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The Sunday Observer Golden Jubilee People of Sri Lanka |
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Dec 7 2008
`Love stands the test of time’
Athula Adikari talks about life with his wife singer Samitha Mudunkotuwa:
By Lakmal WELABADA
Athula Adikari and Samitha Mudunkotuwa are no strangers to the Lankan music audience. Let’s see what Athula has to say about themselves to `Spouse’s Mouth’....
“We warmly welcome the gossip spread about us. Bollywood people do it by their own selves in order to get more publicity. It is a well organised tactic. But, in our case we’re getting it free,” laughs Athula blending together his usual charm, mischievous and sportive looks.
“I
was a bachelor when gossip spread around that I eloped with a young female
singer who by that time was on top of the fame list. Another wonderful rumour
was spread after I got married to Samitha. My daughter was a baby at that time.
It was said that I who was drunk at a party threw my little one up for fun and
missed catching her back, and she fell and died. Third rumour cropped up very
recently, after a few months my son was born, entangling Samitha with a popular
politician. What I believe is that if you can’t live with your spouse or
partner, it’s always advisable to separate rather than suffer and live together
under one roof. That’s my policy. Samitha too knows about it. So, if she wanted
to get away from me, she could have talked about it with me and come to a
conclusion. She didn’t need to elope,” explains Athula.
Question: How does it affect your personal life?
Athula: True enough, at the beginning, it worried us. When you mature, you look at things in a different angle. What Samitha and I thought was, all these happened due to our fame. If we were just an ordinary couple, nothing of that sort would have taken place. Why should we worry about things which are not relevant to us?
Question: But, how would it affect your children as they still live in a society with a traditional frame?
Athula: My daughter is 12 years old and son is 6 years old. They are both studious, and both Samitha and I are really happy about them. We are a friendly family who have nothing to hide. So far my daughter has not inquired about the rumours that go around about her parents. Even though such talk reaches her ears, our girl will not get affected since she, sees for herself what’s happening at home, how her parents live with them. Todays children cannot be fooled easily (smiles).
Question: If you know the parties who are trying to harm your dignity, can’t you take legal action against them?
Athula: Why should we bother? We’ve been keeping quiet. They said I was drunk at a party and missed catching my baby daughter. You see, I’m a teetotaller. Also we have no time to worry about who has spread such `news’. We have more important work. Furthermore I’ve gauged the interests of such people and their mentalities. Some of them are people who have their own personal problems, and are jealous when they see a family living happily. There’s another set in society who love to entangle their names with popular characters in order to get themselves into the lime light. And some live in their own fantasy-world imagining famous characters as their lovers. Such fans who go crazy over the famous personalities try their level best to get at them and then start a love affair with them. Failing that, out of shame, their ‘love’ would changes to `hatred’ and they would go to any extent to hurt the other party. Different persons have different mentalities. What can we do about them? (smiles). Even if people see us chatting for a while with somebody of the opposite sex, soon we’ll hear gossip coupling us with that person. My daughter will soon reach my height, and I would not wonder if they say that `Athula is seen going with a girl in his car’ if they see her with me sitting in the front seat next to me in the car (laughs).
Adikari Mudiyanselage Pubudu Athula Adikari was born on March 8 in 1966 at Mahawewa in the Chilaw District to A.M. Kumaradasa Adikari and Lalitha Wickremanayaka. Famous singer Nelu Adikari is Athula’s only younger sister. Athula’s was a musical family. Though his father taught English and Science subjects at school, he loved to play music instruments and sing along with Athula’s mother who was a music and dancing teacher. The background his sister and he got since their childhood moulded them to reach the peak as of at present though they never had any intention of choosing music as their profession. Every one born to this world is gifted with some talent to live. To what height they can climb up is decided by their previous Kamma (good deeds). However much you try to divert one’s path of destiny, it won’t change. Athula’s was also a similar story. Athula studied the alphabet first at Ananda Vidyalaya, Chilaw where his mother was a teacher. He then entered Royal College, Colombo through a Grade Five Scholarship. “I was at the hostel. After a few years I had a problem in finding a place to stay. My parents who noticed that it was affecting my studies, took me back to Ananda, Chilaw, when I was in grade 9. And that was how my fate directed me towards music,” recalls Athula.
Athula studied Trinity College piano music upto grade 5. The Guitar was always an attraction. He learnt the Eastern music notes in singing from his mother. Music was his forte, Tennis and Badminton were among his few hobbies. Neil Warnakulasuriya, a guy who was a few years senior to Athula, was also from the same village, Mahawewa. Neil was at Thurstan College, Colombo, and after his exams he decided to form a band of his own. Neil and Athula knew each other since they were kids. As Athula re-entered Ananda Vidyalaya, Neil who was in search of young musicians invited Athula to join them. “My father always backed the idea, but Amma was not that happy and wanted me to concentrate on my studies more. She knew that I would neglect my studies if I started with music. However we, started our band `Sunflower’ in 1981. I was in grade 9 at that time, and joined Neil as the keyboardist,” says Athula.
`Sunflower’ which blossomed in Chilaw spread its popular fragrance all over the island within a short spell of time. Meanwhile Athula managed to sit for A/Ls in 1984, and inevitably strengthened his partnership with the band. `Sunflower’ released their first cassette in 1986. Athula was the keyboardist and had not tried his talents as a singer. But, in 1988, he tried his luck as a singer and released his first solo `Ran Palase’. Out of 12, six songs were hits. Not merely girls, but little ones, middle aged and elders soon became his fans.
If he says he has never had a crush before he met Samitha, it is inaccurate. He has had a few, he accepts. But, Samitha changed his life. “I first met her at `Janakala Centre’ when she came for a record her very first song `Ira Paya’. She had sung the song in her first teledrama where she played the main role in 1988 under the direction of Chandraratne Mapitigama. When she came to record her second song, `Rosa Puranaya’ both of them eventually developed an attraction to each other.
Samitha Kumari Erandathi Mudunkotuwa was born on January 7 in 1973 at Horana as the only child to the famous music duo, Premadasa Mudunkotuwa, the first Masters holder from Bhathkanda Music College, India and Kumari Bothota, folk singer at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
Samitha first had her education at Shripali Vidyalaya, Horana and then entered Buddhist Ladies College. She excelled in music under her parents, and learnt dancing under Piyasara Shilpadhipathy. Her father was the `Guru’ of many celebrated singers of today. Samitha being the youngest candidate, passed the Visharada exam at the age of 16 years. Unlike others, she had to face the examination for nearly two hours conducted before the Indian maestros who came to Sri Lanka as examiners. Since she was the daughter of the `Guru’ they took a longer time to come to an impartial decision about her talents.
In 1988, the famous musician, Rohana Weerasinghe who happened to be one of the judges at an All Island folk singing competition held in Colombo, was quick to recognise the talents of the pretty school going teenager Samitha who won the first prize at the competition. Until Rohana reached her residence at Horana to meet her parents to get permission for her to act and sing the theme song of Mapitigama’s newest teledrama `Ira Paya’ for which he was the music director, he didn’t know who her family was. “No wonder I had an intuition about her, not knowing she is the only offspring of the talented Mudunkotuwa duo,” admitted Rohana when talking about Samitha.
`Ganga and Nishshanka’ was her second tele drama in which she sang and acted. Lakshman Wijesekara was her music director. In 1995, after her marriage, she took part in the single episode tele `Mudiyanse Mama’ based on Martin Wickeremasinghe’s short story. Her last tele drama was `Dala Rala Pela’ directed by Chandraratne Mapitigama in 1998.
Samitha released cassettes - `Ira Paya’ (1988), `Rosa Mal Mawathe’ (1991) and `Kolompure’ (1992). `Muthu Kumari’ (1995), `Adara Sulanga’ (1998) and `Sansaranya’ (2002) were her CDs. Her talents have won her acclaim in Sri Lanka as well as abroad. Any Sri Lankan expatriate who lived here at least till the end of 1980s, cannot forget her charming pretty face and her melodious voice.Athula who broke many thousands of hearts of his female fans by tying the knot with Samitha, has also tried his talent not only in singing and music, but before the tele camera as well. Ashoka Handagama’s `Synthetic Sihinaya’ was his first tele in 1988, and Senesh Bandara’s `Arunoda Kalapaya’ (2004) was the second. Roy De Silva’s film `Salamuthu Pinna’ was his first ever experience of the Silver Screen. `Ran Palase’ (1988), `Ran Podak’ (1991) and `Sihine’ (1994) were the cassettes he has released so far. `Surya Nagare’ (1998), `Kale Ne Muthuth’ (2005) and `E-mail Kavi Kariya’ (2005) were among the CDs of his that made a hit.
`Sanda tharu mal mata gena dun’... Athula starts humming the duet he sang with Samitha for their daughter, Kavindya Devindi, composed by Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera and music by Rohana Weerasinghe on the day of her birth. `Sanda sumuduyi mudu sisilayi’, the song they sang for their son, Shane Athula will also be a hit soon.
“Samitha,” he went on to say, “to me she is just my wife who looks after my children and me. I’m really proud of her talents, and it was she who was behind my success after our marriage. She is a cool cucumber, and rarely looses her temper. I get angry a bit more,” he smiles.
“Samitha keeps a watchful eye on our children and looks after their studies and so on as I have a little time to spend with them with my busy schedules. She is a wife who never nags. Whatever she does is for the family,” says Athula.
Question: You with a sporty mischievous outer appearance, you seem to be a deep thinker.
Athula: Yes. I’m totally different from my outward appearance. From the time I was a teenager I got the opportunity to associate with friends who were more older than I. Hence I also used to think like them and eventually became mature before my age. That was why I decided to leave `Sunflower’ after my marriage as I knew it would be difficult to carry on a married life while playing in a band. It was a big risk as I was not sure whether I could survive as a soloist. Also it was a hard decision to leave my friends who were with me for so long. I gave early notice to them to find another keyboardist for the band much to their displeasure. I played with the band, on my wedding day March 25. That was my last day with them. Like that I have made decisions over what I’ve felt right. I dont like to postpone things.
Even having meals I do it on time. I have my breakfast at 6.30 am, lunch at 12.30-1.00 pm and dinner at 6.30-7.00 pm. I take my meals on time even if I’m hungry or not, to finish that session off.
Question: Your future plans?
Athula: Both Samitha and I don’t have intensive plans for the future. To make a better future for our children is our main hope. She helps out in her parents’ music institution.
Whatever the help we can render to the new comers we don’t hesitate to do it. At present I work as the music director of `Derana Dream Star’ programme on Derana TV. I’ve lined up my `A*O2’ band for that. I hope to do a musical concert and release a CD with Samitha next year. Though I have not much time to attend to charity work, both Samitha and I have taken part in many fund raising shows, especially in the campaigns for the Forces.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Nov 30 2008
'A man who achieved much success: we are a contended couple'
Thamara talks about life with Minister Bandula Gunewardhana:
Pix: Chinthaka Kumarasinghe
Bandula Gunewardhana is the Cabinet Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs; and the man of `Success', one of the famous tutors of Economics and Commerce. Apart from his achievements in his career, what Bandula has achieved in his personal life is no secret. This is what his wife Thamara has to say about him.
"He plans his life with targets. So far all his goals have been achieved. He is a man of success," claims Thamara. Homagama was the hometown of Akaravitage Thamara Jayanthi Kusumachandra who was born on October 31. What I (the writer) intends to state about Homagama specifically was the town where the bud of rose of their love blossomed. `Me Nagaraya Ma Oba munagasunu Nagarayayi....' (this is the town that we met) - sung by the famous singer Mervin Perera is the best felicitous verse I could recollect. Though the rest of the song implies a farewell between the two lovers, I quote only the first line of the verse.
Apart from being the `Gurupiya' (teacher who rendered a fatherly figure) for many lakhs of students in his Economics and Commerce tutories spread in several main towns in Sri Lanka for 25-30 years, Bandula is a beloved father of five children. His beautiful nest built with Thamara at Nugegoda is full of love and benevolence. Thamara, the captain of the ship who knows to sail `life' smoothly with peace and happiness believes that modesty and simplicity are the two essential ingredients for life. "Bandula always yearned for a big family. We are very happy and proud of all five of them," says the dedicated mother, beginning to recall her past as well.
Akaravitage Kusumachandra, a businessman who owned many shops in the Homagama town, and Pathiravithanalage Dona Premawathie were her parents. Thamara was the youngest to two elder sisters and three elder brothers. "I had my education at Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda throughout. I was boarded at a relative's place from grade three to six, as my mother found it difficult to take me to and fro to school. She had to attend to many responsibilities as my father had already passed away by that time," she reminisces.
"Amma was pregnant with me when my father's death occurred. It was a tragical death. I was born on the very day of the third month's death anniversary -`Bana and Dana' (alms-giving). However we didn't face much difficulties since we were a business family. It was our maternal uncle who looked after all our businesses until my brothers reached the age to handle them. After that it was my eldest brother who took control over everything. He even postponed his marriage until all of his siblings got married. He was very strict with us, and looked after us well.
Coincidentally
his wife also gave birth to their second child (a daughter) on the day of the
third month of my brother's death anniversary.
We missed him too," recalls Thamara. Thamara still remembers how she used to talk about her father in her imaginary world when her similar age group kids talked about their fathers. She missed the fatherly love. But, today with great respect, denotes the fulfilment in her life which she gets from her husband, and so she immensely appreciates that.
"I was not that much interested in the extracurricular activities at school. Instead, I tended to learn subjects with regard to `home economy', and followed cookery, sewing and other affiliated subjects during my school days," she smiles.
Question: He is interested in country and global economy, and you've trained yourself to handle the home economy. Well balanced! Isn't it?
Thamara: Yes (smiles). I try my best to avoid worrying him, and have managed to handle all the household chores and even the children's work. But he never fails to give me the strength in every aspect. He has laid a well planned foundation financially. Also however busy he may be, Bandula never fails to look into the education and other requirements of our children. He is a man who knows how to plan the daily activities economically.
Sumithrarachchige Don Bandula Chandrasiri Gunewardane was born on March 16 at `Sumitra Sevena', Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla, to Sumithrarachchige Don Charles Albert Gunewardane who worked as a clerk at Golden Fraizer, an English Company in Sri Lanka and Iddamalgodage Dona Wimalawathie as the second of four children.
Bandula had his education first at Subhuthi Maha Vidyalaya, Battaramulla. His father's death which occurred when he was 6 or 7 years, made his maternal grandfather, Mabula Ralahamy to takeover their father's role. So, Bandula was sent to Mavalgama Roman Catholic College in his mother's village at Avissawella electorate, where he settled down with his mother and his siblings. Through a Grade Five scholarship, Bandula entered Rajasinghe Vidyalaya, Hanwella, and then Lumbini Vidyalaya, Colombo for his A/Ls.
Lumbini did many changes in his life. It was the era in which the Lumbini Theatre Hall was used for many celebrated
events including stage dramas, literary seminars and discussions. As a result, the award winning films which marked the history of Lankan film industry, like `Suddilage Kathawa' (directed by Dharmasiri Bandaranayaka in 1983); `Siri Madura' and `Ayoma' (directed by Parakrama Niriella respectively in 1985 and 1989) came out as his productions. Bandula got the Best Producer's Awards for both `Suddilage Kathawa' and `Siri Madura' at the Sarasaviya Film Festival for the respective years.
. He knew the importance of earning and saving Cents and Rupees. He began to earn his first Rupee after sitting for O/Ls by giving tuition, and continued it until recently. Bandula entered the campus in 1975, and passed out with a BSc (Business Administration), Special Honours from the University of Sri Jayawardanepura, Nugegoda. After that he qualified for MAT (Member of Accounts Technician Association) of Sri Lanka.
Bandula who taught students very early in his life realised that there was a vacuum for reading materials in Commerce and Economics. This young man who had the intuition about the requirement penned his first book in Economics and published it in 1975. Eventually, by the time he passed out from the University he was a publisher of ten books on the subject. Some of his `comrades' who were really `worried' about his succes wrote to the Income Tax Department to look into his income, and as a result he became a taxpayer from his University days. His books were sold in thousands and thousands like hot cakes no sooner they were released to the market. Each time, the first ten thousand copies of the book was snapped up from bookshops, and the printers faced difficulties in supplying the demand. "I have been paying Income Tax since I was an university student. And now even while being in the Government, I still pay Tax and VAT to the Government," once Bandula said. So far he had written about 35-40 books on Commerce and Economy.
Question: He has written so many best-selling books on Commerce and Economy. He might have sent you some sweet love notes as well.
Thamara : (Blushes and laughs) We did exchange letters. But, ...sorry... I can't remember what he wrote in them (laughs).
Question: How did your romance begin?
Thamara: He conducted Econ and Commerce tuition classes at `Sivali', Homagama. He has been a long time friend of my brothers as well. He even attended the alms- giving we gave in remembrance of the death of one of my brothers, a Seaman who drowned during a sea bath in Greece. At that time I was doing my O/Ls. Later I joined his A/L classes as I too selected the same stream. I noticed him paying more and special attention to me at the class by giving me books and repeating the lessons until I got grasped it. One day he sent his love proposal through one of my female friends. I was bewildered as it was unexpected. I knew my secured background would not allow me to do a thing like that, and refused. But, he didn't give up. I thought he would change his mind when I kept on ignoring him. But I continued attending the class. After one year, I thought I should give him a bit of a place, and asked him to forward the proposal to my home people. As I expected, they were not that pleased at the beginning as both of us were studying. He was a campus student at that time. But we let our affair continue silently for about two years. We didn't have the opportunity to go out and meet. We both used to bump into each other at our shops at Homagama. As a routine, he paid visits there to meet my brother. After A/Ls, that was the only way we could see each other. We exchanged letters through our friends. However, our horoscopes tallied well, and we got the consent from elders after a seven-year-affair (smiles). We had to wait a bit until my elder sisters got married. We tied the knot on November 17 in 1983.
Apart from `Sussex' at Nugegoda, Bandula conducted classes in Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle and Colombo. During the exam days, he used to have his common examination classes at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo for about 10,000 students of his, for ten days annually. From 1975 to 2000, was his target of period for teaching, and then he stepped into full time politics.Bandula got himself into active politics while as a campus student joining with Dinesh Gunewardhana and his MEP (Mahajana Eksath Peramuna). He was one of the chief political orators at the MEP stage when Dinesh
contested for Avissawella at the General Election on 1977. Bandula was unanimously elected as the President of the Student Council in his very first year at the Campus. In 1989, Bandula won the Parliamentary Election on the MEP ticket, and became an MP for Colombo District. In 1998, he became a Western Province MP on the MEP ticket. In 2001, MEP joined with President Chandrika's Sri Lanka People's Alliance (PA) Government, and so too Bandula. But, after some time, along with the group who was tired of her reign, Bandula too left the PA and joined with the UNP, under which he was appointed as the Cabinet Minister of Rural Economic Development and Deputy Minister of Finance. He continued to be with the UNP MP in 2004, and re-joined the UPFA to pay his great appreciation towards President Mahinda Rajapaksa's successful endeavour in curing the prevailing wound- the twenty year period of terrorism.
At present, Bandula is writing two Sinhala dictionaries for Economics and Commerce; `Aarthika Vidyave Atuwawe' and `Vanija Vidyave Atuvava'. "I really feel sad about the present Parliamentarians as they have a very poor knowledge of the words used in these two subjects. To `respect' their views, sometimes I get up and leave the House when there's a debate. I've noticed my co-Parliamentarians often use wrong words and phrases (without knowing the actual meaning of them) when trying to explain facts in Economics and Commerce. Apart from that some even applaud or oppose things at wrong times. It's a shame for me, after being a teacher of the relevant subjects for nearly 30 years! That's why I've decided to publish these two dictionaries as a duty by myself," once said Bandula in an earlier interview with media.
