankan music charts on both the Sinhala and English Services of Radio Ceylon and subsequently the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. For many years they enjoyed the reputation as Sri Lanka's number one group in the 1970s and 1980s. After three years Clarence decided to go solo when Annesley Malewana announced his plans for marriage. The late Mike Gunesekere took over the Super Golden Chimes after Clarence left the group.
Experiments in Music
Clarence Wijewardena like the Beatles experimented with sitar music and introduced the sitar to some of the songs of the 'Moonstones.'
Clarence Wijewardena was a musician's musician. He had the ability to grasp new trends in modern popular music. For the first time (for a recording) he used a guitar wah wah pedal for the song 'Pemkathwawa.' Also the song 'Sigiriya' was the first Boss nova beat song in Sri Lanka & later he used this beat for the songs Piyaneni, Mage Palpathe, Muhudu Rella, Renin Piyabanna, Maliniye, Ramya (Previously sung by Clarence in 4/4 beat), Ran Monarun (Winslow Six), Lalitha Kala (Chithra Somapala) etc. Also he used two guitar players to play lead parts & counter parts of songs such as Sumudu Mal Pipinu, Dileepa Podi Puthu etc. For the first time in Sri Lanka he used the blocked guitar tone for the song 'Kusumalatha'. Clarence introduced some of the guitar techniques through his songs via a single guitar harmony style in the introduction of "Dellepa podi puthu" and arpeggio styles in "Sihina Lowak" and "Malata Bambareku Se".
"The Twist" was a dance in the 1960s, inspired by rock and roll music of the West. It became a worldwide craze, enjoying immense popularity among young people and drawing fire from critics who felt it was too provocative. Clarence composed a song Ma langin for this style and released the song in "Ugayen ugayata" cassette in 1989.
For "Dineka me nadee thira" he used mute guitar technique for the introduction. Some of the guitar techniques Clarence used in his songs are alternate picking, Chicken picking, Carter Family picking, Cross picking, Flat picking, Golpe, Hammer-on, legato, Pick tapping, Pinch harmonic, Pull-off, Slide guitar, Sweep picking and tap harmonic.
Tribute Songs
Clarence has composed and directed music for a number of songs for the daughters and sons of his friends and relatives. He composed 'Piyaneni' in memory of the late Reverend Canon Ivan Corea who was the father of Radio Ceylon broadcaster, Vernon Corea. Clarence had met Reverend Corea in Maha Nuge Gardens in the 1960s during his visits to meet with Vernon Corea. The song became an instant hit in South Asia and to this day it is sung by Annesley Malewana on his world tours.
Clarence composed a song for the son of Mr. & Mrs. Vijaya Corea and it was titled as "Viran Bilindhu Puthe" After that Clarence changed the chorus part of the song and sang that songs as "Kiri Muhuda Kalabala" Also Clarence composed a songs for the son of Chanaka and Lankika Perera and it was titled as "Sihina Pathum Wimane" Also the song "Bethlehempure" which was written by Sri Lanka's famed lyricist, Mr. Karunaratne Abeysekera, became an instant hit on the island. It was one of many songs capturing the Christmas spirit and the birth of Jesus. Clarence also composed 'Naththal Seeya' in the early 1970s.
Clarence's first solo is 'Dileepa podi puthu' was written by the legendary Radio Ceylon broadcaster, Karunaratne Abeysekera for his own son. Clarence appreciated the iconic work of Karu and wrote an instant song Seetha Pawan to express his gratitude on the day of the funeral of Karunaratne Abeysekera.
Film Music
Clarence Wijewardena entered the Film Music Industry at that time. The first film that was music directed by Clarence was 'Sikuruliya' and the sound track was supplied by the Golden Chimes - the film includes a scene where Clarence Wijewardena and the Golden Chimes perform at a party. Also for the music of the songs of Sikuruliya film, Clarence Wijewardena used western musical instruments as well as eastern musical instruments. The song 'Wasanthaye Mal Kekulay' which was composed by Clarence was the first song that consists 5 lines in the chorus part of the song.He directed music for the films in a different & unique style of his own.
Outstanding skills
Clarence Wijewardena showed his outstanding music skills during this time. He composed and directed music a song named as "Maha Balwathune" for the conference of the Non-Aligned Movement held in 1975 in Sri Lanka. He composed and directed music a song for the SAARC Conference as well. At the same time he sang the song "Duwani Sirima" when Hon. Former Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike arrived as the chief guest for the opening ceremony of Ceramic Cooperation. Also Super Golden Chimes supplied music for that opening ceremony. Clarence Wijewardane certificated as the most popular composer in Sri Lanka for the years 1974 and 1976 by a pop poll conducted by Pop and Teen Fanfare. The song "Kataragama" which was composed by Clarence Wijewardane also certificated as the best song in Sri Lanka for the year 1974 by a pop poll conducted by Pop and Teen Fanfare.Clarence composed most number of songs for Kataragama God.
In the early 1970s Clarence Wijewardena invited the legendary Radio Ceylon broadcaster, Vernon Corea who had mentored him from the start to write the notes on a Lotus LP sleeve. Vernon Corea wrote: "We have all shared the treat of your lovely Lyrics, your tuneful compositions, your friendly presentation and your spontaneous sense of sharing with your followers, your treasury of talent. Keep going, keep growing, keep glowing".[1] In 1976 when Vernon Corea was invited to present the first Asian radio programme in English on BBC Radio London called 'London Sounds Eastern' he played the music of Clarence Wijewardena and Annesley Malewana , introducing them to a whole new audience in London.
Clarence Wijewardena started to sing for the Sinhala films under other music directors. Subsequently a Cassette Tape known as "Any Time Any Where" was released in Colombo. In 1979 Clarence Wijewardena left the Super Golden Chimes and started a solo carrier.
Cricket Fan
When the Sri Lankan Cricket team entered the world of test cricket in 1982 Clarence Wijewardena produced a cassette tape that contains songs regarding Cricket. Also Nihal Nelson, Vernon Perera, Mariazelle Gunathilake, Freddie Silva, Saman De Silva and Clarence vocalized this cassette tape. "Thana nilla dige" of Saman De Silva became a super hit during the season of test matches and every big match in Colombo.
Clarence was very worried and made a statement to 'Sathsara"(an art magazine in Sri Lanka) regarding the song "Thana nilla dige" and its singer Saman De Silva for not giving the due credit for the ownership of the song.
New Career
Clarence joined Sing Lanka Ltd. and acted as the General Manager. Sing Lanka recording studio was the first recording studio in Sri Lanka with multi tracks and Clarence was the pioneer to introduce this recording studio. During that time he directed music for a number of artists in Sri Lanka. He also produced a cassette tape named "Clarence with the Rising Stars".