Question: He has targets and plans. I think he had achieved many of them. What's next in line, in your personal life, in politics and business?
Thamara: We both want to see our children do well in life. We are very happy about them. They are studying well. Our eldest son, Chathura is in the Greenich University following a Business Management Degree in UK. Our second son, Veranjana is waiting for his A/L results. Both are Royalists. Randula will sit for O/Ls this year. Kumudumali is in Year 11. Both go to Musaeus. The youngest, Hasanjali is in Grade 5 at Visakha. My husband always tells our children that though their father does politics, his children should concentrate in studies as that's their duty. We never use government vehicles for our private use. Sometimes my sons still travel by bus. I too prefer to lie low and lead a humble and peaceful life.What Bandula always says is, Sri Lanka is a place which has a lot of entrepreneurship, but our younger generation are too lazy and they wait until things fall on to their laps, or until the government provides them things. They just are idle taking part in strikes and blaming the prevailing government or constantly being jealous with the affluent society who have come up in life, may be through hardships. There's no use in living like that.
Question: Your husband is very popular among Lankan cartoonists, and is often seen in many of the cartoon corners of newspapers.
Thamara: (Smiles) Yes! Well, Bandula is planning to hold an exhibition, a collection of the published cartoons delineating himself, early next year. What he assumes through such cartoons is that many don't realise what he tries to imply. Hence, he hopes to title it as `Handunagaththoth Oba Ma...' (if you perceive my true self....). He also hopes to offer Rs. 100,000 for the best cartoon and Rs. 50,000 for the second prize.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunda Observer Nov 23 2008
She proposed: His answer was a ‘thumb’s- up’ signal!
Fonny talks of life with once stage queen Prema Ganegoda.:
Prema Ganegoda was known as the `Queen of the Stage’ in 1960s and 1970s. She won the Best Actress Award in 1966 and in 1971 at the State Drama Festival. Among the thousands of her fans who tried to win her heart and hand, it was `Fonny’ who was the luckiest of them all.
Piya Wijaya Fonseka who returned from London on a short holiday with his `queen’, took a walk down his memory lane unwrapping many events and incidents. At one point he stops, silently memorising, the day they put their hidden feelings towards each other into words.....
Prema: Aren’t you having a girl friend?
Fonny: No.
Prema: Aren’t you wanting to have one?
Fonny: (in an unaffected attitude) I do, if I meet the right person.
Prema:
(After a few seconds, in her usual mischievous tone) What do you think about me?
Am I not suitable for you?
Fonny looked around. He felt it was not the place and time he could continue a topic like that. He was applying Vaseline cream prescribed by a Homeopathy doctor on Prema’s rash which had spread all over her body making the beauty queen to look like an `ugly duckling’.
After being silent a while concentrating a lot on what he was attending on, he spoke. “I’ll tell you in ten minutes,” he said while getting up to go to the well near by to wash his hands. The ten minutes seemed a long time for poor Prema.
Fonny was her best friend upto this time. She never felt the gender difference between them as he was so close to her and her family as a friend, a relative, a brother. “Aiyo, what a foolish thing I did? In case he doesn’t have any idea in me I would lose his friendship too. How can I face him now? He’s comes from a good family, and might think I’m trying to get at him by force,” she thought.
The so called `ten minutes’ he was taking at the well, for her was like many hours. He was the most loyal friend and the kindest human being she had ever met. Apart from his friendship, often she saw a brother and a father in him. Prema who had been facing a tough and rough life since her childhood felt his assistance like a shower of drizzle on her life.
Fonny came in to the house after a shower. He peeped into the sitting room and saw some neighbours and relatives who had come to see the sick, Prema and her paralysed mother. All were having a chit-chat. He knew Prema was waiting for his answer. He had to indicate it to her without letting the others know.
“Prema, what you asked me, is OK,” said Fonny showing the thumps up signal. Prema felt relieved. At least he didn’t think bad about her. And at the same time a strange feeling which she never had towards him before, over came her. Her rosy cheeks looked more blushed. She felt shy. Here after, Fonny was not just going to be her friend, but her fiance. “She says it was the first time she felt shy over me as a male,” smiles Fonny.
Prema Ganegoda was born on April 24 in 1947 at Kirindiwela, Gampaha to Simon Ganegoda, paddy farmer and Ensohamy Peiris as the youngest to two elder brothers. Her eldest brother, Gamini Ganegoda took part in Sugathapala Senerath Yapa’s award winning short film `Minisa saha Kaputa’ (The man and the crow).
Prema though born in Gampaha was brought up at her mother’s little house at Kirula Road, Narahenpita. First she had her education at Hinggings College (now Musaeus College), Colombo upto Grade 5, and then was admitted to Parakkramabahu Maha Vidyalaya, Mahawatta, Colombo since she found it was convenient for her to attend to a school that was close to her place. The age gap between her and her two elder brothers were 28 and 21 years respectively.
Hence the age difference between Prema and her eldest niece was two years. She faintly remembers her father who was fair and handsome. He rarely paid a visit to their place at Narahenpita, and stayed mostly in his village. It was her mother, Ensohamy who took all the responsibility of looking after her lovely little cute daughter who was born to her after many many years.
Ensohamy’s sole income was a catering business. Her tasty lunch that served at her little sitting room was the most popular self service food outlet among all walks of workers at the Labour Department, Survey Department and the CTB which were just opposite to their place.
Prema continued to go to school and Sunday School, and took part in many extra curricular events and activities organised, but had paid a little interest in studies. “Actually, with all the work load she had to attend, she had no time to study.
When she came home she had to help her Mum and had hardly any time to do her home work,” butts in Fonny. However, the active little Prema was so energetic, that she never felt all that was a harassment. Instead she faced it with her usual benevolent mischievous smile.
Meanwhile Heen Baba Dharmasiri, a leading dancing Master came to Prema’s school as the dancing teacher. His meeting was the juncture that laid the foundation for Prema to change her life. Prema started attending his private dancing classes for three days and also a night English class on other two days of the week which was held from 6.00 to 8.00pm.
The Master who recognised Prema’s talents took her to all his dancing shows held everywhere in Colombo and even at foreign High Commissions and Embassies. However, whilst attending to all her busy schedules Ensohamy was protectively behind her daughter.
In 1950, Heen Baba arranged a dancing show at Lumbini Hall, Colombo to raise aid for the people who were affected by a cyclone. Popular dramatist Sugathapala de Silva was also among the audience. “Your performance was superb. Would you like to act in a stage drama?” he asked.
“I haven’t taken part in any. So, I don’t know what acting is,” she answered innocently. The dramatist looked at the innocent school girl who was fifteen years old. He then turned to her mother whom he managed to convince. It was how Prema Ganegoda was introduced to the popular stage in Sri Lanka.
Ralex Ranasinghe (popular actor Tony Ranasinghe’s elder brother) who was one of the leading photographers during that era zoomed his camera lens to catch the little Barbi queen’s enchanting beauty for the cover page of leading local Magazines.
`Thattu Geval’ (The Flats) was her first performance with famous actors and actresses like Tony Ranasinghe, G.W. Surendra, Wickrema Bogoda and Kanthi Weeraratne. The premiere show of the drama was held at the Lumbini Hall in 1963. And it was a great hit which soon went around the island. Since then the teenage stage queen also became a member of Sugathapala de Silva’s `Ape Kattiya’, the famous cream of the performance artistes (lyric composers, musicians, stage decorators and so on) in Sri Lanka.
Sugathapala de Silva’s `Bordinkarayo’ (The Boarders- 1963), `Harima Badu Hayak’ (based on a French play -1964) and the Best Actress Award winning stage drama `Hele Nagin Doon Putha’ (based on the English play called `Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ - 1964); Dharmasiri Wickremaratne’s `Handata Banda Iniman’ (1967) and `Onna Babo Athinniya’; Namel Weeramuni’s `Nattukkari’ (The Dancer - 1970); R.R.Samarakoon’s `Ahasin Vatunu Minissu’ (1971) and Simon Navagaththegama’s `Gangavak, Sapaththu Kabalak saha Maranayak’ (1971) which won her the Best Actress of the year award for the second time were the dramas which were staged round the island breaking all Box Office records.
Prema Ganegoda was the bubbling star in that golden era of the Lankan stage. Many articles about her inborn talents on the performing stage were well acknowledged by prominent critiques of the country both in Sinhala as well as in the English media. But still Prema was the little mischievous lass of her mother who never broke her routine to get up early in the morning and then to help her out in all her work.
After the performance on the stage, she would receive bouquets and bouquets of flowers. Prema who used to accept them with a broad smile, would then run backstage to collect her coconuts and other provisions she had stocked after marketing before the drama started. She would then stuff them into a taxi and take them home. By that time, her mother was too old and feeble to do marketing alone, though she never let her catering business go down.
Prema won only two Best Actress’ Awards not because she had any competition with any other actress, but because the State Drama Festival was held only twice in her era, in 1964 and 1971. Until she left the country in 1971, Prema was the only leading actress on the Lankan stage drama.
Apart from that Prema took part in a few films as well - `Kinkinipada’ directed by Douglas Kothalawala (1964), Rubi de Mel’s `Pipena Kumudu’ (1966), Yasapalitha Nanayakkara’s `Vasanthi’ (1966) and Dr.Linus Dissanayaka’s `Ves Gaththo’ (1970).
Prema’s
eldest brother lived in Kelaniya and the other brother lived close to her place
at Narahenpita, and with her mother and brother assumed that looking after her
brother’s children were also part of her duties. So, going to school became just
a routine in her life. However she could only go up to O/Ls. Her father who was
separated from her mother died in 1964.
Much as she had earned fame, Prema had no idea the importance she gained in this country. She was just the humble and mischievous lass still. Piya Wijaya Fonseka alias Fonny who was boardered in Colombo and studying at Ananda College, Maradana was one of the fans of stage dramas. Fonny was the best artist and decorator at Ananda College at that time.
Inheriting the talent through his maternal uncle Bernard Lokuge, a popular Pandol artist in Sri Lanka, Fonny did all the stage decorations and other decor at school functions and festivals. His other forte was not to miss a single drama staged at that time. Among them he felt more inclined to see the dramas of Prema.
Eventually he became a close friend of the backstage crew. Where ever the drama crew went Fonny also went with them. Ensohamy who protected her daughter, didn’t mind sending her alone with Fonny as he had won her trust to the maximum point. It was the time that she fell ill.
The rash she got was a terrible attack both to her career and mentality. Ensohamy who was badly affected over her daughter’s illness ended up becoming paralysed. Both the mother and daughter were taken to Prema’s eldest brother’s home at Kelaniya.
By this time, Fonny who finished his A/Ls was offered a job at the same company he was in and out learning things there as a hobby since he was a kid. He was doing well. The faithful `friend’s’ attachment towards Prema never failed even though she looked sick and ugly. Instead it was he who came forward for their help.
“I not only applied medicine on Prema, but also used to apply oils on Prema’s paralysed mother. She was highly worried about Prema. On the same day I declared my love to Prema, I promised her mother that I would marry and look after her daughter. Believe me, within a week, ailments of both of them disappeared.
Then they came back to Narahenpita and even re-started their catering business. I never thought my words could do such a miracle!” laughs Fonny.Hewa Fonsekage Torrington Piya Wijaya alias Fonny was born on November 18 in 1946 to H.F. Lenty Fonseka, School Principal who later became an Inspector of Schools and Lokuge Baby Nona, a school teacher at Ambalangoda.
Fonny was the fourth of the five members in his family. He first had his education at Dharmashoka at Ambalangoda and then at Ananda College, Colombo. He was a good athlete who even played for the Ananda College Cricket team for sometime. His two brothers and two sisters went up continued their studies with the guidance of their study oriented father. It was only Fonny who found a job and then decided to settled down with his `stage queen’ heart throb.
“Getting permission from parents of my background for a marriage as a young man of 21 years was not at all an easy thing. None of my elder siblings were married then. But, however, all of them knew my affair with Prema, and since she was an actress, my parents too had common doubts over her. The charming, humble and benevolent ways of Prema didn’t take much time to win her strict in-laws.
“It seemed that Prema brought sunshine to my family. Fonny, Prema and their elder son, Vibhava Hasantha went to England in 1971. Fonny had been working as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician at the British Airways until today. Their second son, Thumula Udara was born in 1981 in UK.
“Vibhava did a Financial Management Degree in the London School of Economics. Fonny and Prema have been the most popular couple who have been rendering silent service to many Sri Lankans, especially those in the art field, by providing them shelter at their place on many an occasion. Apart from that the service they do through organising the cultural events in UK to maintain the identity of Sri Lankans should be applauded.
Once a bubbling actress, Prema continued her hard working capacity even in UK. Since 1976, she first worked as a machine operator at the United Biscuits for 5 years, then as a Care Assistant at an Elders’ Home for 10 years and thirdly owned their own small Super-Market for 12 years.
“Working at the Elders’ Home was the most enjoyable time in her life,” says her husband. “She loves elderly people. Most of her friends in UK were adults. Some of them she really took care of,” he says.
“I think,” pauses Fonny...”I think I’m extremely lucky to have a wife like Prema. She is a wonderful woman; excessively kind hearted and humble; clever and apt in any household chores; very clean and perfect whatever she does. Preparing a meal alone for forty or sixty people is not at all a problem for her.
She has got that training by working with her mother since she was a child. We never had a problem in our family life. Helping and entertaining others has been the hobby of both of us, and we will be continuing that, even in the future. We have been in UK for the past 37 years, and hope to settle down in Sri Lanka very soon. We’ve already bought a house at Battaramulla,” says Fonny.
“Our two sons are the two jewels in our life. Whatever happening takes place in their lives we will be there for them. We assume it’s the duty by the parents to stand by their children in both the good times and bad times of their life,” he concludes.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Nov 16, 2008
'Work has been our passion'
Prof. Kshanika Hirimburegama talks of life with Dr. Kumara Hirimburegama:
"When you work genuinely, you'll have a hundred enemies, but there'll be one powerful person allowing you to do the good work," was her father's theory in life for his five daughters whom he was proud of. The five girls who are equally educated, and outstanding personalities have made history with their exceptional and rewarding services rendered to the country. The Colombo Vice Chancellor, Prof.Kshanika Hirimburegama is the fourth out of the five good `Little Women'.
"My father is a unique person who maintained five files for each of us. He was the best methodical person I've ever seen, who was very conscious that he was a father of five girls. My father, Dr. Punchi Bandara Sannasgala was an academic researcher on Sinhala Language, Sinhala literature, Pali and Sanskrit.. He is the author of `Sinhala Saahithya Wanshaya' in 1960s," says Prof.Kshanika.
Sannas Mudiyanselage Kshanika Kumari Sannasgala was born in 1958 to Dr.Sannasgala of Haputale and Nalini Ratnayaka of Katugastota, Kandy. Nirupamal, Maheshika, Manori, Kshanika and Thushani are the five girls. "Both Nirupamal and Maheshika are in the legal profession and Manori and Thushani have chosen the Medical field for their professions. Maheshika is in Canada and both Manori and Thushani are in the UK now," says Kshanika.
The five were all Visakhians right throughout, and were born and bred at their residence at Lake Crescent, Colombo 2, near Gangarama Temple. Their mother was a housewife who devoted her whole life to providing a secure background for the five daughters. Their father valued all his daughters equally and decided to give his valuable house to all of them. While letting the main mansion remained as the base, he put up two storeys dividing them into four apartments so that all his five daughters could reside with their families.
Kshanika's family history runs far back in the Lankan history line which comprises many prominent personalities who rendered their intellectual services to the betterment of the country. The last President of the Senate of Ceylon, A.Ratnayaka who was among the first Cabinet members before Independence, was her maternal grandpa.
Though
in the category of 'highly intellectual,' Dr. Sannasgala, was an extremely
modest and simple man who loved his village a lot. "We spent every school
holiday at Haputale with our father and his relatives. My father let us be
around with the villagers, and we really enjoyed breathing the fresh village
breeze running and walking across the muddy `Helmalu' paddy fields and green tea
estates. Out of the five, Maheshika and Manori were twins. It was both of them
and I who were together always, more than with the eldest who paid little
interest to all mischievousness, and the youngest who was seven years younger to
me was too small for our company," she smiles. "But even out of the three, it is
I who enjoyed the village food most,"recalls Kshanika.
The Sannasgala girls rarely got the chance to go out for a party. The secured background provided for them however made them to get attached more to books. "More than anything else we had all the newspapers and books at home. We read a lot. It was our father's passion too, and it was he who geared us towards reading. He used to get up at 4 O'clock in the morning, get his tea ready by himself and then started reading and writing. It was he who took us to school and dropped us back. I went by bus for the first time when I was in grade 8," she smiles.
Kshanika entered the Colombo University in 1977, and Specialised in Botany. She then entered the Post Graduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), Peradeniya and passed out in 1985 with her Masters in Agricultural Sciences. The studious Kshanika who had very little time to think over `falling in love' which was common among campus students, received Cupids arrow during this period. So whilst attending to her higher studies, Kshanika decided to let romance too enter into her life.
Dr. Wijaya Kumara Hirimburegama was born on November 4, 1952 to Simon Hirimburegama, Village Headman of Hirimbure, a village in Galle, and Mrs. T. Amarasinghe Hirimbure, the eldest to two sisters and two brothers. His two brothers are today, a Bank Manager in Galle and a District Judge respectively, while one sister lives in Australia and the other is in Kandy.
Dr. Hirimburegama though the eldest in the family was the most mischievous out of the lot. He had his education at Richmond College, Galle.
Question: What are the special extra curricular activities and sports events you got involved in when you were schooling?
Dr. Hirimburegama: We are from the village. From the time we returned from school, we had enough and more `sports' to do. We worked hard in our paddy fields and so on. We never stayed at home, and could be seen all over the village. Unlike today's children who've got stuck with tuition, we had a carefree life throughout, which later helped me immensely in my career. Still my parents are there, in the village. We were exposed for free thinking, be independent and take up risks. My father was strict, and it was my mother who encouraged us to try out everything, including plucking a fruit or coconut from a tree, chopping fire wood and so on. She always used to tell `Kollek unama hema dema dana ganna ona' (a boy should know to handle anything). All this childhood experiences moulded me to be a man who loves the field and research work. I'm an independent body who also believes in the independence of others as well.
Question: Even of your wife?
Dr. Hirimburegama: Yes, of course! We operate at the same university as two independent bodies. I don't interfere with her work nor she does with mine. But, in case if we need assistance we are there for each other. I think the Asian woman has a bigger say in society than the woman in the Western World however much they say they fight for gender equality. We got the first lady Prime Minister in this country. Aren't our mothers have a say which goes along with respect towards her in our family units? They do. Problems arise between the husband and wife due to lack of understanding cum inferiority compelled and jealousy. We see this even among the educated. But it's all about how you look at life. Both should share equally the responsibilities as well as the leadership in the family unit. Sometimes, both my wife and I too have different flow of opinions, and through that we learn from each other. We have to take things in such a spirit, and should not develop them to an emotional crisis between the spouses.
Dr. Hirimburegama entered the University of Peradeniya for his BSc in 1973. His post graduate study was a mixture of Micro-biology, Agronomy and Soil-biology. He assisted his supervisor Prof. S.A. Kulasuriya, and spent nearly seven years on his PhD, attending the researches at Maha-iluppallama, Ambalantota and Bombugala on several projects on paddy and other food crops, and obtained his PhD from Peradeniya in 1987. He stayed in Vienna, Austria nearly one and half years on a study programme of International Atomic Energy, and his PhD.