Recording session
Directing music for tele dramas
Clarence Wijewardena directed music for the tele dramas Susima and Nidikumba Mal. He was the composer and the music director for all the six songs of Susima tele drama. During this time he got a special chance. That he was able to compose and direct music for Pandit Amaradewa. That song was Sasara Gewa Yana Diwi Gamane which contained in tele drama Nidikumba Mal. Also he composed and music directed a song which says about child abuse and other prohibited things happen in present society. That song was "Daesawan Dase" which contained in the Sihiwatana II Cassette Tape. When the royal tusker of the Temple of Tooth Relic died, Clarence Wijewardena composed and music directed a song about the royal tusker and it was named as "Kandu Sikarin Wata Senkadagala Pura". It was vocalized by the Ananda Perera who was the leader of the Siha Shakthi music band.
Melodies for jingles
Clarence Wijewardena became famous for his melodious and catchy jingles aired over the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. These jingles were Elasto, Bata, Astra Margarine, Bristol Cigarettes, Arpico, Dot Toffee, Singer, Edna Chocolate, Thultex, Ice-Cream Soda, Development Lottery, Dasuna Cartoon Paper, Atlas pens, Orex pens, Building Materials Co-operation (In Sinhala & English), Keels and Health Joy Soap etc. The song "Sigiri Ru Ladun Paradai" which he composed for the beauty queen contest became an instant hit.
Discovering new Sri Lankan Music Talent
He formed the Sri Lankan band "Madhara" in 1985 with Rookantha Gunatilake (Keyboards), Mariazelle Gunatilake (Keyboards/Female Vocals), Raju Bandara (Lead Guitar), Keneth De Silva (Bass Guitar), Prabath Bandara (Lead Guitar), Ajantha Dhampa Gamage (Drums) and rest of the other members of the group. During the 1980s he composed and directed music for number of songs and performed with well known music directors in Sri Lanka.
All of Clarence Wijewardena's compositions have been recorded at some of the island's best recording studios & under the best producing labels in Sri Lanka.Some of the early 1960s recordings were at Augie Ranaweera's studio in Bambalapitiya.
Later career
Clarence organised three musical shows with his lifelong friend Annesley Malewana and Indrani Perera at BMICH in Colombo.
Clarence proved to be quite a hit in London when broadcaster Vernon Corea aired his music over the airwaves of BBC Radio London 206 on his popular radio programme, 'London Sounds Eastern.' Clarence and Annesley frequently toured the United Kingdom in the 1980s playing to huge audiences in London.
Clarence with Indrani and Annesly
Controversy
Due, however, to the popularity of his songs (which has grown since his death), they have also become the subject of a lawsuit over illegally recorded renditions sampled by other Sri Lankan artists. Clarence's widow recent filed suit against Sebastian, hoping to recover a portion of the income earned through the use of her late husband's work.
Music
Sri Lanka's legendary musician, Clarence Wijewardena, composed and sang over 1000 of songs but 40% of them were not released because of the master recordings were under the custody of record producers. Some of the songs were released to the market without any authorized label after his demise. They did not get the attention of the fans of Clarence's because they were considered to be illegal and most of the FM broadcasting channels in Sri Lanka was not aware of them. It is unfortunate that most of these songs are not released officially and Clarence did not get the due credit for them.
Clarence spent more of his composing time for his fellow singers and he had never been offered the credit for them.
In the course of his career, Clarence wrote several songs that became classics in his own time - among these; Gamen Liyumak (Translated: A Letter From the Village), Hiruge Lowedi (Translated: In the World of the Sun), Kanda Surinduni ("O Lord God of the Mountain"),Piyaneni ("Father"), and Malata Bambaraku Se (Translated: Like a Bee To a Flower)
Sri Lanka's 'King of Pop'
Wijewardena died on December 13, 1996, at the age of 53, in Sri Lanka after a brief bout with cirrhosis of the liver.He also suffered from diabetes. Many of his songs are considered classics, and continue to enjoy ample airtime on Sri Lankan television and radio broadcasts and on some overseas radio stations. He will always be remembered as a pioneering musician from Sri Lanka and one of the island's 'greats' in terms of popular music. He was undoubtedly Sri Lanka's 'King of Pop.'
Friday, October 30, 2009
Mahagama Sekera
Mahagama Sekera
Mahagama Sekara (1929-1976) is one of Sri Lanka's well known poets and was a significant figure in Sinhalese poetry. He was also a teacher, lyricist, playwright, novelist, artist, and a filmmaker. Sekera is best remembered as a poet and songwriter with several of his works even becoming popular songs in Sri Lanka. His works occasionally have an introspective Buddhist influenced outlook. His poems and songs remain widely quoted on the island nearly thirty years after his death. His demise at the age of forty-seven was considered a tragic loss by many in Sri Lankan literary circles.
Poetry
Vyanga (with K. Jayatillake)
Sakwa Lihini
Heta Irak Payai
Mak Nisada Yath
Rajathilaka Lionel saha Priyantha
Bodima
Nomiyemi
Prabudda
Novels
Thun Man Handiya
Films
Thun Man Handiya
Biographical Notes
Sekara was born in Radawana and had his initial education at Kirindiwela Maha Vidayalaya
Mahagama Sekara (1929-1976) is one of Sri Lanka's well known poets and was a significant figure in Sinhalese poetry. He was also a teacher, lyricist, playwright, novelist, artist, and a filmmaker. Sekera is best remembered as a poet and songwriter with several of his works even becoming popular songs in Sri Lanka. His works occasionally have an introspective Buddhist influenced outlook. His poems and songs remain widely quoted on the island nearly thirty years after his death. His demise at the age of forty-seven was considered a tragic loss by many in Sri Lankan literary circles.
Poetry
Vyanga (with K. Jayatillake)
Sakwa Lihini
Heta Irak Payai
Mak Nisada Yath
Rajathilaka Lionel saha Priyantha
Bodima
Nomiyemi
Prabudda
Novels
Thun Man Handiya
Films
Thun Man Handiya
Biographical Notes
Sekara was born in Radawana and had his initial education at Kirindiwela Maha Vidayalaya
Music of Sri Lanka
Music of Sri Lanka
The music of Sri Lanka originates in cultural traditions deriving from three influences: the religious practices of Buddhism, the aftereffects of Portuguese colonization, and the commercial and historical influence of Indian culture - specifically, Bollywood cinema. The Theravada sect of Buddhism has influenced Sri Lankan Music since Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka two millennia ago.
Portuguese colonizers arrived centuries after the Buddha, in the mid 1400s, bringing with them cantiga ballads, ukuleles and guitars; as well as African slaves (referred to, historically, as kaffrinhas), who brought with them a style of music now referred to as baila. The people of these two regions, and the musical traditions they brought with them, served to contribute further to the diverse musical roots of modern Sri Lankan music.
Folk Music
There are sets of folk poems (kavi) unique to members of different castes (farmers, cart drivers, miners, etc). These originated as a way to pass time for the individual groups as they engaged in their work. Today, they are sung as a form of cultural expression.
Kavi also exists that accompany folk rituals. The rituals are rarely performed today but the songs survive among folk musicians.
Another traditional Sri Lankan folk style is called the virindu. It involves an improvised poem sung to the beaten melody of a rabana. In the past there were contests in which two virindu singers would compete with verse.
Endemic Instruments (The Béra)
According to the historical record available today, it is believed that several instruments originated within the tribal groups that once inhabited the island presently known as Sri Lanka. Among these, seven remain in use:
1. Gáta Béra - Also referred to as the Kandyan Drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by hand).
2. Thammátama - A twin-drum (similar to the bongo) that is played with two sticks instead of by hand.
3. Yak Béra - Also referred to as the Low Country Drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by both hands (one in one side).
4. Udákkiya - A small, hour-glass shaped drum, that is played with one hand while the other hand modifies the tension of a cloth wrapped around its centere (thereby changing the pitch of the drum-head) .
5. Hand Răbāna - A drum similar to the tambourine (except in that it does not possess metal jingles)
6. Daŭla - A double-headed, barrel-shaped drum played by hand (on one side), and by a stick (on the opposite side).
7. Bench Răbāna - Similar to the hand rabana, except larger (it is often played by three to eight individuals simultaneously).
In addition to these drums, a new drum was recently created (in 2000) by Sri Lankan musician Kalasoori Piyasāra Shilpadhipathi, referred to as the Gaŭla - it is a barrel-shaped instrument containing one head from the Gáta Béra, and one from the Daŭla. A set of rudiments (practice rhythms) were also created by him to accommodate the instrument's unique tone.
Also in addition to these drums, the dhōlki is also used by many musicians - though this drum is believed to have descended from those brought to Sri Lanka from India - unlike the aforementioned instruments; which are believed to have existed in Sri Lanka prior to the arrival of the first Indian explorers (though this is difficult to verify due to the proximity of the two nations to one another - it is impossible to say, with any degree of certainty, that no cultural exchange occurred between the peoples of southern India and Sri Lanka prior to any particular date in history).
Western Music
Western classical music has been studied and performed in Sri Lanka since its introduction during the British Colonial period of the 19th century. The upper middle-class and upper-class citizens of the country traditionally formed the pedagogues, students, and audience of the Western classical tradition in the country, although western music is also offered as a subject at secondary schools and at tertiary level. The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest western orchestras in South Asia. The foundation of the National Youth Orchestra has helped increase interest and participation more widely in society and among young people outside Colombo. Many Sri Lankans have continued to reach the upper echelons of classical performance, including world renowned cellist Rohan de Saram, pianist Rohan de Silva [1], and many other composers, organists, and orchestral performers.
Recorded Music
The earliest stars of Sri Lankan recorded music came from the theater at a time when the traditional open-air drama (referred to in Sinhala as kolam, sokari or nadagam) remained the most popular form of entertainment. A 1903 album, entitled Nurthi, is the first recorded album to come out of Sri Lanka via Radio Ceylon. The station, which had long held a monopoly over Sri Lanka's airwaves, had been established in 1925, and one of Sri Lanka's pioneering broadcasters,Vernon Corea, almost immediately grasped the opportunity to introduce Sri Lankan Music on the English Services of Radio Ceylon.
In the wake of western and Indian proliferation in music, composer and singer Ananda Samarakoon emerged from training at Rabindranath Tagore's school at Shanthiketalan to develop a uniquely Sinhalese music tradition in 1939. His work such as "Punchi Suda", "Ennada Manike" and notably "Namo Namo Maatha" (adapted as Sri Lanka's national anthem later) established the sarala gee genre. Another artist Devar Surya Sena with his Western education was pivotal in popularizing folk songs of Sri Lanka to the English elite that bore higher status in the country at the time.
Kadawunu Poronduwa in 1947 brought about a film industry in Sri Lanka. In the late 1940s and 1950s Sinhala film music became the most popular with audiences; it was drawn heavily upon melodies found in Hindi and Tamil films - adapted to a Sri Lankan audience by substituting their original lyrics with Sinhala lyrics. Meanwhile, musicians like W. D. Amaradeva, Sunil Santha, Suriya Shankar Molligoda, etc. began experimenting with developing a Sinhalese music style. Amaradeva, trained at Shanthiketalan like Samarakoon, took up the Sarala gee tradition along with experimentation of raaga forms while Santha took a Western approach in his work.
Pivotal to the works of these musicians were songwriters like Mahagama Sekara and Chandraratne Manawasinghe who in their lyrics presentled deeply poetic, and honestly expressed, ideas - many of which also promoted a sense of nationalism in a nation that had received independence less than a generation before in 1948.
With the dawn of the 1960s and government restrictions on travel to India original compositions became in vogue in film music though a few popular films continued to tout stolen melodies under the hands of music arrangers like P. L. A. Somapala and Mohomed Sally.
The mid-1960s, saw the introduction of pop groups such as Los cabelleros led by Neville Fernando, The La Bambas, The Humming Birds and Los Muchachos; all of whom played calypso-style baila borrowing their style from Caribbean folk-singer Harry Belafonte. This mixture of Caribbean calypso with native baila was dominated by two groups: The Moonstones, and The Golden Chimes led by musicians Annesley Malewana and Clarence Wijewardene.
Sri Lankan pop/film music managed to hold a large portion of Sri Lanka's market during the late 1960s and early 1970s, but by 1980, Indian film music had again displaced local musicians as the highest-selling sector of the Sri Lankan music industry. In the 1980s the disco-pop musician Rookantha Gunathilake emerged to become one of the most popular artists of the time. Sarala gee artists like Edward Jayakody, Sunil Edirisinghe and Gunadasa Kapuge also gained fame in this period.
Since 1998, Many Pop/R&B groups have emerged in Sri Lanka - the most prominent of which is known as Bathiya and Santhush -- who draw inspiration from the Europop groups that visited the island. Among their accomplishments; they are the first Sri Lankan group to be signed to an international record label (Sony BMG), and were an integral component in the label's entrance into the nation's music industry in 2002/2003. They have received international awards for their compositions, and have performed in several countries - including on BBC radio in the UK.