Dr. Hirimburegama who has been rendering his untiring services through his research work, claims he is a person who doesn't care about seniorities and promotions. He too joined the Botany Department of Colombo University, and has been in the process of continuing his research work, specialising in Microbial-and Agro Biotechnology, Coil Microbiology and fertility, Nuclear techniques in Agriculture and Biology, Agro-Biotechnology, Plant Virology, Industrial Biotechnology, Academic Management including Bioethics and human Resource Advancement. Since
December,
2005, he has been the Director of the Institute of Human Resource Advancement of
University of Colombo. If I have to note down all the designations and the tasks
and work he is involved with, I (the writer) might have to hire one whole
newspaper! The service oriented gentleman has this to say as his message to the
younger generation, "We have been working hard, not in Air Conditioned offices,
but in the field, doing researches and so on. We've been doing all that as a
service and not money oriented. Work hard with love and not for money. Also
study and do something new something not done by others. Our country needs more
and more of ardent research workers if we are to reach the target to develop
this country."
Question: Give a brief account of the work done by the Institute of Human Resource Advancement?
Prof. Hirimburegama: We offer the Bachelor of Labour Education, a university level education for working people.
When you think `labour', you may get a wrong idea. Not only the `coolies', but the professionals too are `labourers' labouring some task. The new concept for this is `Knowledge Workers'. As an example, the labourers we had at Port are now Crane-Operators as the merchandise is being moved by cranes. So they should have the `knowledge' to operate the cranes.
Question: (Zooming back to Prof.Kshanika) How did your marriage get finalised?
Prof. Kshanika: We both were at Peradeniya doing our Post Graduates courses. We had met once. He went to Vienna after that. Once he came back that he came out with the proposal through his parents to mine. I wanted it to happen like that as my father was very particular about every little detail. We got the consent of both parties, but the very week after they came to see me I had to leave to Belgium for my PhD, at Catholic University in Leuven. Only after one year I came back for two weeks for my wedding in 1986. We got married, and both went back to Belgium. And we never went on wedding visits we are yet to do it and we still look for time for that (laughs).
Question: Life in Belgium?
Prof. Kshanika: We both were in the same university, but two different laboratories. We worked all seven days. Since my Professor was researching on the Banana, I got the exposure to all aspects of this fruit. There was a huge Green House with different types of bananas, in which I felt like I was in Sri Lanka. I loved that place. It was I who watered the plants during the weekends and holidays.
Question: Both of you are a lot into your careers, aren't you?
Prof. Kshanika: We both are career oriented and service oriented couple. My husband is a sober character, but has a different aspect in his thinking. Like my father, his passion is also reading. He is very rational, very co-operative, tolerant, but very tough. If he takes a decision, very rarely would he change it and I never try to do so. He is totally involved in his work. I too got adjusted to this. However, work is my passion as well. As a message I can tell you this, however much you are big in your position, your husband is the `Boss' at home. Generally, a man does not like to be commanded. I'm handling 10,000 students in the Colombo University. I'm the VC only at the University, and not at home (smiles). The simplicity I adopted from my father, has been inculcated in me. We are parents of two sons. Both are Royalists. The oldest is doing A/Ls, and is into Chess. The second is in the O/Ls and is a good Scout. They'll be also very dutiful, but don't know whether they'll be workaholics like us (smiles). They value our work and rarely complain about their parents' busy lives. Though I'm away, I know where they are and what they are up to, may be not totally but mainly...(smiles). They both are School Prefects.
Question: After coming back to Sri Lanka in 1989, how has your life flowed through?
Prof. Kshanika: I joined the Botany Department in Colombo campus as a Senior Lecturer in January, 1990, immediately started the research on Tissue Culture, especially on Bananas. We've managed to develop the Tissue Culture technology for Banana and transferred the technology to the rural sector. I'm happy to work with the farming community and to see them being benefitted by it. We have the potential of importing bananas, and have done experiments at an institution at Weligatta, Hambantota, where the opportunities are given to the young enthusiastic farmers to gain knowledge. They can pursue their higher studies on this following the certificate and diploma courses that we conduct on-line and multi-mode delivery systems. I should mention about General Anuruddha Ratwatte and the present Minister of Irrigation, Water Management and Port and Aviation, Chamal Rajapaksa for their initiation and constant co-operation.
My personal opinion is that this is a country which has intellectual, natural resources and all the other potential which is needed for the development; especially of the agriculture and agro based industry. What we need is good leadership, which I think is in the right direction now. Prof. Kshanika is the fourth lady Vice Chancellor (VC) in Sri Lanka. Prof. Savithri Gunesekara was the VC-Colombo Campus, and both Prof. Uma Kumaraswamy and Prof. Nandani de Silva were the VC at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Prof. Kshanika became the VC, Colombo Campus on January 2, 2008
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Nov 2 2008
‘Mahela is my first and last love’ Christina speaks of life with Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Mahela Jayawardena:
“The very first time, my father saw Mahela on TV in a Cricket Match, he had a premonition. He told my Mum `that’s the guy whom Christina would get married one day.’ I was far away in India at that time, and has not heard of anybody called Mahela at that time,” recalls Christina.
“He pestered me for nearly one year as I was not at all interested in having a serious affair since I had just started to work. Now he says he gets pestered by me,” she laughs revealing her eight year love affair with her husband Mahela Jayawardena, the Captain, Sri Lanka Cricket Team.
Christina, facing her first interview with media exclusively for the Sunday Observer - `From the Spouse’s Mouth’ has many thoughts to share.
Feeding him with delicacies prepared to Eastern, Western style or whatever recipe that comes to her hands is her favourite hobby. “Fortunately he burns them all, otherwise Mahela tends to end up in having high cholesterol level,” she went on with her usual serious cum charming grin, “But, I think he needs energy to bat as well”...
Christina Sirisena was born on February 12 in 1981, to Sri Lankan - Danish
parents; Gamini Sirisena, a planter whose home town was Heerassagala, Kandy and
Marianne Pertersen of Denmark. “Both my older brother and I were born in
Denmark. I was two years when we first came to Sri Lanka with my parents on a
holiday. We settled down here permanently in 1990,” she says. 
“How my parents met each other is also an interesting story. My paternal family had been planters. When my father was about 19-20 years, he had decided to roam around the world. It was late 1960s. My father was a huge Elvis fan.
Once he was in France and wanted to fly to Las Vegas to see Elvis. But, for some reason he had found out that the particular flight was getting delayed, and decided to take the flight to Denmark. Both my Mum and Dad had worked at the same place, and that was how it ended up in them getting married,” recites Christina.
Her father returned home with his Danish family and settled in Kandy. Christina and her brother’s mother tongue was Danish. The first few years of their schooling was in Denmark.
Since their father wanted to bring up his two children according to the Sri Lankan traditions, he entered them to schools to study in the Sinhala medium; Christina to Holy Cross and her elder brother, Alex to Trinity.
“Dad always used to talk with us either in English or Sinhala since we were in Denmark. He thought it would make us easy to catch up the two languages, though we always answered to him in Danish,” she says.
Question: You speak English extremely well. How’s your Sinhala?
Christina: My Dad’s endeavour to make us study in Sinhala was not a success though he tried to give us tuition and so on. My brother and I then entered Kandy International School and we went up to O/Ls. We could speak Sinhala to a certain limit, but unfortunately unable to write or read.
Alex went to Switzerland to do a Hotel Management Course. He lived there for 5 years, via Germany moved to Denmark and settled down their after getting married to a Czech girl (Czech Republic). Alex is a Dad now. My two-year-old nephew speaks, Danish, English and Czech. My parents though live here, they speak Danish at home.
Question: Did you continue your higher studies?
Christina: I did my A/Ls at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, India. It was the period when I added experience to my life in abundance. I was in the hostel. I could say, I grew up a lot when I was there. I made my best life long friends there. Both my brother and I have been very close to Mum and Dad.
The hostel life made me mature and quite independent. Got the chance to travel a bit around India. The College which was run by Carmalite nuns was very strict. This taught us discipline and to be more methodical. Unfortunately I didn’t go for the degree. However, I was not that much of a study person. I stayed in India for two years, and I felt that was enough.
One month after Christina returned home, her father who saw an advertisement in a newspaper, asked her to apply for it as an Air Stewardess in Air Lanka (SriLankan Airlines). “I applied and got it. I was under training. It was the end of 1998. And it was the time I met Mahela for the first time,” she recalls.
Denagamage Prabath Mahela de Silva Jayawardena was born on May 27, 1977 at Mulleriyawa to Senerath Jayawardena, a Technical Officer at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Sunila de Silva. The biggest traumatic tragedy in his family occurred in 1994, when Mahela’s one an only sibling, his younger brother, Dishal died due to a brain tumour.
“I’ve heard that both Mahela and his brother were very close to each other as they had only one year difference in age. Mahela says Dishal also played Cricket and would have been much better batsman than him. Both were Nalandians,” butts in Christina.
Mahela entered Nalanda Cricket at the age of 11 in 1988. He did a bit of school athletics until he was 15 years and gave up when he realised his interest was only for Cricket. Mahela captained the school team (under 19) in 1995, and entered the National team in 1997. “And it was this period that I started flying,” breaks in Christina.
“I wanted to enjoy my life at Air Lanka. I love travelling, and have really enjoyed my life there. I wanted to see the world, and not to have serious love affairs which would tie one down. I met him through Cricketer Avishka Gunewardane, whose was my friend as well.
From the day Mahela saw me he was interested in me and kept on calling me and pestering me. It went on for nearly one year. Since the nag was intolerable I thought of giving it a try”, laughs Christina.
“Both our families were very open minded. I must say a word or two about Mahela’s parents. Though they were conservative and old fashioned they were so open and warmly welcoming, and gave us all the freedom we wanted. After I left Air Lanka I worked for a UK travelling company for three and half years.
My job was to arrange holidays between Sri Lanka and Maldives. Since it’s totally net work based company I had time to travel along with Mahela. I gave up that also in 2007, in order to give my full co-operation to him. Mahela and I carried on for so long - nearly eight years. We wanted to know each other first.
We were together and I even travelled with him when he went abroad. I had to travel and stayed separately as only wives and not girl friends were allowed to be with the team. Still we didn’t mind. None of the parents worried us to get married. It was our sole decision to get married, and that was when we thought it was the right time to settle down. We got married on November 3, 2005,” she recalls.
Question: Wow!, Happy Wedding Anniversary, Captain Mahela and Christina for your third year anniversary which falls tomorrow! Accept the wishes from our staff and readers as well. When are you going to think of adding the third member to the family?
Christina: Mahela would have a baby even tomorrow if he could. He loves children. Hmmm... I should think about it too. I sometimes feel that I’m still not prepared for that. However, tell the Sunday Observer readers that we’ll give it a serious thought. (laughs).
Question: You rarely miss his matches, and could be seen at the pavilion giving all your moral support to him. Hope you would be seen soon with a cute bundle, (colour is immaterial, whether it’s `Pink’ or `Light Blue’) cheering him at his future matches. All the Best!
Christina: Thank you! (laughs)
Question: Don’t you miss Denmark?
Christina: I’ve been in Sri Lanka quite a long time. I do love both countries. My maternal grandma still lives in Denmark. My parents go and stay with her for a few months as an annual routine. I too try to go there every year since my brother lives there.
In their white mansion at Pelawatte, Battaramulla, Christina and Mahela benevolently spend their life in peace. The green garden is marginalised with a small pool, and the wire mesh through which the scenario of the Parliament of Sri Jayawardanepura and the serene city of Battaramulla could be viewed. The big antique hanging in their dinning room depicts `Devas’ (gods) worshipping `Salumina Seya’ adds a bit of colour and a serene mood to the simple spacious atmosphere. “This was found from a temple affected by the Tsunami.
Its a bit damaged, but still has it’s value. Both my father and I love antiques. We moved to this place recently. There’s a lot more to be done,” she says.
Question: What faith or religion you follow?
Christina: I’m a Buddhist. My father even though he was a ardent Buddhist, never restricted me or my brother to follow one religion. When we were in Denmark, we went to the Church. And, here, we go to Buddhist temples and even to the Kovils. I respect all faiths and religions. Also I believe that as long as you don’t harm anybody and lead a good life hat’s a blessing that showers upon you. Even the Buddha has taught it. I don’t think afar, and I take each day as it comes. I live for the moment and enjoy life. I’m a very methodical person, and Mahela thinks sometimes it’s too much.
Question: Your pastimes?
Christina: Both my brother and I were good swimmers. I even swam for the National team representing Sri Lanka in South Asian Games in 1992. Unfortunately I didn’t win, and gave up as the training was in Colombo and we were living in Kandy at that time. It was strenuous. I don’t believe in getting involved in things are not interesting.
I read a lot, anything that comes to my hands, except
science fictions as I don’t exhaust myself thinking about the future predictions. I’m a person who prefers to live only for today. I love photography. My grandma is a good photographer. Apart from that I like shopping, and to organise get togethers with our friends. Actually, we do a lot of entertainment.
Question: You seem to easily give up on things. For example; your studies, jobs and even sports. What do you think about marriage which is based on give and take policy?
Christina: I agree with you. That’s why Mahela and I waited so long to get to know each other. Nothing is perfect in this world. We also have ups and downs, but I believe those make life more interesting, and otherwise it would just flow monotonously. Both husband and wife should be able to give and take equally, and it’s unfair to expect only one party to work for it.
Question: Mahela, as a husband?
Christina: Extremely loyal, honest and very generous. Also lazy, neglectful, and I cannot ever expect him to replace anything what he takes up. Extremely messy (laughs). Those are the things that make me angry. I have got my father’s temperament. My mother is a cool person. Mahela, in that case never gets angry. I hardly see him even raising his voice.
In his sports world, Cricket is his first love, Golf becomes his second love. Oh! sometimes I too walk with him along all the 18 or 19 holes in the Golf Court. He tries to provoke me also to play Golf, but I don’t think it fits with me (laughs). His mother says he has been holding the Cricket bat since he was a two-year-old. He has had no other hobbies (no time actually) other than for Cricket.
Question: You said something about your father’s prediction of Mahela and you.
Christina: He had seen Mahela on the TV first at a match played in Galle. I was in India at that time. His premonition was told to us by my Mum after Mahela and I got involved. Also there’s another interesting story. We were celebrating Mahela’s birthday at his parents’ place. I just sent a SMS to my Grandma in Denmark saying about it. In return, I got one from her saying that co-incidently, it was her grandmother’s (my great great grandmother’s) birthday as well.
And after a few minutes, she sent another SMS saying that she had found that her grandfather’s (my great great grandfather) birthday fell on my birthday. We all were shocked! It was a pleasant surprise I’ve ever had. My great great grandparents were born on the same day that of mine and Mahela.
Question: One can affiliate it to one’s re-birth. Do you believe so?
Christina: Yes, it could be. Mahela is my first and last love.
Hope Cancer Hospital, the dream of Mahela after his brother’s death, is still under construction at Maharagama. “It was started in 2002. I have been helping Mahela’s father in raising funds. It’s a separate body from the Maharagama Cancer Hospital, but comes under Ministry of Health. We hope `Hope’ will be real soon,” hopes Christina.
Question: As the final question, I would like to ask how do Air Stewardesses enchant so many Cricketers like this? A number of Cricketers have married Air Hostesses? What’s the secret?
Christina: (laughs) You better ask them. But Mahela got involved with me only when I was under training and not as an Air Hostess. I loved him not as a Cricketer, but as who he was. We hardly had time to meet each other in our first two years as I was flying and he was fully involved in his matches. I do understand his lifestyle as a Cricketer. That’s the secret that keeps us going.
50 Years...Sunday Times Oct 26 2008
After fifty years....
Nostalgic memories of a surveyor:
I am encouraged to write a few liens regarding the strenuous life we spent when I heard over the radio that Medirigiriya now has a school, a police station, a post office and other Government institutions and is represented in Parliament.
It
was in 1957 that we were sent to engage on Kavudulla Extension Engineering
Surveys.
Eight of us surveyors were detailed to attend to this work. There were no houses and the whole area was in jungle land. We were provided with tents and my camp was sited in close proximity to Medirigiriya Watadage.
In those days transport facilities were poor. Very often we were forced to walk a distance of about 8-12 miles to visit the nearest town, Hingurakgoda.
During weekends and occasionally on weekdays, pilgrims visit Medirigiriya and if you are lucky you will be able to travel to Medirigiriya or Hingurakgoda as the case may be. The road to Medirigiriya was a gravel one. As you travel from Hingurakgoda, you will have to pass two hamlets, Kaudulla and Diwulankadawala. The latter was a small village with a few families scattered. They were engaged on agriculture and cattle farming.
The entire area beyond Diwulankadawala to Medirigiriya was covered by thick jungle infested with wild animals such as the elephant, wild buffaloes, bear etc.
There was the archaeological overseers quarters near by a well for drinking water and a pond for bathing. My camp was sited in the vicinity.
The duration of our stay was for about 9 to 10 months. Provisions had to be transported from Hingurakgoda weekly either by bullockcart or by some other means depending on the availability of transport.
The technical part of the work assigned to us was the preparation of a plan showing the topographical features and a contour plan of the area which included surveying and levelling required for designing of channels, roads, housing projects and land set out for cultivation.
The work inside the jungle was fascinating, but dangerous at times. To commence this work, the survey assistants and I had to walk within the jungle, a distance of about 1/2 - 1 1/2 miles either along the traces of the paths used by animals or along survey lines cleared in advance. When we walk inside the jungle we come across open patches of jungle where we meet wild elephants, bear, wild buffaloes, jackals etc. Sometimes, these animals walk along our survey lines and obstruct our work.
Besides these difficulties we made every endeavour to complete the work whitin the estimated time. Any delay would have dragged us to work in the rainy season where I was no exception for I had to work for a few weeks during the rainy season.
Then we had to walk along the tank bunds trampled by cattle and along paths covered by water, and streams with knee-deep of water.
Even when I returned after work the life inside the tent was not happy for during daytime, there will be flies and if it is dark you are surrounded by mosquitoes and in addition I noticed that a few ticks were sucking blood from my toes.Although we had to undergo these difficulties, life inside the camps was not dull always for there were get-together parties held during weekend, the participants being surveyors, and their families held in a central camp. The sports activities included softball cricket matches and tennis and indoor games such as carrom, darts and various other games. Very often these parties went on with melodies songs till midnight.
On completion of this work some of us were sent to attend to the work on Mahaweli Ganga Project and we had to lay out the main canal trace from Primrose Hill (Kandy) to Lenadora (Dambulla).
It has to be stressed in this type of work we received the co-operation from those whom it was due and we are thankful to them.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to travel in those areas. I was happy when I saw that the cadjan structures on either side of the road are now replaced with tiled masonry houses and many of the gravel roads are now tarred roads. It is a pity that some of those who participated in these projects have passed away.
We wish them happiness in their long life of Samsara!
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Oct 19 2008
Blend of love, stardom and business
Upali speaks of life with his scintillating star wife Sabeetha:
`Hoop Soorath Aakain Vali Sabeetha’ - Sabeetha, the young woman with most beautiful eyes...; when announced in Urdu, Sabeetha got on to the stage amidst a thundering applause to receive the Special Award presented to her for the service she rendered to the Pakistan film industry by taking part in 17 Urdu films.
“At that function, only my mother was with me. I thought if my Sri Lankan fans could also see it how fortuitous I would have been,” said Sabeetha reminiscing on one of the most memorable events in her life. Her fans see her stunning beauty and the versatile talent on celluloid. Who has not got enticed to her mesmerising brown eyes?
The beauty who still could lure and steal male hearts of any age and in any walks of life, at present has diverted her life towards her family.
But, still her classy glamour in an attraction where ever she appears or whenever her name is announced. Sabeetha Perera, the famous `cats eyed’ actress who has won acclaim internationally not merely from `fans’ but also from `fanatics’ who have been charmed and beguiled by her beauty.
Fame and beauty, in many occurrences in world history resulted in failure in
personal lives. But what we are going to talk about Sabeetha is quite
contrasting. 
After being a top Star in the Lankan filmdom for nearly three decades since the age of 13, and facing many ups and downs in life Sabeetha finally found her life partner 12 years back. What does `he’ have to talk about her, who sees her as his `woman’ and not as the scintillating star in the sky?
“She is intelligent, calm and has an answer and solution for every problem that crops up in life,” says Upali getting frank about his wife. Don Upali Jayasinghe, a well known business guy; the present owner of his family business, D.P. Jayasinghe and Company; the luckiest of the luckiest to win one of the most ravishing stars in Sri Lanka begins to unfold his story of life with her.
Don Piyadasa Jayasinghe from Mathugama and Jayasekara Witharanage Leelawathie from Weligama were his parents.
“I was born on September 9 in Colombo, lived at Kotahena, Dehiwala and then at Mount Lavinia. We shifted into our nest at Sri Jayawardanapura after our marriage,” he says cleverly hiding his `year of birth’, but reveals the date of birth as he does not mind receiving a bouquet of flowers on his `birthday’. When an owner has such an enchantingly beauty wife who likes to reveal his real age? Better not!
But, all what we see from one’s outer appearance is not their real life, and could be totally different to what we imagine of them, Sabeetha and Upali; Touch Wood! May not any evil force affect them are living happily a contented life. Their eight year old son, Chandupa who studies at the British School, Colombo has a little idea of his Mum as a star and his father as a top businessman. What he experiences is their extreme love and warmth only.
“I’m the oldest of the four boys in our family. My brothers; Mangala, Ranjan and Pradeep are also running their own businesses,” begins Upali. “I studied at Ananda College, Colombo. Played Cricket for Under 13, and later was a Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board from 1996 to 1999,” he says.
Question: We’ve heard you were among the mischievous lot at school?
Upali:
(Laughs) I was. With the intention of disciplining me, once I was given the
Class Prefectship for a month when in the O/L class. But, that I could keep only
for one week. The shot I gave on another brat’s face over an unjustified act,
made my Masters to remove my Prefect Badge from my uniform. 
The brother next to me was born when I was ten years. So, until then, I was on my Mum’s lap. I relished the fullest love of my parents. My father has been a quiet and calm person. But, my Mum was an out-going benevolent character.
Question: Are you still the same `imp’?
Upali: (Laughs) Mmmm.. I’m a matured guy now. However, we’ve got a Buddhist environment since we were kids. Both my parents were pure vegetarians. They even first met each other at Sri Pada when they went there on a pilgrimage. This background assisted us to lead a charitable life throughout. Though I was the favourite of my Mum, all four of us got equal love and care from our parents.
Question: Do you see `you as a boy’ in your son?
Upali: No. He is quite different. A kind hearted and compassionate child. The first thing he does in the morning is that to find out about all the assistants at home. He goes to the watcher and asks whether he has had his morning tea. Sabeetha’s influence is on him in abundance.
After doing A/Ls in the Commerce stream, Upali followed an Auto-mobile Engineering course in the Colombo Technical College, and then entered to the Hammersmith Technical College in UK to do a higher Diploma.
“My father had come to Colombo from Mathugama with a lump sum of Rs,5000. He was in the transport business, and had bought his first lorry for Rs,1000. I still remember the lorry; `Carbery Ford’ which was a world famous brand during the second world war. We kept it until recently as a souvenir until it got rusted and wrecked down. My father diverted his Tours and Transport company to exclusive government transportation.
At present we deal with Constructions and Property Developments too. We have more than a 300 staff working with us,” says Upali.
Question: How did you first meet Sabeetha?
Upali: I once got involved in a Co-production of a Pakistan film called `Saath Sahiliya’ (Seven Girl Friends). actually, Bangladesh and India were too involved in it. But, I failed to get a copy for the screening in Sri Lanka. It was a loss of one Million. I tried to contact the Pakistani party. For this purpose, somebody asked me to get at Sabeetha as she had been involved in Pakistan films during that time. It was the first time I called her, in 1990.
Warnakulasuriya Oswatta Liyanage Sabeetha Perera was born on December 1 to the famous actor and actress W.O.L.Stanley Perera and Shri Kavilakshana Panditha Koralage Girlie Gunewardane. Sabeetha was the third of the four daughters of the famous duo. Sabeetha’s family first lived in Mount Lavinia, her mother’s home town, during which time she went to Visakha Montessori and then to Visakha Vidyalaya Colombo. Later, they shifted to her father’s home town,
Wennappuwa and Sabeetha continued her studies at Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa.
Sabeetha’s first and second appearance on the Silver Screen occurred simultaneously, when she was three years old, as the daughter of her own father, Stanley Perera in the film `Ivasana Dana’, and then as the daughter of her Mum, Girlie in the film, `Hathara Kendaraya’. However, Jayavilal Vilegoda in his film critique mentioned that the best acting that he could point out in both films were that of the small actress, and that person was none else, but little Sabeetha.
Her father became a Director with his first film `Tom Pachaya’ which he did with Roy de Silva. Sabeetha who was about 12 - 13 years were among the spectators at the shooting of the film. J.Selvaratnam who saw the charming teenager, determined to get her for his next film which was based on a teenage love. Though she was in her mid teenage, Sabeetha looked quite well built to her age. Her parents who had a hidden desire to see one of their daughters on the Silver Screen encouraged Sabeetha to accept it. After going through a hectic schedule to get permission from her Convent school which had imposed strict rules on its girls, Sabeetha faced the camera with her first lover on the screen, Jagath Rohan. Jagath was the son of veteran actor Prem Jayanth and was his first film as well.
The first shot before the cinematography camera was a nightmare as she still remembered how she heard the `lub dub’ beat of her own heart which she had to control with great endeavour obeying to the command given by the Director. She just did what he asked her to do. However, acting, shooting and films had been in her world ever since she was tiny. The Cat’s eyed teenage school girl’s inborn talents which she inherited from her parents made the film a great success. The Director who instinctively predicted his newest film was going to be a box office breaker named the film by the main actress’ name, `Sabeetha’.... And that was how another star queen was introduced to the Silver Screen. The film which was full of love scenes, however did not affect Sabeetha’s personal life as a school girl. She continued her studies while playing a role in her father’s second direction, `Sanda’. Sabeetha, was a friendly, refined and quiet bookworm who concentrated on her studies. After sitting for the A/Ls in the Commerce stream, she wanted to go for her higher studies. But, it was at this point that fate diverted her to another route. Invitations for Commercial films started flooding. Sabeetha who had learnt dancing ; ballet under Channa Wijewardane, Bharatha dancing from Padmini Dahanaike and Kandyan dancing from Rajini Selvanayagam became the most indispensable actress in the Lankan filmdom during 1980s.
Yasapalitha Nanayakkara’s film `Rosy’ turned a new leaf in her life when a Pakistan film crew who was shooting in Sri Lanka saw her and invited her to do the co-main role meant for a Sri Lankan actress in it. `Sadaakal Randeva’ (Sinhala title with the meaning of `May you live long’) based on the famous novel `Never say Good Bye’ screened in Pakistan as `Kabi Al Vidana Kena’ was the super hit both in Sri Lanka and Pakistan that year. Pakistani Director Nazar Shabab who knew it was the Sri Lankan actress that made his film the success it was almost forced Sabeetha to continue to take part in Pakistan films. This was how she ended up in acting the main roles in 17 Urdu films. Her parents, sisters, fiends and relatives who have been behind her throughout her journey shed tears of joy at her success and lamented with her when she was down and out, especially when she faced failures in her personal life. “No one is perfect. No one’s life is perfect. I’m sensitive, and would weep over the things that would fall out from my hands. But that’s all. The next minute I could stand up, close that chapter completely, and start my life again. That way, I’m a strong character. I accept all such problems as disguised blessings in life,” said Sabeetha.
“What she has said is true. She is a strong personality. I admire that a lot. Apart from that she is very sincere and caring,” approves Upali butting in. “I first met her in 1996, when she advertised her Pajero. We got to know each other for three years and got married on August 4 in 1999. I didn’t fall only for her beauty, but for her intelligence. She reads a lot, especially on Buddhism. She is an ardent Buddhist, and always says that we should not get attached to things too much. More we get attached more we invite suffering. And I too believe in that. She says that there’s a solution to every question and problem as according to the Buddhist Doctrine,” explains Upali.
`Sarasaviya’, Presidential’, `OCIC’ and `Swarna Shanka’; every film award festival has rewarded Sabeetha since the time she stepped into the Cinema. She was awarded with a Merit Award in 1980 for her role in `Aadara Geethaya’ directed by Amaranath Jayathilaka, Best Actress Award for H.D.Premaratne’s `Deveni Gamana’, the Presidential Award for the Up and Coming Actress in mid 1980s, Best Actress Awards for both `Sisila Gini Gani’ and `Podi Wije’. Sabeetha earned fame eminently in her career mainly for her enchanting acting in the Commercial films. But, Tissa Abeysekara’s `Viragaya’, Daya Wimalaweera’s `Sujatha’ and `Chaaya’ are among the films that proved her skills and talents in artistic acting which rewarded her with popular as well as critics’ awards. Apart from over hundred films she acted, Sabeetha won the Best Supporting Actress’ Award for the teledrama `Pitagamkarayo’ in the end of 1990s. In addition to them Sabeetha’s role in `Blending’, bilingual (English and Sinhala) film directed by Mohan Niyas and the two Tamil films, `Nanguram’ (Anchor) and `Isai Payanam’ (A musical Journey) are among the films that still live in the memory lane of film goers.A busy life with films was the only subject with her since she was a teenager. Once, Sabeetha said, when looked back she hadn’t had a normal life which a 15-20 year-old girl would have had. “I missed most of the things I intended to do. Not merely the higher education, but subjects like cookery, dress making, Finishing School and Interior designing which I, as an impassioned young woman liked to do. I had not even had much time to go on a trip with my family. When I see love couples walking on the street holding their hands I tend to think how I’ve missed all that free life. I had some life like that only in films. I had become a bride more than fifty times in films, but in real life only with Upali,” she once said to the Sunday Observer.
Question: After the marriage Sabeetha has been devoting her life and time for herself and family. Is she contented about her life now?
Upali: I think so. She has had all the glamour since she was a teenager. Then she wanted to lead a normal life with a good marriage. Now she is a wife and a mother. She knows her responsibilities and tries her best to devote herself for the family. Her mother is with us now. Sabeetha’s father is mostly with her eldest sister in Matara as she has needed the family support since her husband’s death. Sabeetha accepted the Unmada Chitra’s role in Jackson Anthony’s `Aba’ only after nine years. It was her decision to limit her career and not mine. I have given her freedom (smiles).
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Oct 12 2008
'Unity in a marriage lies in the woman's hand ... '
Sachi talks of her life with Dr. Athugala, Chairman - SLRC:
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me
Let there be no mourning
In the bar
When I put out to sea....
Sachi still remembers the famous verse her father used to recite sitting beside her in the open garden on starry nights, which gives the connotation; `the sea (death) calls me to come to thee. So, when I go there (when I die), those who are on the shore should not mourn over me.'
Yo Me Haththecha Padecha
Kanna Nasancha Cheda Yee
Chiran Jeevathu So Raja
Nakuth Janthi Ma Disa.....
`Maha Raj' (Great King), let you amputate all my four limbs, ears
and nose. But, I would never develop hatred towards you; instead would shower `Maithree'
(compassionate kindness) upon you'....
Shanthi Thavusa (hermit - in one birth of Gauthama Bodhisathva before he became The Buddha) who was practising `Shanthi Paaramitha' (extreme loving kindness) uttered the above verse when the King of the country he lived ordered to amputate his limbs, ears and nose to verify whether he was telling the truth. Shanthi Thavusa never had anger or hatred whatever the heinous and monstrous onslaught he had to undergo. "My father used to recite these two verses constantly and practised it till he breathed his last. He was a good Buddhist. He gave that atmosphere to us since we were kids. Except Jaffna we were taken on pilgrimage to every nook and corner of Sri Lanka. My father was the idol in my life. I emulated what he practised. So, automatically, I too absorbed his beliefs and moulded my soul accordingly," she says. "Not only to be a devoted wife and a loving mother the belief has helped me, but also to lead a hatred free, virtuous and serene life. It's difficult and is it like swimming against the flowing waters of a river. But, conquering one's mind is the biggest triumph one could ever achieve in his or her life," explains the wife of Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
Question: How do you apply your religious beliefs to lay life?
Sachi: I'm well organised. If one treads a good path, no evil can enter one's life. Thanks to my husband who never asks me what's happening to the monthly pay packet he hands over to me (laughs). He knows I won't waste a cent unnecessarily on clothes, cutex and lipsticks, but only on some charity work. That he silently approves. he's still a very quiet person who uses his words economically (laughs). I've never seen him in a peevish mood. Even if he gets irritated, the best way he shows it, is being in unbearable silence which is like a whiplash of a thousand words (laughs). He used to be a bit radical in his thoughts and fought against injustice. Once this quality of his made him to lose his job too. But, today I see a much different person in him (smiles).
Croupade Swetha Sachi Ratnakara was born on March 26 in 1962 as the
youngest to one brother to a genius duo, Professor Thilak Ratnakara and Sriya
Ratnakara. Her brother, Pragathi chose his career in Management in the private
sector. Sachi, grew up in a well secured environment filled with love and
compassion. Her mother's village, the beautiful Heerassagala, Kandy still
remains in her memory lane as a mesmerising melody. And never did she miss a
single school holiday to spend at her maternal `Maha Gedara'. L.B. Jayasena, her
maternal grandpa who was one of the first Senate Members of Sri Lanka played a
major role in moulding her character since her childhood. However the most
effective influence was her father, Prof. Ratnakara. "He was not only my Pa, but
my best companion with whom I could share any thought of mine. He used to recite
his poetic thoughts; the prose and quotes he picked up from all kinds of
subjects he read, especially of the world literature and economics in which he
was excellently versed," says Sachi. "He was from Peradeniya Campus, and was the
Professor and the Head of the Department of Economics at the University of
Kelaniya. He became the Vice Chancellor of Kelaniya from late 1970s to 1982.
Thaththa worked at the Lottery Board for sometime and was then appointed as the
Economic Advisor to the Government of Seychelles until his death on December 1,
1990. It's a great loss!", she laments.
Shachi's Mum, Sriya Ratnakara as you all know was the first female Editor in the history of print media in Sri Lanka. "She was the Editor of `Vanitha Viththi', Sinhala women's magazine of the Times publishing group for five years since 1958, and then of the `Shree' monthly magazine of the `Davasa' newspaper group from 1963 to 1990. "`It seemed that you are married to the paper', I still remember how Thaththa used to joke about Amma's extreme devotion towards her work. But we were not neglected, and had the most beautiful childhood, a child could ever expect," she reminisces.
Sachi was a bright student at Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo who spent her time either at the dancing room, Hewisi (Eastern) Band, choir or sports ground playing tennis or practising for track relay. "She is never at the classroom," was the constant complaint heard by her mother at the Parents-Teacher Meeting. Sachi learnt dancing under Vajira-Chitrasena since she was 7 years, and even did the main role in their ballet `Nirasha'. Today's veterans Ravibandu, Samanthi and Channa Wijewardane were her counterparts.
Prof. Ratnakara who was an art enthusiast urged her beautiful daughter to shine in dancing qualifying herself in all dancing forms as much as she could. As a result she ended holding two `Arangethrams' in Bharatha Dancing under Padmini Dahanaike and then in `Kuchchipudi'
(a rhythmic Indian dancing form) under Ranga Vivekanandan. Sachi was honoured to be the first student of veteran Padmini Dahanaike to hold an `Arangethram', and also was the first Sinhala student of celebrity Ranga Vivekanandan to hold the same event. She even performed at many events at the Indian Cultural Centre. "Thaththa's dream was to send me to India to do higher levels in `Kuchchipudi'. But then during that time, the LTTE problem rose and he didn't want to send me there," she recalls.
As many parents' wish, Mrs.Sriya Ratnakara's intention was also to see her daughter study to be a doctor. Hence, to fulfil her mother's desire, Sachi chose Bio-science for her A/Ls. Her dislike against the subjects was reflects in the result sheet.
This provoked her to take her destiny into her own hands and she got through with flying colours after sitting for the A/Ls in a second shy in the arts stream covering the syllabus in 6 months.
Even at the Colombo University, she had little time to spend on the lectures, but a lot on all sorts of activities involved in the Campus Art Circle (`Vindana Kala Kendraya'). However, she passed out with an Econ-Special Degree.
Question: When did Athugala enter your life?
Sachi: I was in the A/Ls then. My father was the Vice Chancellor at the Kelaniya University. The stage drama he directed with his campus students was a success. I used to go there too and watch the rehearsals. Athugala was one of the cast. He was a friendly guy and pleasant, but looked a bit shy, and rarely joined in with the conversation. It might be due to the fact that I was the daughter of the Vice Chancellor. Amongst the talkative lot, I noticed his silence, but did not pay much attention to it until he paid a visit to see me when I entered the Colombo Campus.
Question: He must have hurried up before someone else tried to get at you?
Sachi: Must be! (laughs)
Ariyaratne Athugala was born on October 22 in 1955 to the Athugala
family at Munamale, Bamunakotuwa in Kurunegala District, as the fifth of eight
siblings. After having his school education at Munamale Vidyalaya and then at
Bamunakotuwa Maha Vidyalaya, Athugala entered the University of Kelaniya. One of
his school Masters who recognised Athugala's unusual talent in writing ever
since he was a kid, predicted that one day he would be a noble writer in this
country.Athugala was a different child who showed some special qualities more
than his siblings. "His mother says his was a pick and span character who wanted
his room to be clean and dirt free throughout," butts in Sachi. Other than
playing `Elle' from the time he came home from school until sunset, reading and
writing were his pastime. He had a craze over the late famous singer H.R.
Jothipala's songs and if a waft of Jothi's song was in the air from any corner
of the house, that indicated young Athugala was around. When he became the
Chairman of the SLRC two years ago, one of the first tasks he was involved in
was arrange `Jothi Raathriya', a felicitation night to commemorate Jothipala.
"Our affair started when I was a first year student at the Colombo Campus. Ramani Kulasekara, a lecturer and my father's drama assistant at the Kelaniya Campus who instinctively felt that both Athugala and I had a silent attraction between us, arranged the match-making. We went on for six years until I got the consent from my family who were not happy over it at the beginning. We got married on February 21 in 1986," recalls Sachi.
After passing out from the university with a Special degree in Mass Communication, Athugala worked for the Youth Council at Maharagama for a brief period. The injustice he faced constantly at his working place made him bid farewell to the job, and decided to continue his higher studies in Mass Communication.
"By that time we were married. Since he didn't want to go back to his job I didn't force him to. Instead I started working as an Assistant Research Officer at the Family Planning Association for a brief period," she says.
Question: What happened then to all your talents?
Sachi: I've composed songs, even for films, and written many radio dramas along with my father. I had two dreams in life; firstly to go to India and learn dancing, and secondly to be a teacher in a remote village. Even at Visakha all my school friends were those who came from Grade Five Scholarship, studious and with radial thoughts. Though I was born and bred in Colombo, we were connected with the village a lot. Even Athugala came from a village.