The music of Sri Lanka originates in cultural traditions deriving from three influences: the religious practices of Buddhism, the aftereffects of Portuguese colonization, and the commercial and historical influence of Indian culture - specifically, Bollywood cinema. The Theravada sect of Buddhism has influenced Sri Lankan Music since Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka two millennia ago.
Portuguese colonizers arrived centuries after the Buddha, in the mid 1400s, bringing with them cantiga ballads, ukuleles and guitars; as well as African slaves (referred to, historically, as kaffrinhas), who brought with them a style of music now referred to as baila. The people of these two regions, and the musical traditions they brought with them, served to contribute further to the diverse musical roots of modern Sri Lankan music.
Folk Music
There are sets of folk poems (kavi) unique to members of different castes (farmers, cart drivers, miners, etc). These originated as a way to pass time for the individual groups as they engaged in their work. Today, they are sung as a form of cultural expression.
Kavi also exists that accompany folk rituals. The rituals are rarely performed today but the songs survive among folk musicians.
Another traditional Sri Lankan folk style is called the virindu. It involves an improvised poem sung to the beaten melody of a rabana. In the past there were contests in which two virindu singers would compete with verse.
Endemic Instruments (The Béra)
According to the historical record available today, it is believed that several instruments originated within the tribal groups that once inhabited the island presently known as Sri Lanka. Among these, seven remain in use:
1. Gáta Béra - Also referred to as the Kandyan Drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by hand).
2. Thammátama - A twin-drum (similar to the bongo) that is played with two sticks instead of by hand.
3. Yak Béra - Also referred to as the Low Country Drum; it is a double-headed, barrel-shaped drum, that is played by both hands (one in one side).
4. Udákkiya - A small, hour-glass shaped drum, that is played with one hand while the other hand modifies the tension of a cloth wrapped around its centere (thereby changing the pitch of the drum-head) .
5. Hand Răbāna - A drum similar to the tambourine (except in that it does not possess metal jingles)
6. Daŭla - A double-headed, barrel-shaped drum played by hand (on one side), and by a stick (on the opposite side).
7. Bench Răbāna - Similar to the hand rabana, except larger (it is often played by three to eight individuals simultaneously).
In addition to these drums, a new drum was recently created (in 2000) by Sri Lankan musician Kalasoori Piyasāra Shilpadhipathi, referred to as the Gaŭla - it is a barrel-shaped instrument containing one head from the Gáta Béra, and one from the Daŭla. A set of rudiments (practice rhythms) were also created by him to accommodate the instrument's unique tone.
Also in addition to these drums, the dhōlki is also used by many musicians - though this drum is believed to have descended from those brought to Sri Lanka from India - unlike the aforementioned instruments; which are believed to have existed in Sri Lanka prior to the arrival of the first Indian explorers (though this is difficult to verify due to the proximity of the two nations to one another - it is impossible to say, with any degree of certainty, that no cultural exchange occurred between the peoples of southern India and Sri Lanka prior to any particular date in history).
Western Music
Western classical music has been studied and performed in Sri Lanka since its introduction during the British Colonial period of the 19th century. The upper middle-class and upper-class citizens of the country traditionally formed the pedagogues, students, and audience of the Western classical tradition in the country, although western music is also offered as a subject at secondary schools and at tertiary level. The Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka is one of the oldest western orchestras in South Asia. The foundation of the National Youth Orchestra has helped increase interest and participation more widely in society and among young people outside Colombo. Many Sri Lankans have continued to reach the upper echelons of classical performance, including world renowned cellist Rohan de Saram, pianist Rohan de Silva [1], and many other composers, organists, and orchestral performers.
Recorded Music
The earliest stars of Sri Lankan recorded music came from the theater at a time when the traditional open-air drama (referred to in Sinhala as kolam, sokari or nadagam) remained the most popular form of entertainment. A 1903 album, entitled Nurthi, is the first recorded album to come out of Sri Lanka via Radio Ceylon. The station, which had long held a monopoly over Sri Lanka's airwaves, had been established in 1925, and one of Sri Lanka's pioneering broadcasters,Vernon Corea, almost immediately grasped the opportunity to introduce Sri Lankan Music on the English Services of Radio Ceylon.
In the wake of western and Indian proliferation in music, composer and singer Ananda Samarakoon emerged from training at Rabindranath Tagore's school at Shanthiketalan to develop a uniquely Sinhalese music tradition in 1939. His work such as "Punchi Suda", "Ennada Manike" and notably "Namo Namo Maatha" (adapted as Sri Lanka's national anthem later) established the sarala gee genre. Another artist Devar Surya Sena with his Western education was pivotal in popularizing folk songs of Sri Lanka to the English elite that bore higher status in the country at the time.
Kadawunu Poronduwa in 1947 brought about a film industry in Sri Lanka. In the late 1940s and 1950s Sinhala film music became the most popular with audiences; it was drawn heavily upon melodies found in Hindi and Tamil films - adapted to a Sri Lankan audience by substituting their original lyrics with Sinhala lyrics. Meanwhile, musicians like W. D. Amaradeva, Sunil Santha, Suriya Shankar Molligoda, etc. began experimenting with developing a Sinhalese music style. Amaradeva, trained at Shanthiketalan like Samarakoon, took up the Sarala gee tradition along with experimentation of raaga forms while Santha took a Western approach in his work.
Pivotal to the works of these musicians were songwriters like Mahagama Sekara and Chandraratne Manawasinghe who in their lyrics presentled deeply poetic, and honestly expressed, ideas - many of which also promoted a sense of nationalism in a nation that had received independence less than a generation before in 1948.
With the dawn of the 1960s and government restrictions on travel to India original compositions became in vogue in film music though a few popular films continued to tout stolen melodies under the hands of music arrangers like P. L. A. Somapala and Mohomed Sally.
The mid-1960s, saw the introduction of pop groups such as Los cabelleros led by Neville Fernando, The La Bambas, The Humming Birds and Los Muchachos; all of whom played calypso-style baila borrowing their style from Caribbean folk-singer Harry Belafonte. This mixture of Caribbean calypso with native baila was dominated by two groups: The Moonstones, and The Golden Chimes led by musicians Annesley Malewana and Clarence Wijewardene.
Sri Lankan pop/film music managed to hold a large portion of Sri Lanka's market during the late 1960s and early 1970s, but by 1980, Indian film music had again displaced local musicians as the highest-selling sector of the Sri Lankan music industry. In the 1980s the disco-pop musician Rookantha Gunathilake emerged to become one of the most popular artists of the time. Sarala gee artists like Edward Jayakody, Sunil Edirisinghe and Gunadasa Kapuge also gained fame in this period.
Since 1998, Many Pop/R&B groups have emerged in Sri Lanka - the most prominent of which is known as Bathiya and Santhush -- who draw inspiration from the Europop groups that visited the island. Among their accomplishments; they are the first Sri Lankan group to be signed to an international record label (Sony BMG), and were an integral component in the label's entrance into the nation's music industry in 2002/2003. They have received international awards for their compositions, and have performed in several countries - including on BBC radio in the UK.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Premakeerthi de Alwis
Premakeerthi de Alwis
Premakeerthi de Alwis (June 1947- July 31, 1989) was a Sri Lankan broadcaster, lyricist and a popular television personality. He worked as an anchorman on state-run television.
de Alwis, who was 42, was dragged from his house outside Colombo and murdered by six gunmen of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on the night of July 31, 1989. He was killed 8 days after another journalist, Thevis Guruge was gunned down by the JVP.
Premakeerthi de Alwis (June 1947- July 31, 1989) was a Sri Lankan broadcaster, lyricist and a popular television personality. He worked as an anchorman on state-run television.
de Alwis, who was 42, was dragged from his house outside Colombo and murdered by six gunmen of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on the night of July 31, 1989. He was killed 8 days after another journalist, Thevis Guruge was gunned down by the JVP.
Karunaratne Abeysekera
Karunaratne Abeysekera
Born. 1930Colombo Sri Lanka
Died.1983
Nationality. Sri Lankan
Education. Nalanda College, Colombo
Occupation. Broadcastor
Known for Poetry and Songwriting Religious beliefs Buddhist
Karunaratne Abeysekera (1930–1983) was one of Sri Lanka's most famous Sinhala broadcasters. He was also an acclaimed poet and songwriter and was widely admired for his excellent command of Sinhala.
Abeysekera wrote the lyrics to over 2000 songs, a record for a lyricist in Sri Lanka. His compositions are still covered by some of the island's top musicians to this day, introducing his lyrics to new audiences in South Asia, and his songs are played regularly by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.
Early years
Abeysekera was born on June 3 1930 in Ratmale near Matara in Southern Sri Lanka. He was educated at Nalanda College in Colombo. He was discovered by the children's radio programme Ḷamā Piṭiya ("Children's Field") hosted by Siri Aiya (Also known as U.A.S.Perera - Siri Perera Q.C) and broadcast over Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia. Ḷamā Piṭiya was a showcase for young talents, and Abeysekera performed with his poems on the Radio Ceylon programme in the 1940s. He was an instant hit with the general public and remained a pop icon until his death.
A teenage broadcaster
Abeysekera was a pioneering Sinhala broadcaster. He was a rare breed, a "teenage broadcaster" launching a broadcasting career with Radio Ceylon, which he joined in 1950 at the age of 20. In 1958 he was sent to London for specialist broadcasting training with the BBC. Studio 5 of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation has been named after him.
Career
Abeysekera was an announcer, compere, lyricist, dialogue writer, and poet - he also wrote children's stories. He worked very closely with another famous broadcaster, Vernon Corea. It was one of the most productive radio partnerships in Sri Lanka. His songs have been sung by a range of musicians, among them Nanda Malini, H. R. Jothipala, J. A. Milton Perera and Mignonne Fernando and the Jetliners. Abeysekera was also behind the Sinhala translation of classic hits such as ' Master Sir' written and composed by Nimal Mendis. Karunaratne Abeysekera won the prestigious Sarasaviya Awards for his lyrics on two occasions. The Government of Sri Lanka named a road after him in the capital city of Colombo.
Pioneer Sinhala cricket commentator
Abeysekera made history in the world of radio by being the first cricket commentator using the Sinhala language. He commentated on matches played by Ceylon against visiting English, Indian and Australian teams from the 1950s to the 1970s. He also commentated on local cricket matches. He had to devise cricket terminology to describe cricketing actions - this was uncharted territory in Sinhala; his words to describe various aspects of cricket are used to this day.
Quote on Karunaratne Abeysekera
"Karu (...) has won many awards for his lyrics and achievements in broadcasting and allied fields. Through his children's programmes of the then Radio Ceylon (now SLBC) thousands of young people were able to display their talent and a large number of them later became popular (...). Karu loved cricket." - Daily News (Colombo)
Born. 1930Colombo Sri Lanka
Died.1983
Nationality. Sri Lankan
Education. Nalanda College, Colombo
Occupation. Broadcastor
Known for Poetry and Songwriting Religious beliefs Buddhist
Karunaratne Abeysekera (1930–1983) was one of Sri Lanka's most famous Sinhala broadcasters. He was also an acclaimed poet and songwriter and was widely admired for his excellent command of Sinhala.
Abeysekera wrote the lyrics to over 2000 songs, a record for a lyricist in Sri Lanka. His compositions are still covered by some of the island's top musicians to this day, introducing his lyrics to new audiences in South Asia, and his songs are played regularly by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.
Early years
Abeysekera was born on June 3 1930 in Ratmale near Matara in Southern Sri Lanka. He was educated at Nalanda College in Colombo. He was discovered by the children's radio programme Ḷamā Piṭiya ("Children's Field") hosted by Siri Aiya (Also known as U.A.S.Perera - Siri Perera Q.C) and broadcast over Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia. Ḷamā Piṭiya was a showcase for young talents, and Abeysekera performed with his poems on the Radio Ceylon programme in the 1940s. He was an instant hit with the general public and remained a pop icon until his death.
A teenage broadcaster
Abeysekera was a pioneering Sinhala broadcaster. He was a rare breed, a "teenage broadcaster" launching a broadcasting career with Radio Ceylon, which he joined in 1950 at the age of 20. In 1958 he was sent to London for specialist broadcasting training with the BBC. Studio 5 of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation has been named after him.
Career
Abeysekera was an announcer, compere, lyricist, dialogue writer, and poet - he also wrote children's stories. He worked very closely with another famous broadcaster, Vernon Corea. It was one of the most productive radio partnerships in Sri Lanka. His songs have been sung by a range of musicians, among them Nanda Malini, H. R. Jothipala, J. A. Milton Perera and Mignonne Fernando and the Jetliners. Abeysekera was also behind the Sinhala translation of classic hits such as ' Master Sir' written and composed by Nimal Mendis. Karunaratne Abeysekera won the prestigious Sarasaviya Awards for his lyrics on two occasions. The Government of Sri Lanka named a road after him in the capital city of Colombo.