Hence, I was so adamant to teach in a poverty stricken area to underprivileged children. But, since I was the only daughter, my father didn't want to send me to such an area. So, I had to give up.
After achieving his PhD Athugala went up in the ladder to be the Head of the Department of the Mass Communication and rendered a valuable service to exhilarate and popularise Mass Communication as a subject at the Kelaniya University. He has written more than 15 books on the subject. Apart from that he has directed four teledramas, `Sittara Gurunnanse', `Ramya Nagaraya', `Sooseta Mayam' and `Samanala Kandavura'. Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala was honoured for his Excellent Contribution to the Media Education in Sri Lanka once from the Hideo Snimizu (Japanese) Foundation, and then by the Mass Communication Association from the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2006, and was given the Vayamba Puthra Prasadini Abhinandana Award at Kurunegala in 2004. He got the appointment as the Chairman of the SLRC in November, 2007.
Question: What are the other special qualities you see in your husband?
Sachi: He was a good photographer. When he was in the campus he even held a photographic exhibition titled `Sudu Saha Kalu' (Black and White). I still remember when he was to publish his first book `Sameepa Roopa', we didn't have money and I pawned my jewellery to fund it. We went through many hardships in life, but were very happy when we look back at it now. Thanks to my parents who have been with us throughout our journey in life. I render my fullest support to Athugala as a wife at all times in our life. He still doesn't know what he is to wear in the morning until his well ironed suit comes into his hands. He has no worries as everything is done for him (laughs). His is an extremely cool personality who takes life very easily. Though we were shaken up and agitated over the issues that took place at the SLRC recently, he was not. `Don't worry, everything will be alright', was his answer.
Question: Your message to the society and your future intentions?
Sachi: We have two sons. Renusha Mandara Vishruka is 19 years now, and his goal is to be an IT specialist. Yashasvi Abhimanyu is still 14 years. He is good at sports and is a bilingual writer. Both are Royalists. To see a successful future for our children is one of my dreams like every parent in this world. My message to the younger generation is do not discard our culture, customs and rites. Unity in a marriage lies in the woman's hand. Whatever happens, treat your husband to the best of your ability. I have little yearning for worldly desires.
I have been a complete vegetarian for the past 15 years. Engaging in Buddhist charity work has been my pastime in life. I've told my sons that once they are settled and there's a time I have to live alone, I will renounce the world and go for the yellow robes (smiles contently).
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Oct 5 2008
‘I appreciate him as a politician but prefer the journalist in him’
Pradeepa Dharmadasa speaks of life with Minister Dullas Alahapperuma:
“I’ve never cursed anybody in my life, let my sprained voice be normal soon. That was the `Sathyakriya’ I did when I was in trouble a few days before the musical show I was to sing in Sydney, Australia on August 16. I was sick, and my voice was gone. I was at the rehearsal.
The desperate look of the organisers of the show gave me a heart ache. They got me down to sing, and not to have mercy on my sickness. The responsibility I had to bear was too heavy. I `sounded’ that bad. I was becoming depressed, but my inner strength was high. I cannot let things fall like that. I have to fight against the situation.
The only thing I could do was to meditate on the eyes of the Buddha statue at my home which I worship twice a day. I prayed for the Noble Truth of Dhamma. Soon everything was clear. It was unbelievable. I got my voice back,” recalls Pradeepa Dharmadasa, famous singer, teledrama actress and wife of the Minister of Transport, Dullas Alahapperuma.
“He was a journalist,” she diverts the discussion. After spending nearly an hour at the Gym in the morning, and zipping a glass of `Gotukola Kola Kenda’ (herbal drink) Pradeepa begins to unfold her love story.
“He had begun his journalism while he was at school. First he was at `Lakmina’, a weekly tabloid. When I first met him, he was working for `Lakdiva’, another radical tabloid Sinhala weekly. My first CD `Doovillen Saduna Liye’ (a woman who emerged from the dust of the earth) got banned due to the rebellious lyrics that discussed the contemporary social issues of Sri Lanka in 1992.
Unlike at present, when we were to release a CD, we had to get approval from a Board at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
They censored a few of my songs which later became hits in the private FM Radio and private TV Channels. The private electronics media and tabloid papers went out of the way to help me. I’m still grateful for the backing I got from them,” she explains.
Q: Was it a love at first sight?
Pradeepa: Mmmm! (laughs)... I really don’t know (thinks). Actually, for me he was a `giant’, and I was really enticed to his rebellious writing. Dullas was a man who used his pen against social injustices, even by risking his own life. I too had the similar vision, I suppose. Our first meeting was at `Lakdiva’ to give my `censor’ story. That was all! It was Sudath Mahadivulweva who also worked with him, who came out with Dullas’ proposal. I was surprised!
Pothupitiya
Kankanamge Pradeepa Nirmali Hemamali Dharmadasa was born at Rawatawatta,
Moratuwa on January 26. “My sister and I’ve had the longest name at school! When
we were to fill the forms for O/Ls and A/Ls, we were always in trouble due to
lack of space,” smiles Pradeepa who was a `shining star’ as a school girl.
Late P.K.Dharmadasa of Galle who worked at Agriculture and Govi Jana Seva Department, and Meda Gamage Hema Dharmadasa were her parents. Pradeepa was the second in four of her family.
“My youngest brother is nine years younger to me. My older sister, the brother next to me (Loku Malli) and I were close to each other. Hence, Loku Malli’s death when he drowned in the sea, was a great shock to all of us. After that incident we became really depressed and lost,” she reminisces.
Pradeepa who studied first at Princess of Wales, Moratuwa, entered Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda for her A/Ls as her dream was to become a lawyer. Since Logic was not taught at Princess of Wales, Pradeepa chose Sujatha Vidyalaya as her new school. But, things changed even without her knowledge. Veteran dramatist Somalatha Subasinghe was launching a new venture in drama enroling students at Sujatha Vidyalaya and Ananda Vidyalaya.
“It was `Sandakinduru’ (mermaids) depicting a Buddhist Jathaka story. Many A/L students came for the rehearsals which was held at the school premises. Generally I was known as a mischievous, sporty and an extremely forward student who was ever ready to sing at any school event when at Princess of Wales.
But at Sujatha, since it was a new place for me, I was too shy to come forward. But, I was surprised. Mrs. Somalatha’s choice was me for the main role. And it was this that changed my destiny from a prospective lawyer to a performing artiste at the age of 18 years,” she recalls.
Pradeepa was studying dancing at Vajira-Chitrasena Academy, and later started learning music at `Kala Bhoomi’, Nugegoda. Still she had no intention of being a performing artiste. In a few months `Sandakinduru’ was a success.
After the A/L exam Pradeepa followed a drama course at Somalatha Subasinghe’s Sri Lanka Youth Theatre Foundation, which enhanced her horizons in the performing arts. Meanwhile, Somalatha who has had the instinct for picking one young talent introduced Pradeepa to the popular stage through her dramas, `Vikurthi’ (abnormal) and `Moodu Puththu’ (sons of the sea) earlier directed by Gunasena Galappaththi).
Q: What kind of backing did you get from your home front?
Pradeepa: Very supportive. My father was a very silent character, and it was my mother who ran the show. She knew my talent and always encouraged me to go forward.
From that point onward, many offers for stage dramas flooded. But she picked and chose a few; `Subhasaranagatha’ (Athula Peiris), `Sathyanganavi’ (Vijitha Guneratne), `Nelum Pokuna’ (Kapila Kumara Kalinga), `Sakvithi Nikmana’ (Dr. Salaman Fonseka), `Moonu Dekak’ (Susil Guneratne), `Sinhabahu’ (as Sinha Sivali - Ediriweera Sarathchandra), `Naaga Gurula’ (K.B. Herath), `Doovili’ (R.R. Samarakoon) and `Ukdandu Ginna’ (Nimal Ekanayaka).
“Of them `Sathyanganavi’ came to the limelight among Sri Lankan drama enthusiasts during 1988-1989. It was in the style of an Opera, and we were given an eight-month training under maestro Pemasiri Khemadasa. I got the Best Stage Actress Award for `Ukdandu Ginna’ in 1993,” she recalls.
Q: Your singing career?
Pradeepa: It was a blessing that maestro Khemadasa recognised my talent. Jayantha Chandrasiri was to introduce a new face, Rebeka Nirmali for the main role in the tele `Veda Hamine’. It was the maestro’s suggestion to introduce a new voice as well to the new character. That was how I got the chance to sing its theme song, `Doovili’ which was a hit.
Unlike today, a decade back people rarely view the singers on the TV. So, when `Veda Hamine’ was on telecast, everybody began to look for the gifted nightingale. It rarely that an artiste has both talent for singing and for acting. Rukmani Devi, H.R. Jothypala and Mukesh were a few to name. And it was Pradeepa who grabbed the limelight after them.
From the stage to the small screen; Pradeepa took part in `Samuganime Navathena’ (Kapila Kumara Kalinga), `Yashodara nam Eya’ (Thusitha Jayawardane), `Ava Sanda’ (Somaratne Dissanayaka), `Pin Mada Puthuni’ (Malini Fonseka) and `Dhavala Raathriya’ (Sudath Mahadivulveva).
Many theme songs of the teledramas of that era were sung by her. She sang her first film theme song for Mario Jayathunga’s `Nidi Yahana Kalabuni’, but unfortunately it was never screened due to the political censorship. Mario’s `Savithrige Raathriya’ won her the Best Female Singer Award at both film festivals at Sarasaviya and the President’s in 1996.
`Pradeepa’ which means `light’, had so far been radiating light like a star twinkling in the sky. However, on November 23 in 1993, she decided to give light to the life of only one soul; Dullas Alahapperuma. After two years of being in love she tied the nuptial knot on this day.
Dullas Daham Kumara Alahapperuma was born on May 14 in 1959 at Dikwella, Matara to School Principal parents, Karolis Alahapperuma and Aslin Alahapperuma. Like Pradeepa, Dullas too was the second `commander’ in his family. His older sister, Sujatha Alahapperuma is the Magistrate, Wattala, two brothers are a Custom Officer and an Engineer respectively, and the youngest sister is a school teacher.
Dullas who was a Cricket fanatic studied firstly at St. Servetius College, Matara and then at Ananda College, Colombo. “He still loves Cricket. His pastime is to play Cricket with his sons,” butts in Pradeepa.
Like his beloved wife, Dullas’ intention too was to become a
lawyer. Unlike her he climbed the academic ladder until he was dragged to
politics. “He was a writer; a journalist who tried to raise a voice against the
misrule and injustices in the society. He was doing his finals at the Law
College when he entered politics by winning the Provincial Election at Matara in
1993. He was the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs as well,” recalls
Pradeepa. 
For a year I didn’t do anything. But I did a bit of charity work at Elders’ Homes to keep myself occupied once my children went to school. Later, I managed to follow a Diploma in Liberal Arts which included subjects such as American History and Culture, English Literature and Mass Communication,” she says. “I had no voice training at all. There was a Unity Church nearby. I once walked in and
asked the Pastor whether I could join the choir just to keep my voice trained. He was very co-operative, and allowed me to do so.
In the year 2005, President Mahinda Rajapaksa got down Dullas, the long time lost gentleman-politician back on the political stage, and Dullas was appointed to the Parliament through the National List. Dullas came back to Sri Lanka while Pradeepa continued to stay there with the kids.
“I think every woman should go through a tough period like that managing everything of her own as it gives you an enormous strength and confidence to lead a perfect life later on. During Dullas’ absence, I had to manage with our two sons alone in the States for two years. I took every problem as a challenge and successfully faced them with courage.
There was a time I really went down, but my inner spirit never let me off. It was the period when I really experienced the strength of a woman, and the amount of burden she could bear in life,” she recalls. “We too returned to Sri Lanka in 2007, the year Dullas got the appointment as Minister of Transport,” says Pradeepa.
Q: How old are your sons?
Pradeepa: Mahima Induwara was born in 1995 and Kaushika Nalanda was born in 1996. Mahima first went to Royal College and Kaushika at Ananda College. At present both are studying at Lyceum International. Why we’ve named our second son `Nalanda’ is a story. It was the late young Ratnapura MP Nalanda Ellawala who drove us from the hospital to home when he was born. Nalanda was a person with incompatible virtuous humane qualities.
Q: We all see Dullas as a straight forward politician. How do you see him?
Pradeepa: Strong and frank who lives with an extreme self pride. I appreciate him as a politician, but prefer the `journalist’ in him.
To tell the truth I never liked him entering politics. My blessings are with him, but my involvements in his party politics is very low. He is a pure vegetarian and a teetotaller. A loving husband, and a father who adores his two kids like precious jewels in this world (laughs). What else can a wife expect from life? We still have no permanent residence of our own. Once he quits politics we might be in trouble. But, I never think about the future that far, and live only for the present.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Sep 28 2008
Journalist cum actress
Arthur U. Amarasena talks of his life with veteran actress wife Sriyani Amarasena:
"Since
my wife and I are both in the same field we have not encountered any difficulty
in understanding each other; especially when it concerns our career," opines
veteran journalist Arthur Usmiyage Amarasena. Commenting on his 44-year marriage
with popular actress cum teledrama directress Sriyani Amarasena.
Arthur, who has spent his entire life with the print media, has many things to say apart from his life with his celebrated wife.
"I was crazy over the cinema since I was a schoolboy. Though I didn't have much material assistance of getting information about the world cinema, I somehow managed to write to all the newspapers and magazines in the country. Firstly it was for the Children's Page, and later for the cinema affairs column. However, every article I wrote appeared. It was a great encouragement at a time there were no newspapers available in our area. The one and only source of information was the library of which I made the maximum use," recalls Arthur.
Usmiyage Arthur Amarasena was born on March 03, 1938 to U. Charles Perera, Railway Guard and Pinie Fransina de Silva. Arthur was the eldest of three brothers who followed in their father's footsteps to the Railway Service.
"My father wanted me also to join the Railway as many of my relatives were in the Railway Service. But, somehow I managed to convince 'Thatha' of my craze to write," he reminisces fondly.
Arthur studied at Sri Rahula Maha Vidyalaya, Katugastota and Ananda Vidyalaya, Kandy. His mother died when he was studying for the Higher School Certificate (HSC). It was the biggest blow in his life.
"She was to give birth to our fourth sibling, but we lost both. It was terrible. All of us felt deserted. I didn't have much desire to continue my higher studies after that. I mourned amma's death for about two weeks. Getting back to normal life was not easy. But my maternal aunty at Panadura decided to take care of us."
Arthur was about 20 years when Somapala Ranaweera started his own cinema magazine `Lanka Chalana Chitra' in 1959. Arthur agreed to work there for a monthly salary of Rs. 50."It was my first job which gave me an all round experience in every aspect of a newspaper office. From a reporter, Sub-editor, peon, clerk to a delivery boy" says Arthur of those early days.
His second job was at `Chitravahini' for a monthly salary of Rs. 75. Meanwhile, M.D. Gunasena launched a newspaper company - `Davasa' in 1961. Working under the Editor-in-Chief, D.B. Dhanapala, was an experience for young Arthur. Robert Jayawardane, Cyril A. Seelawimala and Sirilal Kodikara were his contemporaries who wrote a golden era in the history of local media in Sri Lanka. "We were paid 3 cents for a sentence for what we wrote. I managed to earn about Rs. 60-70. However, unlike todays' generation, we never bothered about the money, but tried to render our service to our maximum ability," he smiles.
`Davasa'
was the Sinhala daily and `Rivi Rasa' was the Sinhala Weekly of `Davasa'
company. Arthur was promoted as the Editor of `Visithura' Cinema Weekly apart
from his reporting work at `Davasa.
"Some days, we had to work until 1-2 am. Sometimes, we used to stay in the office for 3-4 days.
We were very much dedicated to our work. To become a good journalist, one should have this type of dedication and should do news reporting at least for a short period. I covered courts, parliament and so on which gave me a lot of exposure for the society," he points out.
Being the Editor of `Visithura', Arthur did a silent service for the film industry, by giving publicity to many celebrities of today who had just stepped into the field at that time. Everything was functioning smoothly until a trade union was formed. "In 1970s the Chairman of `Davasa', Sepala Gunasena decided to close down the papers to suppress the Union action. We were jobless, but were paid monthly until they re-shuffled and re-arranged the staff. "So, we returned back to `Rivi Rasa' under famous editor, Gunadasa Liyanage. I re-launched `Visithura' while being the deputy editor of `Rivi Rasa, in 1974," he reminisces.
During this era Sirimavo Bandaranaike Government stopped using `Kumarodaya' books printed by M.D. Gunasena Publishers, and began to use the text books printed at the Government Press, which were issued to the market at a cheaper price. Gunasenas, who supported Sirimavo to come to power, got furious over this and started attacking the government. As a result, the Government sealed the Gunasena newspaper company, making the whole staff jobless.
"By this time, I was married and having two kids too. Sriyani was in films, but even she was not having much work during this time. So, I started my own fortnight cinema magazine, `Piyakaru'.
Film Producers whom I'd helped earlier giving publicity to their films assisted me by publishing advertisements in my magazine. I got it printed at the `Maha Bodhi' Press, Colombo. It was a hard time in our life," laments Arthur.
However, after a short period Gunadasa Liyanage became the Chief Editor of `Lankadeepa', Sinhala weekly of the Times Group, and called Arthur and his old group too to join them. There, Arthur launched a new cinema paper, `Sura Thura'. "But, it was the beginning of the problematic period in my career. Our group, which came from `Davasa', had to face many strokes of blades due to enmity at the 'Times.' It became worse with the Government change in 1977, and the UNP came to power. We were considered as SLFPers though we had nothing to do with politics," he recalls.
"Gunadasa Liyanage left the place and Deegoda Piyadasa became the Editor of `Lankadeepa'. Since the situation was unbearable, a group of us decided to join with Camillus Perera at Multipacks Publishers which published a popular series of papers such as the famous cartoon magazines `Siththara' and `Sithsara'. Arthur could re-vitalise his scope by launching another cinema weekly, `Sath Dina'.
`Kalpana', a literary monthly magazine funded by the three banks Bank of Ceylon, National Savings Bank and People's Bank was the next mark of success in Arthur's life. `Kalpana' was launched by the then Minister of Finance, Ronnie de Mel. `Kalpana' was a success until the Minister fell out of grace with the then President R. Premadasa," reminisces Arthur.
Arthur and Sriyani tried a new venture along with this by opening a grocery at Kolonnawa junction.
"It was a failure, since we were not versed in marketing craft", he laughs.
`Suraliya' (Weekly Woman), `Medaperadiga' (monthly magazine catered to the Middle East). `Nidahasa' and `Vishva Tharanga' (Literary) were the other publications Arthur put his hand to Since 2006, he has been working for `Liyathambara' which caters to the Middle East and Europe.
Q: How did you meet Sriyani?
Arthur: I've got many things from the `paper'. So in the case of Sriyani (laughs)... D.B. Dhanapala, editor-in-chief of `Davasa' wanted to launch `Cupid Corner' (marriage proposal column). Since it was going to be the first thing of that kind, he asked us young reporters to give details about ourselves to publish as `grooms' in order to give an idea to the people. So, we complied but without giving all our details. You won't believe that I got 366 letters from all over the island promising to give big dowries with coconut and rubber estates. But the only letter which described a girl who had some similar interests as me (art enthusiasm) was sent by Mrs. Weerakoon who happened to be Sriyani's mother.