Pioneer Sinhala cricket commentator
Abeysekera made history in the world of radio by being the first cricket commentator using the Sinhala language. He commentated on matches played by Ceylon against visiting English, Indian and Australian teams from the 1950s to the 1970s. He also commentated on local cricket matches. He had to devise cricket terminology to describe cricketing actions - this was uncharted territory in Sinhala; his words to describe various aspects of cricket are used to this day.
Quote on Karunaratne Abeysekera
"Karu (...) has won many awards for his lyrics and achievements in broadcasting and allied fields. Through his children's programmes of the then Radio Ceylon (now SLBC) thousands of young people were able to display their talent and a large number of them later became popular (...). Karu loved cricket." - Daily News (Colombo)
Milton Mallawarachchi
Milton Mallawarachchi
Milton Mallawarachchi
Birth name . Milton Mallawarachchi
Born. April 7, 1945
Origin. Sri Lanka
Died. March 10, 1998
Occupations. Musician
Years active.1969 – 1998
Milton Mallawarachchi (1945 – 1998) was a popular Sri Lankan musician.
Mallawarachchi has sung songs by Karunaratne Abeysekera, K. D. K. Dharmawardena, Premakirthi de Alwis, Clarence Wijewardena, Upali Danawalawithana, Dharmasiri Gamage, Ajantha Ransinghe, Shelton Weeraratne, Kularatne Ariyawansa, Ananda Padmasiri, Vernon Perera, Chitrananda Abeysekera, Bandara Wijetunga and Vijaya Ramanayake.
Life and career
Early life and career
Mallawarachchi completed his early education at Ananda Sastralaya Kotte. He was a member of a short lived group called the Sakyans and subsequently the La Ceylonians. Mallawarachchi's vocals on the latter group's "Daha Duke Vidyahala" and "Mal Ravamal" led to his discovery by producer Patrick Corea. Kurera offered to record the young vocalist on four songs "Oruwaka Pawena," "Ran Kuduwak Oba Sadu," "Sansare Sewanale" and "Mangale Neth Mangale." The songs were released on the Exvee label as a 78 rpm record in 1969 and gave Mallawarachchi his first popular hit with "Oruwaka Pawena."
Music
In 1974 renown musician Clarence Wijewardena composed the songs "Gana Andure," "Eda Rae," "Mata Men Ohutada" and "Maga Thotadhii" for a Mallawarachchi EP release on Gemstone. Wijewardena would also write "Awasara Natha Mata," "Sulange Pawe," "Thaniwi Sitinai," and "Prem Raja Thahane" for Milton.
One of Mallawarachchi's most successful songs was "Mai Gaha Yata" done under the production of Melroy Dharmaratne in 1976. It was released on the Silverline label as an EP backed with "Ran Mudu" and two songs ("Andanne Epa" and "Ma Samanalayak") by Shiromie Fernando.
Mallawarachchi released one of the first music audio cassette's in Sri Lanka under the guidance of Wijewardene in 1978. It was titled Anytime-Anywhere and was on the Tharanga label.
Mallawarachchi debuted as a playback singer in the 1971 film, Poojithayo. In 1984, he was honored with a best playback singer award at the Sarasawiya Awards for "Kendan Yannam," a song from Sena Samarasinghe's Aethin Aethat.
Mallawarchchi was a popular live attraction; at a time when there was no TV in Sri Lanka, his appearances at variety shows sponsored by the Ceylon Tobacco Company drew huge crowds.Mallawarachchi appeared alongside the Super Golden Chimes at the Super Concert 101/102 organized by Wijewardene.
He died on March 10, 1998.
Personal life
Mallawarachchi was married to Swarna Mallawarchchi, and had four children: Ranil, Harshini, Nadija, and Tharaka. Ranil Mallawarachchi, the eldest, continues in his father's tradition
Milton Mallawarachchi
Birth name . Milton Mallawarachchi
Born. April 7, 1945
Origin. Sri Lanka
Died. March 10, 1998
Occupations. Musician
Years active.1969 – 1998
Milton Mallawarachchi (1945 – 1998) was a popular Sri Lankan musician.
Mallawarachchi has sung songs by Karunaratne Abeysekera, K. D. K. Dharmawardena, Premakirthi de Alwis, Clarence Wijewardena, Upali Danawalawithana, Dharmasiri Gamage, Ajantha Ransinghe, Shelton Weeraratne, Kularatne Ariyawansa, Ananda Padmasiri, Vernon Perera, Chitrananda Abeysekera, Bandara Wijetunga and Vijaya Ramanayake.
Life and career
Early life and career
Mallawarachchi completed his early education at Ananda Sastralaya Kotte. He was a member of a short lived group called the Sakyans and subsequently the La Ceylonians. Mallawarachchi's vocals on the latter group's "Daha Duke Vidyahala" and "Mal Ravamal" led to his discovery by producer Patrick Corea. Kurera offered to record the young vocalist on four songs "Oruwaka Pawena," "Ran Kuduwak Oba Sadu," "Sansare Sewanale" and "Mangale Neth Mangale." The songs were released on the Exvee label as a 78 rpm record in 1969 and gave Mallawarachchi his first popular hit with "Oruwaka Pawena."
Music
In 1974 renown musician Clarence Wijewardena composed the songs "Gana Andure," "Eda Rae," "Mata Men Ohutada" and "Maga Thotadhii" for a Mallawarachchi EP release on Gemstone. Wijewardena would also write "Awasara Natha Mata," "Sulange Pawe," "Thaniwi Sitinai," and "Prem Raja Thahane" for Milton.
One of Mallawarachchi's most successful songs was "Mai Gaha Yata" done under the production of Melroy Dharmaratne in 1976. It was released on the Silverline label as an EP backed with "Ran Mudu" and two songs ("Andanne Epa" and "Ma Samanalayak") by Shiromie Fernando.
Mallawarachchi released one of the first music audio cassette's in Sri Lanka under the guidance of Wijewardene in 1978. It was titled Anytime-Anywhere and was on the Tharanga label.
Mallawarachchi debuted as a playback singer in the 1971 film, Poojithayo. In 1984, he was honored with a best playback singer award at the Sarasawiya Awards for "Kendan Yannam," a song from Sena Samarasinghe's Aethin Aethat.
Mallawarchchi was a popular live attraction; at a time when there was no TV in Sri Lanka, his appearances at variety shows sponsored by the Ceylon Tobacco Company drew huge crowds.Mallawarachchi appeared alongside the Super Golden Chimes at the Super Concert 101/102 organized by Wijewardene.
He died on March 10, 1998.
Personal life
Mallawarachchi was married to Swarna Mallawarchchi, and had four children: Ranil, Harshini, Nadija, and Tharaka. Ranil Mallawarachchi, the eldest, continues in his father's tradition
GAMINI FONSEKA
Sembuge Gamini Shelton Fonseka (1936-2004) was an award winning Sri Lankan film actor and politician.
Early life
Fonseka was born on March 21, 1936 in Dehiwela the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. Starting school at a Presbyterian institution, Gamini moved on to St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia. As a youngster, he gained repute for imitating administrative figures at school. Gamini also prospered in the study of the Sinhala language and literature in college and placed in the upper fourth for a Sinhala literature prize. The award for this achievement was presented to him by St. Thomas graduate and Sri Lankan prime minister D. S. Senanayake. Gamini was also an accomplished cricket player.
Film career
Entrance to film and the 1960s
Fonseka abruptly ended his secondary education and dove into the film industry. He originally wanted to be a cameraman and in this line worked as the second Assistant Director on David Lean's Bridge on the River Kwai and Lester James Peries' Rekava (1956). Fonseka was first on-screen in Rekava as part of a crowd. He also did some work on an English television series filmed in Sri Lanka.
Fonseka's first credited acting role was in Daiwa Yogaya (1959) in which he played a small role. Lester James Peries Sandesaya (1960) first established him in a leading role. With films like Adata Wediya Heta Hondai, Ranmuthu Duwa, Getawarayo and Dheevarayo Fonseka achieved popularity and became a box-office draw.
Seeking to not play just commercial roles, Fonseka appeared as Jinadasa in the groundbreaking Gamperaliya (1964) working again with Peries. In Titus Totawatte's Chandiya, Fonseka played the first anti-hero role in Sri Lankan cinema and in Mike Wilson's Sorungeth Soru (1968), he played the role of Jamis Banda, the Sinhala James Bond.
Fonseka also tried out directing to much accolade. His debut directorial work Parasathu Mal was warmly received.
1970s and 1980s
Fonseka's role as Willie Abeynayake in Nidhanaya (1970) is considered his crowning achievement. The film has been adjusted the best Sri Lankan film in several different critical works.
In 1980 Fonseka played Jaffna Tamil clerk Nadarajah in Sunil Ariyaratne's Sarungale.
Political career
In 1989, Fonseka entered politics after he joined the United National Party. He was elected to Parliament in 1989 as a representative of the Matara District and was appointed Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka. He was later appointed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga as Governor of the former North-East Province.
Death
Fonseka died at the age of 68 at his residence in Ja ela.
Early life
Fonseka was born on March 21, 1936 in Dehiwela the third child of William and Daisy Fonseka. Starting school at a Presbyterian institution, Gamini moved on to St. Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia. As a youngster, he gained repute for imitating administrative figures at school. Gamini also prospered in the study of the Sinhala language and literature in college and placed in the upper fourth for a Sinhala literature prize. The award for this achievement was presented to him by St. Thomas graduate and Sri Lankan prime minister D. S. Senanayake. Gamini was also an accomplished cricket player.
Film career
Entrance to film and the 1960s
Fonseka abruptly ended his secondary education and dove into the film industry. He originally wanted to be a cameraman and in this line worked as the second Assistant Director on David Lean's Bridge on the River Kwai and Lester James Peries' Rekava (1956). Fonseka was first on-screen in Rekava as part of a crowd. He also did some work on an English television series filmed in Sri Lanka.
Fonseka's first credited acting role was in Daiwa Yogaya (1959) in which he played a small role. Lester James Peries Sandesaya (1960) first established him in a leading role. With films like Adata Wediya Heta Hondai, Ranmuthu Duwa, Getawarayo and Dheevarayo Fonseka achieved popularity and became a box-office draw.
Seeking to not play just commercial roles, Fonseka appeared as Jinadasa in the groundbreaking Gamperaliya (1964) working again with Peries. In Titus Totawatte's Chandiya, Fonseka played the first anti-hero role in Sri Lankan cinema and in Mike Wilson's Sorungeth Soru (1968), he played the role of Jamis Banda, the Sinhala James Bond.
Fonseka also tried out directing to much accolade. His debut directorial work Parasathu Mal was warmly received.
1970s and 1980s
Fonseka's role as Willie Abeynayake in Nidhanaya (1970) is considered his crowning achievement. The film has been adjusted the best Sri Lankan film in several different critical works.
In 1980 Fonseka played Jaffna Tamil clerk Nadarajah in Sunil Ariyaratne's Sarungale.
Political career
In 1989, Fonseka entered politics after he joined the United National Party. He was elected to Parliament in 1989 as a representative of the Matara District and was appointed Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka. He was later appointed by President Chandrika Kumaratunga as Governor of the former North-East Province.
Death
Fonseka died at the age of 68 at his residence in Ja ela.
VIJAYA KUMARATUNGA
Kovilage Anton "Vijaya" Kumaranatunga [1] (October 9, 1945 - February 16, 1988) also Vijaya Kumaratunga was a popular Sri Lankan film actor and politician, married to former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Kumaratunga from 1978 to his assassination in 1988.
Family life
In 1978, Kumaratunga married Chandrika Bandaranaike, daughter of the late Sri Lankan prime minister Solomon Bandaranaike and former prime minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Vijaya Kumaratunga and Chandrika Bandaranaike had two children,Dr Yasodhara Kumaranatunga Walker and Vimukthi Kumaratunga is a Veterinary Surgeon in UK.
Cinema career
Kumaratunga's first film was Hanthane Kathawa, in which he played the lead role. Since then, in a career that spanned nearly two decades, he acted in 114 films including Eya Den Loku Lamayek (1975), Ponmani (1977), Bambaru Avith (1977), Ganga Addara (1980), and Baddegama (1980). He also won several awards. He was voted most popular actor in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 1988. Vijaya performed in one English film, The God King and one Tamil film, Nanguran during his career.
Political career
He was also a politician, who started his political life in the Lanka Sama Samaja Party. He later joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was active in the presidential campaign of Hector Kobbekaduwa in 1982. After the election, he was jailed under the emergency regulations by JR Jayawardena for allegedly being a 'Naxalite' (a political creed hitherto and henceforth unknown in Sri Lanka), but he was never charged. He founded the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party (SLMP). He and his party argued for peace in the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka.
Death and legend
He was shot in the head with a Type 56 Assault rifle outside his residence in the outskirts of Colombo on February 16, 1988 by Lionel Ranasinghe alias Gamini, who later confessed to the murder upon being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Ranasinghe, in a 141 page statement, confessed that he was merely carrying out orders given to him by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna ("People's Liberation Front"), an armed Marxist organization which is responsible for assassinations during the late 1980s. His death is still mourned by many people in Sri Lanka.