Palam Kumbura Herath Mudiyanselage Sriyani Weerakoon Kumarihamy was born on June 14 at Meethotamulla to P.K.H.M. Weerakoon Banda of Ampitiya, Kandy and Emalin Wimalawathie Kodikara of Meethotamulla. Sriyani's father worked at the Colombo Municipality. Since she was the only child she was brought up in a secure background which gave her all the love and care she needed.\She had her education at Meethotamulla Vidyalaya, Musaeus College and Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo upto the then SSC. Her talents in dancing, singing and art made Sriyani a shining student at school.... This opened the doors to the young lass to the children's programme Siri Aiya at Radio Ceylon when she was 7 or 8 years.
Though she was the only child, Sriyani's parents never obstructed her from enhancing her talents. It was her mum who answered a paper advertisement asking for a young talent for a stage drama called, `Thammanna'. It was for the role of `Kuweni', a `yakka' woman. Sriyani, who was about 15 or 16 years at the time, was too tiny for the role. But, simultaneously she was selected for the role of `Gama Duwa' (village maid) in Dayananda Gunawardane's `Nari Bena' (fox as a son-in-law). That was the stepping stone in Sriyani's career which soared to become a household name.Destiny has its own plans for all of us. With another journalist colleague of his, Arthur went to see his first proposed bride at Meethotamulla. Still they didn't
want to reveal their true identity. But, after seeing such a beautiful damsel who was the fool going to say `no' to her?
Arthur, who was disguising himself under the forged name of `Silva' disclosed himself. After associating for about two years, the two tied the knot on November 11, 1964.
Q: Sriyani entered the cinema after she got married?
Arthur: Yes. But, she had appeared in a short documentary film produced to promote Sri Lanka Air Force `Wings over Ceylon' directed by Pagnasoma Hettiarachci. So, Tissa Abeysekara once brought me a photo of a pretty girl asking whether I knew her. He was looking for Sriyani for Lester's newest film `Delovak Athara'. I couldn't suppress laughing as by that time Sriyani was my wife already and was pregnant. So, we had to reject the offer. She entered the cinema through Lester's `Golu Hadawatha' (Silent Heart) when our daughter was about two and half years old in 1968. She became a full time film actress after she had her second baby.
We were really lucky as everything of our two children was done by Sriyani's parents during our absence.So far Sriyani has acted in 120 films and 15-20 teledramas. Her first screenplay and direction was the teledrama `Maggie' in which she did the main role as well. Sriyani has been involved in Sinhala teledramas made in many foreign countries. `Irabatu Tharuwa', `Hemanthaye Wasanthayak' and `Pushparagaya' were shot in England; `Jayathura Shankaya' Switzerland, `Peraliya' in Australia, `Supiri Tharuwa' in Singapore and `Thusharaye Chaaya' in Canada. `Sakura Mal', which was shot in Japan, which is to be telecast on Rupavahini next month, will be her next tele series. Except `Irabatu Tharuwa' and `Hemanthaye Wasanthayak' all the other teles were her own directions.
Q: In the cinema, she is the `tear drop' and the innocent. How do you see her?
Arthur: A strong woman. Sometimes adamant, but with a kind heart. She loves animals, and her passion is to help the underprivileged. We too have ups and downs as in any family. But, we know how to deal with things.
We both get angry, but compromise with each other's ideas, and that what is needed to lead a good married life.
Q: Generally, many husbands force their wives to put a full stop to acting once they get married. But, you followed a different theory.
Arthur: True. I asked her to give up stage dramas as it was a tiring job and had to go all over the island endlessly. But, I'm a person who loves the arts, stage and Cinema. Especially Cinema was my forte. Also I've always trusted her and assumed she would not break that faith. She is my wife and we are happy parents of two children and a grand daughter. I'm proud of her.
Q: We've heard that she is very particular when selecting the cast for her teles.
Arthur: Yes. That is because we take the Sri Lankan cast abroad and we carry their responsibility. Hence, discipline plays a great role more than the talent one has in him or her. If they behave badly they are not only disgracing us but also a disgrace to our country".
Q: About your children?
Arthur: Inoka Nilmini Wickremanayaka is my daughter. Her daughter is now 19 years following a fashion designing diploma in Singapore. Inoka was an air hostess at Air Lanka and also took part in a few films. Our son, Chandana Sampatha is a tea-taster.
Q: What's your message to the younger generation?
Arthur: This is what I have to tell especially for those who are attached to the media. Enhance your knowledge in every subject you undertake.
At least have a rough idea about everything as much as you can. Read and read and read. Education is very important for this profession as unlike a doctor or a lawyer, we, journalists do not deal with one subject. And try to be humble and genuine. Modesty is a key to touch one's heart. When you get information use such techniques. Also never be partial.
Try your best to tread a middle path always. When you hold your pen never put it on the paper with hatred, but with a balanced mind. That's all my theory which I put into practice.
Also, I have to state this as well. There are many prominent personalities in this society (in all fields) who think that journalists are there to report about them and that's our (journalists') duty to go behind them and get information. Some treat journalists with very low esteem.
That's wrong. In other countries, even in India, all walks of people treat journalists with great respect. I think it's high time to change such heinous attitudes in our society.
Journalists are doing a `service'...please remember that (smiles).
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Sep 14 2008
Reminiscence of life with a musical spouse
Prof. Amara Ranatunga talks of her life with Dr. Dayaratne Ranatunga:
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By Lakmal Welabada
lakmal@sundayobserver.lk
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Sapumal Suvandak se
Seethala Re yame
Hada kutiyata
Oba himihita aduna
Ma pamanayi dutve...
You slowly stepped into my heart
As a fragrance of a Sapumal flower...
None saw you coming into my mind
In this dark night
It’s only I who heard your footsteps,
My dearly Master....
Prof. Amara Ranatunga was plucking the strings of the Thampura while humming one of her famous songs recalling the happy days in her life when she was studying at Bhathkanda Music College, Lucknow, India in early 1960s.
“When I think of Bhathkanda and Benaras University I dream of heaven. It was both so serene and lively. I feel still happy when I`m recalling it,” says Prof.Amara Ranatunga, beginning to reveal her `musical’ life with her `musical’ spouse, Dr.Dayaratne Ranatunga.
Classical music is the second religion of both Amara and Dayaratne who worship the Buddha and follow the teaching of the Noble Truth to lead a virtuous life. Living with music more than half a century in Sri Lanka is an exquisite, exceptional and extraordinary achievement.
Hence, no matter whether they gain State admiration or not in their own motherland, the singer duo has been venerated greatly in Bharatha Desh (India) and many other lands both in the Eastern and Western worlds.
The `Bharatha Mithra’, awarded to the Professor and Doctor Ranatunga by the Indian Government in connection with the commemoration of the 55th Independence of India was just one such appreciation they were felicitated with, for their esteemed service rendered to the `Bharatha Sangeetha’ (Indian music) for the past half century.
The
sweet smell of Sandun oil burning in the lamp lit to offer the Buddha makes
anybody’s mind serene to whoever who enters their home at D.M.Kolambage Mawatha,
Nawala, Nugegoda. The smooth harmonious North Indian melody that flows through
every nook and corner of the house is
sedative and mesmerising. The students who step into their place carrying Sitars, violins, flutes or some other Eastern musical instrument soon become meditative sinking deep into the `Ragas’ played by Amara and Dayaratne. It’s like entering a little Bhathkanda. “Whereever in the world we meet at least one or two students of ours. It’s a pleasure,” smiles Amara.
Dona Amara Kasthuriarachchi was born on August 22 in 1939 at Hanwella to Don Wiyolis Kasthuriarachchi, Head Master of the Hanwella Primary School and Dona Alpinona Meegahapola. Amara was the fifth of the eleven children of their music loving family.
“My father and mother though there didn’t learn music as a subject, loved music passionately. Their keenness and enthusiasm inspired all of us to get into music,” says Amara.
“I studied at Hanwella Central College. My father was from Batuwatta and my mother was from Mathugama. But, since we were staying at Hanwella for long due to my father’s appointment at the school there, Hanwella became our home town. I studied up to SSC.
Played netball and attended other activities at school including learning ballet under maestro Wasantha Kumara and a couple of stage dramas of his and also radio artiste Ananda Sarath Wimalaweera.
But my main intent was learning music. I could remember how I used to return home from school and take my music books and run to the bushalt to come to Colombo. Both Daya and I were really fortunate to be the founder students of the Government College of Fine Arts Heywood (today known as University of Visual and Performing Arts).
It was opened mainly to train teachers. But, during the week days the College started classes for students of under 16 years. The extraordinary talent both Amara and Dayaratne showed in their performances opened them to the gates of the Music College at the age of 12.
Amara first got introduced to music and dancing by watching the performances of her older siblings. Dr. B.S. Wijeratne, and Dr. Lionel Edirisinghe, oldest veteran vocal trainers of Heywood and the great Sitarist Dr. B.S. Wijeratne and K.A. Dayaratne Silva were the maestros.
Generally the music degree course was for three years. Amara and Dayaratne followed it for six years, and when they reached the age of 18 years, their knowledge in `Raagadaari Sangeethaya’ was equivalent to the level of a Masters degree.
“Six years at Heywood; I never missed a single day, and attended to the classes daily, coming to Colombo from Hanwella after the school. It was hard. But, my enthusiasm kept me alive and energetic. Music has been part of my life, my body and my soul.
The Thampura; I don’t feel that it’s just an instrument, but another humanbeing who has been with me throughout this life,” she smiles. The calm streak that across Amara’s face in similar to Mona Lisa or some great Indian beauty of 1960s. With whom shall we compare her? None comes easily to the mind, as she is unique.
The doors of Radio Ceylon were opened to Amara and Dayaratne by Dr.Lionel Edirisinghe and Ananda Sarath Wimalaweera when they were about 10 or 11 years. Hence the `Radio Mahagedara’ is not a strange place to the veteran duo. Both got a lot of chances to perform in many children’s programmes broadcast on the National Radio Service.
In 1961-63, Amara and Dayaratne studied at Bhathkanda, Lucknow studying classical music. Amara entered the Benaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India to do the Masters degree offered by the Indian government through the Indian Cultural Centre of Sri Lanka in 1984.
“Additionally, I started to study `Drupath’ (one of the oldest vocal methods) under Prof.Ritwik Sanyal and `Khyal’ singing, from Dr. Chitta Ranjan Jyothish. Dr. Chitta was a Brahmin and took a long time to test me whether I was suitable to master the subject. Though he taught me, it was only after one year that he accepted me in full force, and after that offered me a glass of water from his place.
From that day onwards he treated me as one of his own family member. Those high caste Indian teachers were from certain `Guru Kulas’ and were very caste conscious. They protected their `Shaasthra’ (school of knowledge) venerating it by offering various Poojas to Hindu gods and goddesses for generations.
So, they were very particular when imparting that reverent knowledge to someone out of their caste or nationality. However I got the blessing of all my Gurus.
I was the student who got 150 out of 150 (the highest score) for both written and practical performances at Benaras University, and it was a record after a period of 20 years. After doing the Masters, I did my doctorate composing my own classical melodies for 34 Hindi lyrics and 10 Sinhala songs. Sinhala verses were also my own creations.” reminisces Amara.
`Gentle lady’ was the title given to Amara by the staff at Benaras University who admired her calm and peaceful nature which matched with the heavenly classical music she immensed herself in.
“I used to get up at 5.00 am and go to get a cup of fresh `garam Dhuth’ (hot buffalo milk). After that I would walk to the Vishvanath Mandir (temple) and read the `Dhammapada’ (Buddhist doctrine) written on the wall in one section there. I used to do this as a routine before I started the performances,” she reminisces.
`Amara Geetha’, `Sarasa Sambhava’, `Saundarya Avabodhaya’ and `Sambhavya Sangeethaya’ were among the high classical books written by Prof. Amara Ranatunga in her great service to the music field.
“I assume, the talent I’ve got for music is something that I’ve been gifted during my journey through this Sansara as it has been part of my life since I was 10 or 11 years. And the other thing that comes along with me was his love,” laughs Amara.
Ranatunga Arachchige Dayaratne Ranatunga was born on October 29 in 1940 to Charles Peter Ranatunga, school principal and Dona Maslin Kolombage of Nawala, Nugegoda. D.M.Kolambage Mawatha which adjoins the Open University of Sri Lanka was named after his maternal uncle, who was the first Sinhala announcer at the Radio Ceylon. Dayaratne was the youngest of the six in his family.
While having the education at Ananda Shahsthralaya, Kotte, Dayaratne too joined Heywood and mastered classical music. After sitting for the SSC, he entered Zahira College, Colombo studied in the Maths stream. Volleyball and Wrestling were his sports.
Like Amara, Dayaratne’s whole family too was a music loving one. His duet `Maha Re yame’ was first sung by him and his elder sister, Somalatha Ranatunga. Dayaratne acquired his London BSc in Maths. After teaching at the Buddhist University College, Rosmead Place for a short time, he too joined Amara to do his Visharada (the first degree in music) at Bhathkanda.
While Amara got the post as a lecturer at Heywood, their second home, Dayaratne was selected to a research officer post at the Tyre Corporation in 1964. However, his soul was with music and not with `tyres’. Hence, he readily accepted the opportunity given to him to work as the first Producer in the Music Unit at the SLBC in 1969. He was promoted as the Head of Department - Controller of Sinhala Music in 1978.
In 1984, he became the Director of Music and Music Research in-charge of all four music units - Sinhala, English, Tamil, Hindi and Muslim, and all the regional services, rendering a golden service to the music field through the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Services until he retired in 1996.
Dr. Dayaratne Ranatunga has written many classical books which will be helpful to the local students who sit for the Bhathkanda classical exams including `Sangeetha Vimarshana’ (Sinhala) and `Sangeethaya’ (English).
Introducing music as a therapy for the first time in Sri Lanka, he has written `Music Mind Therapy’. `Polynesian Music and Dancing’ depicts the culture and performing arts of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Islands.
`Salmal’ was the children’s book he published. All these publications were ‘in-depth’ research and studies which were unfortunately not acclaimed locally though the books cater to the local students in many ways as a great source of information enhancing their knowledge in classical music.
Amara and Dayaratne reminisce the opportunity they got to lecture on North Indian Classical music in the Ethno Musicology Department at the California University from 1997 to 2001.
“While teaching we too enhanced our knowledge as the scholars and lecturers we were associated with walking universities who had a vast knowledge of so many subjects,” says Amara who today extends her services even after her retirement as a Senior Professor of Music at the University of Visual and Performing Arts (Heywood). Amara is the first ever Professor of Music in Sri Lanka.
Question: A bit about your romance in life?
Amara: (Smiles) We were together since we were about 10 or 11 years, studying music at the same class at Heywood.
There was a competition between the two of us to be the top in the class as there was a prize given annually for the best student. We did the children’s programmes at Radio Ceylon also together.
When we were leaving Heywood, we felt the need of continuing being together. And so we decided to spend our life together. We never had a problem as we knew each other’s family very well. We had a secured background though we were sent out for performances.
There was somebody either my father or my elder brother who accompanied with me whereever I went. I never had an idea of starting a love affair with anybody as my whole soul was engrossed with music. We got registered on August 8 in 1963 and had the wedding on January 30 in 1964.
Question: Marriage between two competitors?
Amara: No competitions after that (laughs).
Question: Your children?
Amara: Two sons and a daughter. Pulasthi Indika was a Producer at ITN and now works in an embassy in Italy. He sang a duet with me when he was a kid. That song is still a hit among kids for generation. Nanditha Sarada worked at the SriLankan Airlines and switched on to the hospitality.
He is married to Visharada Sadana Ranatunga. Our daughter, Kumudumathie Rupashika studied Kathak dancing and vocal music at Benaras University, and at present teaches music at Musaeus College, Colombo. We are proud grand parents of 5 grand children ages ranging from 2 years to 7 years. All our three children learnt music well, but we didn’t want them to choose this field as their sole professionUp close & Personal - Sunday Observer Aug 24 2008
Melody of life through the flute
Kumara Liyanwatte’s music is acclaimed here and abroad as one of the melodious emanating from the flute. Apart form being an academic, Kumara also proved his metal as a performer. Strangely no Sri Lankan newspaper in Sinhala or English has so far not featured him though he had been widely reviewed by the Indian press. his is an indication that Sri Lanka has not recognized talents. Kumara Liyanawatte earned his qualification with flying colours (1st class in his Bachelor’s degree as well as his post-graduate degree).
He is a senior Lecturer in music in the Faculty of Music in the University of Visual and Performing Art.
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He is a prominent figure in classical and fusion music scene and performs among classical and fusion musicians. I met him at my alma mater Ananda College when Shri Ram was staged there. It was there that I, in point of fact, witnessed his expertise in playing flute. The divine notes on the flute emerged as fine motifs of originality in a tapestry of fusion music.
Flute did not loose its grasp even amidst diverse traditions of music.
Q: How do you perceive the present status of criticism on music in Sri Lanka both in print and electronic media?
A:The present status of criticism on music in Sri Lanka is at a very low stage. For instance, a fair appreciation of different segments in music such as popular music, creative music, classical music, folk music and studies of music has not been done in a way that recognised merits of these segments and were brought to life.
However, in India persons representing diverse segments of music have been appreciated on almost equal footing.
For instance, Indians respect Rabindranath Tagore who stirred Indian nationalist sentiments, Bhathkhanda (Researcher and educationist on music), Latha Mangshkar as play back singer in popular music and Ravi Shankar as a master Sitarist who brought North Indian classical music to world stage and Ustard Bishmillah Khan and Ustard Allauddeen Khan were popular as teachers. They (Indians) have appreciated all the musicians with assigning distinct values for them.
Here in Sri Lanka, there is a widespread belief that all the musicians should get on to the popular platform in order that they be considered as musicians. Musicians engaged in the Education Section have been rarely mentioned in the media and most of them are unknown to Sri Lankan audience.
Unfortunately
in Sri Lanka, we do not find such recognition of musicians among the audience.
For instance, pioneers like Lionel Edirisinghe and Victor Perera should be
appreciated as educationists in music.
Makuluoluwa and C de S Kulathilaka should be considered as researchers in music. Sunil Shantha, W.D Ameradeva, Victor Ratnayake and Rohana Baddage belong to master vocalists who made a contribution to music in their respective capacities.
Those vocalists in the popular music arena have also contributed to the field. Premasiri Khemadasa and Rohana Weerasinghe are dominant figures in the area of creative music. So, different segments of music ultimately make up the Sri Lankan music scene. In Sri Lanka, there is no proper recognition of persons who made a contribution to different areas of music.
Q: Are you of the view that attitudinal change should be brought about with regard to the public perception of classical music?
A: Another issue that confronts contemporary music is the misperception, on the part of the public, of classical music and researches conducted on music. If a person is to be recognized as a musician he or she should appear on television or render voice to a song. In India, musicians are highly respected even at public spaces like in at a fair.
This, I think, is caused in Sri Lanka by lack of informed criticism on music. For instance, it seems that the only qualification to peak on music is to be a singer on most occasions or else he or she should be a professor.
There are discrepancies on the diverse interpretations of music made by academics who are specialized in subjects such as Sinhala and Sociology.
This approach has caused serious confusion in the terminology used in teaching music. For instance, some are of the view that we can discard ‘Tradition’. I am of the view that there was no person who had not been evolved from a tradition; Beethoven, Yehudi Menuhim, Ravi Shankar or Michael Jackson, have all emerged from their traditions.
However, this does not mean that one should stick to the tradition. One can make creations while preserving the tradition in its purest form. If we confuse both, we, eventually, loose the tradition and would be deprived of a system of education. In India diverse traditions such as Thumri, Drupad have still been preserved and performances were held according to the tradition.
Here, there is a trend that every musician should come to the popular stage. These traditional techniques have been used in composing music for the film “Dev Das”.
The appreciation of teachers of music like Victor Perera has not been done properly in media where music is measured by ratings on different programmes.
If a creation does not make a meaningful contribution to society, such creation would be harmful to the wellbeing of society. For instance, there was a fracas at a recently held concert. People could not fight as it was a place where artist performed. Art should commence in delight and end in wisdom. Characteristics of a work of Art should be studied to find out whether our work of arts contains those characteristics.
Another important point is that creation of music has characteristics that are not confined to music. Fans are attracted to well-dressed fashionable performers. Here it is not the music that plays a vital role in attracting the audience but the make up.
In a piece of music, a larger portion of the work is made up of non-music elements. For instance, I have often heard announcers in television channels saying “Let us watch a song”. Here we look at the visual presentation of the song. However, we tend to forget it easily because there is very little music in it. What is important in a song is not what we can watch but the beauty in the composition of music.
In 1970s we listened to the songs and melodies registered in the mind. Though we watched Victor Ratnayake’s concert “Saa”, there presentation played a minor role. Most of today’s creations, presentation and editing play a much greater role than the music in the song.
Using children for various talent shows in televisions channels, though appreciable attempt, in a way is harmful to their growth. As a tree bears fruit at maturity, talented children should be nurtured instead of socializing or put into the limelight at a tender age.
As little tree could not bear fruits, children will be overburden by such activities. A child’s formal education would be the first victim. This trend will eventually destroy these emerging talents. These children are assets to the nation.
Q: Do you think that inborn talents play a vital role in making a student of music, a truly a talented performer?
A: According to ancient Hindu teaching, talents, knowledge. (Kushalatha, Danuma, Akalpa) and attitudes have been symbolized by idolatry; Brahma, Vishva and Siva. What Doctor and teacher provide is a service though they are professionals.
However, the relationship at the doctor and teacher has been a human relationship rather than a commercial one. Collapse of these relationships would contribute to the gradual destruction of a culture.
In structure of a university, that ancient system of values have been eroded and lecturers are preparing students for examinations and students are also interested in obtaining professional qualifications.
The issue is that ancient values that are associated with music, has not been integrated into the university system. However, this has been effectively done in India.
I believe that there is a crisis in the Sri Lankan education though the passing rates and number of graduates produced each year, is impressive. The objective of education should be character building rather than becoming a professional or earning a lot of money.
One factor which has been neglected is that the inability to recognize a work of art beyond its aesthetic values. For instance, songs like “Sasara Wasanathuru” and “Ratnadeepa Jammabumi”, “Dhanobudunge” represent culture, education and Sri Lankan values and make a lasting contribution to the society.
Though many other songs may surpass “Sasara Wasanathuru” and “ Dhanobudunge” in aesthetic quality, these songs will remain in the heart and mind of people.
Q: Is the system education imparting the knowledge to identify such songs?
A: Now parents are waiting to present their children for a television programme. The motive of the programme is financial. No one thinks of what would happen to these children at the end of the day. In some instances, these programmes would disrupt the education of these children.
Every one is born with talents and these born talents should be developed and sharpened through education.
Then the education will bring about an attitudinal change in an individual, discarding away biases, prejudices and wrong attitudes. In Hindu concept Brahma means the creator.
So the born talents should be developed (Vishva) through education and Mahesvara symbolizes concept of destroying the evils in the world. In other words, Mahesvara means getting rid of evils or biases and unhealthy attitudes.
“Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu and Gure deva Mahesvara “(The teacher is the creator, developer and one who will destroy evil influences). I believe that these Hindu concepts can be integrated into the education.
No appropriate coordination
There is no appropriate coordination among Ministry of Education, Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Media and Information. There is no policy with regard to the application of media in education. Media influences the collective conscience is a fact. Some of the best artistic songs were produced in 1970s.
Today the motive of creating songs is solely financial. One should posses born talents (Kushalata) in order to become an accomplished musician. Present Z-score has completely neglected this aspect in selecting students for the University of Visual and Performing Art.
Education is like mining gems. First it is the task of an education to find out hidden talents in children as gems in mud. Then the teacher as a gem-cutter sharpens and polishes the inborn talents in children and finally the gem should be imbedded in a proper place like in a king’s crown. That means the teacher must bring the child to prominent place in the society.
We have such gems hidden in diverse places in society. There are highly talented persons who, for unknown reasons, have not come into the limelight.
The education should be integrated into the culture and into the prevalent ethos of the time.
So the born talents should be considered in selecting students for the University of Visual and Performing Arts. For example, in the Haywood days, students were selected for diverse courses on the basis of their talents and giving due weight to their education qualifications.
Victor Ratnayake, Rohana Weerasinghe, Sarath Dasanayake, Laskman Wijesekara, Bandula Wijeweera, Sanath Nandasiri, who are now leading figures in the Sri Lankan music scene , are products of the Haywood or Government’s Institute of Music.
Education in music should be of practical fervour and though the theory is important, practical aspects cannot be neglected. More and more practical sessions should be conducted in order to produce a generation of talented persons who could contribute to the field of music in Sri Lanka. I urge authorities to devise a mechanism to ensure talented students enter University of Visual and Performing Arts.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Aug 24 2008
Love stood the test of time
Geetha speaks of life with Minister C.B. Ratnayake:
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‘From the Spouse’s Mouth’; hope the series that had ‘a journalist’s eye for detail and a novelist’s sense of character’, appeared here nearly for a year, gave you much entertainment along with some commendable message that would penetrate into your soul to lead somewhat a noble life. Wishing you, the readers very best of everything!
“A first glimpse of him made me feel he was an innocent guy. I still remember the place we met for the first time. It was opposite Mayura Traders at Nuwara Eliya town,” recalls Geetha with a timid smile. Samarakoon Mudiyanselage Geetha Preethi, wife of C.B. Ratnayaka, Minister Livestock Development reveals their Romeo-Juliet love story which never ended up in a tragedy, but a magnificent finale.
Dingiri Banda Samarakoon, a wholesale businessman and Yapa Mudiyanselage Kumari Manike of Padiyapalalla, Walapane in Nuwara Eliya District were Geetha’s parents. She was born on October 14, 1963 as the eldest to one younger brother. After learning the alphabet at Padiyapalalla Junior School, Geetha entered High School, Kandy after sitting an admission exam.
“I was at my maternal uncle’s place and went to school from there. I was under the strict supervision of Mama and Nanda. I was not allowed to go anywhere. They had a daughter. Mama had an Austin car which had sealed rear shutters along with triangular glass windows on either side. Their daughter and I used to sit at the rear seat of the car, and we used these triangular shutters to get some fresh air when moving. But, Mama never allowed us to open them when the car was moving through a crowd.
He might have thought some male admirers of ours would throw an address through the tiny window,” laughs Geetha.
Basketball was her favourite sport. She was in the Oriental Band playing the Thammattama. The seven mates including herself had earned a name as one of the most mischievous groups in the school. “We had so much fun. My school days were wonderful,” she recalls.
After sitting for the A/Ls in Bio-science in two shies, Geetha applied for science teaching. She sat for an exam and got her first appointment in 1982 to Hunwatta Maha Vidyalaya, close to her home.
“My first job was to work with O/L repeaters who looked more matured than me. I was just 18-19 years, but my students were much older than I. Even some sported a beard. I was a bit shaken up, but soon adapted to the situation. However, rural students always were of good behaviour and respected their teachers,” reminisces Geetha.
Question: You said that you met CB on the very day you got your first appointment?
Geetha:
Yes. I went to the Education Office, Nuwara Eliya with my Appachchi (my father)
to collect the appointment letter. After that we proceeded to the car park which
was opposite the Mayura Traders in the town. Appachchi was planning to buy some
sarees for me.
CB’s parents and mine were relatives. But, except for CB’s elder sister and his parents I had never met any other sibling in that family. Even if they visited, only three of them used to visit our place. But, my father knew the whole family. So, when CB who also came to the car park to get his vehicle, started to talk with my father.
CB looked at the pretty young woman clad in light pink Kandyan saree with her thick plait from the nape to waist. He wanted to exchange a few glance with her, but most of the time she was looking down covering herself behind her father. She seemed to be having the exact features he had in her dreams.
He thought, the next step would be to find a way to her home. His elder sister was to get married in few months time. Fate seemed to be in his favour. Geetha was selected to be the bride’s maid for CB’s sister.
Ratnayaka Mudiyanselage Chandrasiri Bandara Ratnayaka (alias C.B. Ratnayaka) was born on January 21 in 1958. R.M. Nawarathna Bandara Ratnayaka, a businessman and Gamsabhapathy of the area (who worked closely with Sirimavo Bandaranaike), and Hapuhinne Karunadipathy Divaratne Wasala Mudiyanselage Podi Manike of Elamulla, Hanguranketha (Nuwara-Eliya District) were his parents.
CB was the second of the eight siblings in his family. He had one older sister and a younger sister, and all the others were brothers. He was the oldest son of the family and was the `big hope’ of everybody.
CB first studied in Deegalahinna Maha Vidyalaya upto grade 5 and entered the Vidyartha College, Kandy. He was an outstanding figure in the school Rugby team and enjoyed his hostel life to the fullest. After A/Ls in Bio-Science, CB took over his family’s wholesale business at the age of 20. Later he expanded it and launched his own wholesale business centre in Ragala.
At his sister’s wedding, CB was admiring Geetha’s beauty, but other than a few words he was not in a mood to talk further with her as he and all his brothers were emotionally upset over their beloved sister leaving home.
After the wedding CB began to visit Geetha’s place finding some excuse. Once he dropped in to meet her father to get some advice over the business matter. Secondly, he wanted to see how her mother was getting on as she was down with a slight fever. Geetha knew his ultimate goal.
Her parents and his were relatives and were in good terms. Even he was admired by her parents. He became one of the best friends of her younger brother too. So, when he asked her, she knew nothing to worry about. She felt her family would not go against it.
But, things turned topsy-tervy which she never dreamt of. Her orthodox mother who always had a vision of arranging a marriage to her only daughter through a traditional way of a `Magul Kapuwa’ (match maker) to a highly educated man like of a doctor or a lawyer, was devastated when heard about the love affair of Geetha.
“Amma started a verbal war at home and it became a hell to me. Since she wanted a conservative way of proposing, CB arranged that his Aththamma (Grandma) and his uncle to visit our place,” says Geetha. Though both parties were bumping into each other at every corner at weddings, Dana houses, funerals and other functions, since they were relatives in the same village. But, neither of them uttered a word at such places over their offsprings’ love affair.
“Very
sorry, if you are really want, take her and go anytime you want, but my husband
nor I would give her in marriage to your boy with a Poruwa ceremony. I decided
to tell this to you as my daughter has become adamant over her affair with him,”
declared Geetha’s mother, Kumari Manike her final decision.
Geetha could not bear the harassing situations at home any longer. She was wondering why her mother was over reacting to her love affair like this. Even the close relatives of them were advocating her to change her decision. But Kumari Manike was not going to alter her decision. A few months passed. CB and Geetha continued to correspond through letters. Geetha once thought of getting a transfer to another school as she wanted to get rid of the verbal war of her mother that kept stinging her ears from dawn to dusk.
But, it was not possible with her father who was an influential figure both in business and politics of the area. CB was tolerated the situation with a moderate mind. But he couldn’t bear the harassments facing his love, the most precious jewel of his life. Apart from that a slight fear was worrying him. “If her parents arranged a marriage for her. What would happen if they keep her in house, imprisoned to stop me from meeting her,” he thought. He decided to have a plan.
On February 2 in 1984, Geetha set off from home at an auspicious time which CB asked her to follow, pretending she was going for work. A few clothes were secretively in her bag. She was going to take a decisive step in her life. CB who was waiting for her on the way, in the car. She got in. A few relatives of both his and hers, were waiting for the couple to arrive at the Kachcheri (Registrar’s Office). Finally Geetha and CB were married.
Geetha was in tears. She never wanted to go against her mother whose verdict was the final, even surpassing her husband. Geetha looked at her wrist watch. It was half past ten. The Postman would have already delivered two letters she posted to her mother and to her brother on the previous day.
She thought if her brother (who was about 18 years) could come home from his school, St. Anthony’s College hostel, it would give some strength to her parents who would be desolated over her decision to get married. At CB’s home there was a small function at their place at Elamulla with about a hundred relatives present.
“We stayed at CB’s place for sometime and then moved to Ragala as CB’s business was based in that area. I took a transfer to Ragala Sinhala Vidyalaya. We visited our place later on. My father and brother in return visited us continuously, but not my mother. She was ok when we paid a visit at her place, but was very official.
Even when I was pregnant and after having my older son, it was my mother-in-law who took care of me. I’m very happy that I’ve got such supportive in-laws. My school staffers were also helping me a lot,” recalls Geetha.
Question: Didn’t you feel scared over the hasty decision you took?
Geetha: It was a hasty decision. But, at that time the only way I saw to get over the war at home was that. Also I had a great faith in him as all the relatives saw no wrong in him. I loved my parents, but at the same time I loved him too. My mother should have been more sensible. To my friends, I advise them not get jittery over their children’s love affairs. Patience is the best remedy.
Be cool and try to find a solution in a tranquil manner. My mother threw a grand wedding for my brother as he came out from the college. He was just 21 years then. That was arranged exactly how she wanted. After that my mother changed completely. By today, CB is her best son-in-law. Now she loves him more than me. See how things has changed! (laughs)
Question: Did you like him moving into politics?
Geetha: Not at all, as we had a beautiful nest with our three kids. Both of us valued the importance of the family life. I was scared. It was the time of the insurgency (1989-1991). Politics would be a strong storm that would sweep away our nest (pauses). But, my blessings always worked for him.
CB became the Chief SLFP Organiser of the Walapane Electorate of Nuwara-Eliya District in 1991. Geetha’s father who was a strong UNPer changed his colour from green to blue along with his son-in-law’s new appointment. In the General Election of 1994, he entered Parliament. “While he was going for the elections campaigns, it was Geetha who walked every nook and corner of the electorate covering three fourth of the residents of the area.
CB became the Minister of the Estate Infrastructure and Community Development in 2004, and in September of the same year he was appointed as the Minister of the Small and Medium Scale Plantation. In December, 2006, CB was given the Ministry of Estate Infrastructure and Livestock Development. Presently he is handling the Ministry of Livestock Development launching a massive project of educating citizens the importance of the development and consumption of fresh dairy products.
Question: Your children?
Geetha: Blessed with three. Elder son, Nuwan Harsha Nilupul Bandara Ratnayaka is 22 years now. Now he is in the final year of Business Administration and Management in Merryland, USA.
Our second son Abheetha Madhusahn Bandara Ratnayaka is 21 years, following a degree course in Business with IT , affiliated to Monash University. Both our sons first studied at Our Ladies Convent, Nuwara-Eliya and then entered Dharmaraja College, Kandy. They finished their school education at Royal College, Colombo. Our daughter, Buddhimali Eranga Ratnayaka is an A/L student at Visakha Vidyalaya, ColomboFrom the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Aug 17 2008
Punya Heendeniya, the evergreen silver screen star
By Lakmal Welabada
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As a kid and teenager, she perused many classical literary works of renowned writers both in the Western and Eastern world such as Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Tolstoy, Munidasa Kumaratunga and Martin Wickremasinghe, and enhanced her literary appreciation bilingually.
She was a gifted singer of folk songs as well as a talented pianist of Western music. She was the best dancer when the drum sounds a beat. In the playground, she was the captain of the school Netball team.
At the Sinhala Literary festivals, she was the talented poet. When she holds the needle and thread, there was hardly anybody to beat her needlecraft.
In the kitchen she was the chief chef. When the paint brush was in her fingers, she became the talented artist. She was the imp and the Tom boy who would not let herself get defeated.
Simultaneously she was the `Upasaka Amma’ who would not fail to observe Sil on every Full Moon Poya Day. And she was the `Pancha Kalyani’, the beauty queen who shed the serene village innocence to enter the Sinhala Silver Screen during 1960s.
Punya Heendeniya, the evergreen star of the Silver Screen still holds an unshakable fame, leads a tranquil life today attending more to her literary work. On the other hand an actress becomes a writer, seems not a new thing at all.
Arts, culture, history, crafts and performing art; all are the shiny pearls of the same necklace. Punya is celebrated as `Nanda’ since her incompatible role played in the Internationally acclaimed film `Gamperaliya’, directed by veteran Lester James Peiris which was based on the Sinhala novel by renowned Martin Wickremasinghe. `Brinda’ would be the newest name that should be associated with her name after she put her aesthetic thoughts into a collection of short stories in 2005.
Heendeniya Vidanaralalage Punya Heendeniya was born on a July 31, and grew up in a little villa its boundaries triangular with the village temple, school and an evergreen paddy field in the beautiful village of Meerigama. The triangle nurtured her character providing her atmospheres - spiritual, educational and aesthetical. Punya is a blend of all three.
“I have two birthdays, just like the queen. My Birth Certificate says - I was born on August 1. But, according to my father I came to this world on July 31. I found it only when I tried to get my Passport to go abroad in 1978,” laughs Punya.
Punya
was the fifth in her simple folk family which comprised three sisters and three
brothers. Her small scale landed proprietor father and mother provided her a
blissful and a benevolent childhood which a child could ever expect.
Her close family group consisted of her musical father, religious mother and aesthetic passionate offsprings provided her a well balanced mind which later was nourished under the guiding light of her school dancing teacher famous Panibharatha Master and Siyambalapitiye Osthad David Master (who later became a Professor and Vice Chancellor of Gwalier University, India).
Punya was selected to sing the welcome song for Prime Minister D. S. Senanayaka at the foundation laying ceremony held at Meerigama College which later developed into a National School in the area with its new name D. S. Senanayaka College, Meerigama.
Along with that memorable experience Punya, an adventurous village damsel who used to walk in the mud on the paddy paths (`Niyara’) carrying `Ambula’ (lunch) for her father and the workers during the harvest reaping time, found the first rare opportunity to appear in a dancing sequence choreographed by Panibharatha Master for `Asoka’ film, directed by Sirisena Wimalaweera in 1954-1955. Though she was still a teenage schoolgirl, the rhythm this folk lass had in her soul was being discovered.
“Panibharatha Master always had some instinct that I would be a star one day, though I had not even dreamt of such a thing. Meanwhile, Siri Heendeniya, my cousin who had some connection with the film industry introduced me to S. D. S. Somaratne, producer and to L. S. Ramachandra, director of the film `Deyyange Rate’ (the country of gods) based on a novel of W. A. Silva. It was the beginning of my film career,” she recollects.
Punya’s conservative mother who was tolerating her Chooti Duwa’s exposure to the performing arts, rang the alarming bell when she heard about the offer Punya got to act in `Deyyange Rate’. But her father and her music teaching elder brother, and all the other siblings gave her the utmost support. From school to the Silver Screen, Punya played the main role of Catherin in the film.
“The main location was in the sacred `Sripada’. The story was also based on a pilgrimage to this holy place. We had to climb the `Mahagiridamba’ up and down for 16 times. I think I was really lucky as I got the opportunity to start off my film career at a place like `Sripada’, one of the most venerated spot of Buddhists. (The Buddha paid a visit to this place and determined to imprint his foot print there). The shooting dragged on for about one year. I had just finished my O/Ls. It was in 1958, exactly 50 years back,” recalls Punya.
Deyyange Rate, Suneetha, Shri-296, Gamperaliya, Kurulubadda, Sikuru Tharuwa, Parasathumal, Ransalu, Kaliyugaya and Ranvan Karal were all the films she took part in so far. Martin Wickremasinghe with greatest joy gifted almost all the books he wrote to Punya after he saw her role in `Gamperaliya’ which was just as if she had given life to `Nanda’, the exact character he created in his distinguished novel.