Family life
In 1978, Kumaratunga married Chandrika Bandaranaike, daughter of the late Sri Lankan prime minister Solomon Bandaranaike and former prime minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Vijaya Kumaratunga and Chandrika Bandaranaike had two children,Dr Yasodhara Kumaranatunga Walker and Vimukthi Kumaratunga is a Veterinary Surgeon in UK.
Cinema career
Kumaratunga's first film was Hanthane Kathawa, in which he played the lead role. Since then, in a career that spanned nearly two decades, he acted in 114 films including Eya Den Loku Lamayek (1975), Ponmani (1977), Bambaru Avith (1977), Ganga Addara (1980), and Baddegama (1980). He also won several awards. He was voted most popular actor in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 1988. Vijaya performed in one English film, The God King and one Tamil film, Nanguran during his career.
Political career
He was also a politician, who started his political life in the Lanka Sama Samaja Party. He later joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and was active in the presidential campaign of Hector Kobbekaduwa in 1982. After the election, he was jailed under the emergency regulations by JR Jayawardena for allegedly being a 'Naxalite' (a political creed hitherto and henceforth unknown in Sri Lanka), but he was never charged. He founded the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party (SLMP). He and his party argued for peace in the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka.
Death and legend
He was shot in the head with a Type 56 Assault rifle outside his residence in the outskirts of Colombo on February 16, 1988 by Lionel Ranasinghe alias Gamini, who later confessed to the murder upon being questioned by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Ranasinghe, in a 141 page statement, confessed that he was merely carrying out orders given to him by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna ("People's Liberation Front"), an armed Marxist organization which is responsible for assassinations during the late 1980s. His death is still mourned by many people in Sri Lanka.
H.R. JOTHIPALA
Biography
Early life
Jothipala was born the first child of a middle-class family from Southern Sri Lanka. He attended St. Lawrence College in Maradana and St. John’s College in Dematagoda. Jothipala would visit tea kiosks during this period to hear music as his family didn't own a radio.
Jothipala made his debut as a playback singer on Cyril P. Abeyratne's Surathalee singing, "Siriyame Sara," in 1956. Prior to this he had recorded a song for the late Sirisena Wimalaweera's Podi Putha. This song didn't make the final cut, as the Indian film composer on the film didn't consider Jothipala's voice good enough.
Jothi has said that he contemplated taking his life when he went with his friends to watch Podi Putha and found out that his song was not included. Later when Surathalee producer Jabir A. Cader wanted to hear one of his songs to consider him for the film, Jothipala almost passed on the offer as he did not possess enough money to cut a record. He was helped out by veteran musician Stanley Omar who financed him for the sum of 35 rupees – a large amount at the time. Jothipala's song on the film, "Siriyame Sara," still remains popular in Sri Lanka. He sang the popular number under the direction of T.R. Papa at Wahini Studio in India.
Jothipala has worked with many reputed directors of Sri Lanka. In the early stages of his prolific career, Jothipala got the chance to work with prolific film maker, Lester James Peries on the movie Sandeshaya. Jothipala sang the song "Puruthugeesikara" for the film, which was composed by the legendary Sunil Santha and written by veteran lyricist Arisen Ahubudu.
Success
Jothipala was the undisputed choice in films that were made in the late sixties and through the seventies, the period during which he also began to act. Though Jothi was criticized for singing to the tunes of popular Hindi songs he also sang under the batons of Pandit W. D. Amaradeva, P.V. Nandasiri, Premasiri Khemadasa, Sarath Dassanayake and Milton Mallawarachchi.
He sang in hundreds of films including popular hits like Kasthuri Suwanda, Thushara, Sweeep Ticket, Hitha Honda Minihek, Kawuda Raja, Hondata Hondai, Wasana, Sangeetha and others. The award-winning singer also played some memorable roles in films including Ethulweema Thahanam, Sulalitha Sobani, Sujeewa, Sukiri Kella, Abirahasa, Bonikka, Shanthi and his own production Sumithuro'and "Obai Mamai".
In the music scene, no musical show was complete without Jothi in the seventies and eighties. Jothipala died in the first week of July in 1987.
Early life
Jothipala was born the first child of a middle-class family from Southern Sri Lanka. He attended St. Lawrence College in Maradana and St. John’s College in Dematagoda. Jothipala would visit tea kiosks during this period to hear music as his family didn't own a radio.
Jothipala made his debut as a playback singer on Cyril P. Abeyratne's Surathalee singing, "Siriyame Sara," in 1956. Prior to this he had recorded a song for the late Sirisena Wimalaweera's Podi Putha. This song didn't make the final cut, as the Indian film composer on the film didn't consider Jothipala's voice good enough.
Jothi has said that he contemplated taking his life when he went with his friends to watch Podi Putha and found out that his song was not included. Later when Surathalee producer Jabir A. Cader wanted to hear one of his songs to consider him for the film, Jothipala almost passed on the offer as he did not possess enough money to cut a record. He was helped out by veteran musician Stanley Omar who financed him for the sum of 35 rupees – a large amount at the time. Jothipala's song on the film, "Siriyame Sara," still remains popular in Sri Lanka. He sang the popular number under the direction of T.R. Papa at Wahini Studio in India.
Jothipala has worked with many reputed directors of Sri Lanka. In the early stages of his prolific career, Jothipala got the chance to work with prolific film maker, Lester James Peries on the movie Sandeshaya. Jothipala sang the song "Puruthugeesikara" for the film, which was composed by the legendary Sunil Santha and written by veteran lyricist Arisen Ahubudu.
Success
Jothipala was the undisputed choice in films that were made in the late sixties and through the seventies, the period during which he also began to act. Though Jothi was criticized for singing to the tunes of popular Hindi songs he also sang under the batons of Pandit W. D. Amaradeva, P.V. Nandasiri, Premasiri Khemadasa, Sarath Dassanayake and Milton Mallawarachchi.
He sang in hundreds of films including popular hits like Kasthuri Suwanda, Thushara, Sweeep Ticket, Hitha Honda Minihek, Kawuda Raja, Hondata Hondai, Wasana, Sangeetha and others. The award-winning singer also played some memorable roles in films including Ethulweema Thahanam, Sulalitha Sobani, Sujeewa, Sukiri Kella, Abirahasa, Bonikka, Shanthi and his own production Sumithuro'and "Obai Mamai".
In the music scene, no musical show was complete without Jothi in the seventies and eighties. Jothipala died in the first week of July in 1987.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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