Punya was almost `summoned’ down to Sri Lanka from her residence abroad to take part in `Kaliyugaya’, the second episode of `Gamperaliya’, as there weren’t any substitute for that role. `Ranvan Karal’ was a semi documentary she took part in.
“I was at the peak of fame. My lifestyle was disturbed, though I accepted it with good spirit. Our village home was just adjoining the main road, so that I had to restrict my passion to sit at the open verandah and watch the passing vehicles as everybody who passed used to peep out to have a glance at me.
My house was flooded with fans. Sometimes buses of schoolchildren used to come to see me. Though my mother was not appreciating my films, never hesitated to treat my fans well with meals and tea, and in every way she could. That was because, hosting the guests was an enthusiastic must in our orthodox village culture, and my mother was part of that,” reminisces Punya.
Except for going out for shooting or shopping with her father, elder sister and elder brother, Punya rarely came to Colombo or went outstation. She knew where to retain her identity and lead a humble and down-to-earth role in real life. Hence, the village fragrance filled in her soul never vaporized.
Among the female male, young, old, married, unmarried, folk, urban, illiterate and educated fans she had one special mail fan who constantly wrote to her. Without just satisfying himself only by sending her mails, this fan too decided to pay her a visit at her place.
To avoid him, she once wrote to him and said that she had to go to Kalutara Bodhiya, on the very day he was planning to come. “It’s better as Kalutara is closer to my place than to Meerigama,” was his answer in returning post. Punya knew she had no choice so she decided to tolerate his visit. Dr. Milroy Beverly de Silva Nanayakkara, DMO of Moneragala Hospital, drove all the way from his home in Galle to Meerigama.
Punya was lazily sitting at the verandah expecting her fan who seemed going to be another pain. She saw a car stopping at the gate. The door opened and two cocker spaniel dogs who came out, climbed up the steps and went straight to Punya who was sitting at the verandah, sniffed her feet and legs and hands, and hurried away back to the car.
Then got off a gentleman wearing a pair of sunglasses to reminiscent of a filming. Punya was wondering what was happening. DMO Milroy Nanayakkara stepped into the house introduced himself offered Punya a bouquet of fox-tailed Orchids. The two Spaniels were his best companions who used to go wherever he went. It seemed that he had to wait until they watched, cleared and okeyed the situation.
“My mother who loved to entertain my fans never asked them to come again, as I’d noticed. But, for him she went on to say, `Aye enne Puthe’ (Please come again son). She even called him `Putha’. So, this `Putha’ started his visits regularly, saying `I’m coming to see your mother. She is so kind and nice to me’. And it continued until I too said `Ok’ to him,” laughs Punya, relating her love story.
Dr. Milroy first came to see Punya in 1967. Within a year their love blossomed, and however much `Nanda’ of `Gamperaliya’ had male fanatics, the only fan who could make her heart faster was Milroy. Once she made a strong cup of Coffee for him in order to keep him awake throughout the night until he drove from Meerigama to the DMO office, Moneragala. Though it was bitter like `Kasaaya’, Milroy had to gulp it under her supervision, thinking it was quite a mild sacrifice in comparison for their fiancees in ancient times everywhere in the world.
Milroy and Punya tied the knot on September 9 in 1968. Milroy’s family which belonged to the urban English speaking Down-South upper-class Buddhists was first apprehensive to receive Punya, not knowing who she was. “But, she was the first daughter-in-law to worship my mother offering a sheaf of betel. And they couldn’t believe that. She kept the traditions in fact,” said Milroy.
“It was my decision to leave films,” she sounds firm. “I decided to do that sacrifice for my family. Milroy never wanted me to quit. He didn’t want me to lose my name. We got married and were staying at Moneragala. He was from Mahinda College, Galle and I was from Meerigama. Though we applied, our son didn’t get a Colombo school. That was the turning point that provoked us to leave the country as we, both knew the value of a good education,” reminisces Punya.
Milroy and Punya went to Zambia in 1978. Dr. Milroy served as the Chief Medical Officer of Zambia Consolidates Copper Mines, looking after the medical side of the workers of the institution.
After serving there for 12 years, they shifted to England in 1990. Dr. Milroy has been working as a Consultant Psychiatrist for the National Health Service in Watford in North West London.
“Today, our eldest son, Anupama Dyvupathy is a Consultant Physician. He who played the role of my son in `Kaliyugaya’ when he was 10 years. He is married to a English girl and having two kids. Our second is a daughter, Thapthi Purnami Shashi Prabha. She is also a Consultant Physician. Both my children were born in Sri Lanka.
They were 8 and 5 years when we left the country. We never forgot our traditions, and always spoke in Sinhala at home. Hence, our children are quite fluent in Sinhala in all three areas - reading, writing and talking,” says Punya.
“My favourite films out of the few I’ve done are ‘Kurulubedda’, ‘Sikuru Tharuwa’ and `Gamperaliya’. Unlike today, though our script writers and producers had natural artistic eyes, they lacked the technical knowledge of the film industry. Hence we had to get down South Indian directors.
But, with the script writers like P. K. D. Seneviratne and some eminent directors like Lester James Peiris this deficiency was filled excellently,” she says. Punya was the first to receive the Best Actress Award (for `Gamperaliya’) at the first Sarasaviya Award Festival in 1964. And she got the Medal (the second place) for `Sikuru Tharuwa’ at the same festival. The President’s Award for the Lifetime Achievement was awarded to Punya in 2000.
Punya was on a short holiday in Sri Lanka, when the Sunday Observer wanted an appointment with her. “Now...!” she pauses. “Hmm, I’m leading a very serene and tranquil life, observing Sil and meditating at the Amarawathi Buddhist Monastery in UK. It was a monastery which is run by an English Sangha Trust,” says Punya.
“She is a great lover of animals. There is a small wood adjoining our place, and wild foxes come there looking for food in the night. So, you know what Punya does? Along with the food for birds, cats and other animals, she keeps rice for foxes as well,” butts in Milroy.
“If you are observing Maithree to the `Sathva’ you should be able to do so unconditionally to every human being as well as animals, and even the nature and environment,” points out Punya.
“I believe in Kamma. That’s why I try my best to keep the Five Precepts of Dhamma (Pansil) unbreakable. I never even zip a drop of wine or champagne”, she says. “I read a lot, Classics, English and Sinhala books and journals. I browse the Internet a lot. I know both the English and Sinhala keyboards, and when I wrote `Brinda’, my ability for Sinhala typewriting, really helped me.
I did it all by myself. It comprised 14 Sinhala stories and two English stories,” she claims.
“My husband is the best companion I’ve ever met. I have no regrets in sacrificing my career and fame even at the peak of my success,” she concludes. The name `Punya’ gives the meaning of `fortune or luck’, I (the writer) would emphasise that Punya has been truly one of the luckiest woman born to Sri Lanka.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Aug 10 2008
Opposites attract: destiny played the lead role
Sriya talks of life with popular actor, director and producer Sathischandra Edirisinghe:
Sathischandra Edirisinghe, actor, director and producer of stage dramas, films and teles; what a vital role is he playing at home? “He is a good husband. What else to utter,” laughs Sriya, his wife.
Sitting on the sofa at their residence at Kelaniya, Kariyapperuma Arachchige Sriya Kariyapperuma started recalling the past and the present with her hubby Sathis who has gained fame in all three acting arenas.
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“We were friends. I acted in the stage dramas he directed at school. There was a competition among girls to win him, as he was an active and jovial boy who was always humming a tune even whilst walking. However he turned to me. I still don’t know what that something special he saw in me. Must be my destiny,” she smiles.
Sriya was born on November 7, 1941 to Baron Perera Kariyapperuma who worked as a clerk and Sumanawathie Cooray at Gonawala, Kelaniya. Sriya was the oldest of the ten siblings in her family. She had her education at Dharmaloka Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya. Sriya was in the school orchestra and learnt to play the Esraj under Mr.Mudunkotuwa. “I did the first Division of Indian music examination. But, it all stopped after Mr. Mudunkotuwa went to India,” she recalls. “I did sports at school, and was in the school netball team. I was the House Captain too,” she reminisces.
Sriya was brought up in a friendly environment with a happy childhood. “My mother was a bit of a strict character. We were asked to help out in the house chores though we had enough of helping hands to do the work. But, later in life, I realised the value of it. After I got married I got worked in dress making and cake making for about 20 years. It drew me an income while giving me self contentment.
Hence, I’ve never missed not staying at home as my husband was a very busy person with his job, acting career as well as the social service. I believe every girl should be armed with the capabilities of tackling the home front. That makes life easy. Whatever the career you are engaged in, a woman should know her duties by the home and family,” she says.
Patikirige Sathischandra Edirisinghe was born on February 11 in 1941 to a Chief Supervisor of the Department of Cottage Industries, P.Edirisinghe and Elizabeth Perera of Nungamuwa, Kelaniya. Sathis was the sixth in the eight in his family. Running events, Volleyball and drama were among his favourites at school. Sathis did his A/Ls in the Arts stream at St.Mary’s College, Alpitiya and got results to enter to the University. But, his craze over dramas changed his destiny.
Sathis’ first job was as a clerk at the CTB in 1965.
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He rose up to be the Public Relations Officer and then to be the Manager of Grade 5 at the same place during his 20 years of service. During Mahaweli Minister the late Gamini Dissanayaka’s era, Sathis joined the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, and rendered his invaluable service. By introducing a cultural centre and a team in which many underprivileged village youngsters of the Mahaweli area got the opportunity to rise up in the society through their in-born talents.
Sathis’ first stage drama on the popular stage was Kalashoori J.D.A.Perera’s `Vessanthara’ in 1961. It was a script from John de Silva. Sathis acted in it with the late famous duo Edie Jayamanna and Rukmani Devi. Henry Jayasena’s `Manaranjana Vedavarjana’ (1965) was also one of the memorable plays Sathis was involved in. `Baka Thapas’ was his first production as well as direction which was staged in 1963. So far he has acted in 20 plays, and six of them were his production and direction.
`Sadol Kandulu’ directed by Senator Reggie Perera (1966) took him to the Silver Screen. Sathis who wanted to try his aesthetically talented hands in every field, directed and produced his first film `Mathara Aachchi’ in 1973. `Rajagedara Paraviyo’, `Shri Madara’, `Sathara Diganthaya’, `Adhishtanaya’ and `Vadula’ were the few films Sathis created for the Silver Screen which were with a novel creative and exquisite aesthetic touch one different from the other.
`Sandakada Pahana’, the popular song in Sathis’ first film `Mathara Aachchi’ sung by Sunil Edirisinghe (Sathis’ younger brother) was still a hit. It was the first song composition of Wally Nanayakkara; the first film music direction of Victor Ratnayaka and first film song of Sunil. This was a record that has marked the Sinhala film history.
Sathis’ unique talents in acting coupled with his deep intensive personality attracted the hearts and minds of the tele fans. Every character he played in 30-40 teledramas has imprinted an exquisite memory to the viewers.
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Out of the 11 teledramas he has produced, seven were directed by him. Sathis has won many awards to his credit, and some of them were for his roles in the teles `Eka Mavakage Daruvo’ and `Thaara Devi’ (both directed by Lucien Bulathsinghala) in early 1980s, Gamini Fonseka’s film `Koti Valigaya’ (1985) and film `Hima Kathara’ were among the award winning lot.
Sathis was honoured with the `Kalashoori’ title by the late President R. Premadasa in 1990, and bestowed with an honorary doctorate by the Vidyalankara Pirivena, Peliyagoda in 2006.
Question: Sriya, we see Sathis as a strong steadfast personality on the screen. How do you describe him as a husband?
Sriya: He is a nice man (smile). He gets angry, but only for a few seconds. He has been a family man, but had little time to attend to the studies of the children and other work at home. I even shouldered most of the work in that sense, giving him more space for his work. I always thought it was my duty by him. He would not miss a single invitation he gets and prefers to attend to any function; be it a religious, State celebration or a book launch.
He reads a lot and loves to deliver lectures, especially for the youngsters at Buddhist Sunday Schools and schools. Sathis is a very religious person who tries his best to lead a virtuous life. Also if he is given a duty he would do it to the maximum capacity. He loves social service, and has had a vast number of students among the youngsters whom he has helped out to rise up in life. They still respect him whenever they see him. I’ve always admired him for his qualities and his talents.
Question: About your children?
Sriya: We have three children. All are married now. Udaya Shashipriya is our eldest. He studied at St.Thomas College, Guruthalawa. Now he handles his own business, `U and I Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd’, dealers of eye medical products. Sashini is our daughter, studied at St.Paul’s, Kelaniya. She is a B.Com graduate and now living in Australia. The youngest, Udara Asanga was a Royalist. He is in the textile and fashion designing trade in Australia.
Question: Contended life?
Sriya: Yes. We rose up in life day by day. We have been living happily, and our children are also doing well in their lives. We have really nice daughters-in-law and a son-in-law, and we are proud grand parents of five grandchildren. What else can we expect from life?
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer Aug 3 2008
‘There’s a woman behind every successful man...’
Anoma talks of life with IGP Jayantha Wickremaratne.:
“I was obsessed with Gamini Fonseka’s role as a Police Inspector in the film `Velikathara’, and that was what made me encourage him to join the Police,” reveals Anoma Goonetilleke Wickremaratne, wife of Inspector General of Police Jayantha Wickremaratne.
A smiling Anoma recalled the past, exulting in her inspiring decision taken three decades back.
`There’s a woman behind every successful man, and a woman can either ruin or enhance his life.’ says Anoma who has set an example by being his shadow, motivating him to excel his life to acquire utmost success. Anoma despite being the encouraging force behind the new IGP, is the Ex-Secretary of the Bar Association, and presently a Member of its Executive Committee.
“I still feed him,” she exclaims. “You won’t believe me, will you?” she laughs, disclosing quite a rare occasion one can ever expect from a busy working wife who falls into the category of intelligentsia. Fussing, pompous, bombastic inferiority or jealousy; these are unheard words with Anoma, instead its Love, compassion and care.
“I’m
a career woman, a lawyer only at the Courts. At home I’m his wife and the mother
of our two children. What has happened today is that many working women mix the
priorities of their lives, and its like catching the snake in a wrong way. One
has to climb the ladder in one’s career, but should not disdain one’s family.
Some women earn more than their husbands, and display the power of their money. One should not get swollen headed with one’s perks. It would be too late when you realise that you are hurting and loosing the best companion of yours. You can be the most educated, and drawing millions, but should have a lot of common sense and tolerance to sail the ship smoothly,” explains Anoma.
Habaragamuwa Ralalage Anoma Dilani Peiris Goonetilleke was born on February 26 in 1953 at Kumbuka, off Piliyandala. “My father, H. R. Walter Leonard Peiris Goonetilleke who was popularly known as Wolly Peiris was an Engineer attached to the Ceylon Insurance Corporation during the time of Justin Kotalawala, the founder Chairman.
My mother is Hema. Co-incidentally, my mother’s gay name as well as the surname, both were the same as father’s. They might have got together at some point, but they weren’t known to each other. She was the Registrar of Birth, Deaths and Marriages in Raigam Korale for 47 years,” recalls Anoma.
“I’m the eldest of the family. My brother, Mitra Ranjan is a Gemologist and my sister, Manojini is a designer,” she continues.
Anoma and her sister first went to Kumbuka Central College and then entered Hillwood College, Kandy, while her brother was sent to St. Anthony’s College Katugastota. “Our father wanted to give us the best education in the best environment and climate. So, he thought Kandy is the best location for that. Getting adjusted to the hostel life was not that easy because being the eldest child, I was pampered especially by my father. But, later I found it very interesting.
Miss. Indrani Wijetunga, my class teacher in Grade 6, really helped me to get used to that life,” she reminisces. Elocution and drama were her favourite subjects. Among the number of dramas she took part Anoma recalled the role she has played as the thief in the school drama, `Puhul Hora’ which was staged for repeated shows for the schools of the whole Kandy district.
Anoma still holds the unbroken record of the `Senior Elocution Prize’ for three consecutive years 1967, 1968 and 1969. Though she didn’t represent the school, Anoma took part in many sports activities available at school, like Badminton, Table Tennis and Netball.
“I was the Prefect and the House Captain of `Naish’. School days were the superb time in my life. In addition, I was the Secretary of the Buddhist Society and the leader of the debating team as well,” recalls Anoma.
Anoma did O/Ls in 1970, got through with flying colours, and enroled herself in the A/L class to study Science. But, since her father’s dream was to see his daughter become a lawyer, Anoma changed her academic stream from Science to Arts by selecting Civics, Sinhala, History and English as her subjects. “In that era we could apply for the Law College with O/L results. So, though I was in the A/L class, I managed to sit for the entrance exam and entered Law College in 1973,” says Anoma.
Anoma took oaths in 1977, and became the Junior Apprentice under Mr. Sivaraja Gnanapandithan in 1977. She worked with him till 1983, until he migrated to Canada with his family.
Question: `Velikathara’ drew you to provoke him to join the Police. What drew you towards him?
Anomy:
Well, Jayantha was a final year under graduate of Public Administration at Sri
Jayawardanapura University, when I first met him. He was boarded at the same
place where I too was boarded when I entered Law College.
The house owners were relatives of both of us. The uncle of that house was related to Jayantha and I was related to the aunt. On my 20th birthday, which fell on February 26 in 1973, my father brought a birthday cake for me to the boarding place.
I served cake for everybody, and finally tapped his room for him to come out (laughs). He did. Wished me and took a piece of cake. It was the first time our eyes met with each other. We became very friendly and finally started an affair (smiles).
Hapu Arachchige Jayantha Shantha Kumara Wickremaratne was born on November 3 in 1949, to H. A. Wickremaratne, Director - Education Department, in-charge of Pirivena Section, and Dona Caroline Margaret Balasuriya, school Principal at Vigoda, Bemmulla around Gampaha area.
Jayantha was the youngest in his family. His only elder brother, Captain Palitha Wickremaratne who was a Mechanical Engineer at the Sri Lanka Army died of a heart-attack in 1977.
Jayantha had his primary education at Vigoda Maha Vidyalaya and then entered Thurstan College, Colombo. Hockey and Basket Ball were the favourites among young Jayantha at school, who earned a name as a studious as well as well disciplined student.
He was a Prefect and headed many societies at school. After getting through A/Ls in the Arts stream, Jayantha entered Sri Jayawardanapura University and acquired the B.A. degree in Public Administration.
Jayantha’s first experience at work was at Central Bank where he stayed for a brief period of time until her fiancee expressed her obsession for him to join the Police. “I assume ours was a bond that has been coming down through this Sansara. That was why I knew what was `the best’ for him,” laughs Anoma. “Since his brother was also in the Army, all the encouragement came his way perfectly,” she says.
Yes! certainly she does! Her prediction made as a young fiancee of his came true. He joined the Police as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in August, 1974, and rose upto be the present IGP.
Question : Have you ever faced disapprovals from the parents?
Anoma: Not exactly. According to the first horoscope reader consulted by our parents, there was a “small miss-match” in our horoscopes. Fortunately, the second one okayed it. We got married at the Brighton Hotel, Colombo on November 8 in 1982. I don’t know about his, but in my case I didn’t have much room even to associate with anybody else other than him because, I met him as I entered Law College.
Anoma has been holding many positions in her career. At the Colombo Law Society, she went up to the position of President in 1994. Anoma was the first lady Assistant Secretary (1992-1993), first lady Treasurer (1999-2000) and the first lady Secretary (2004-2005) of the Sri Lanka Bar Association. At present she is a member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association.
Question: Both of you are in the Law field. How do you compromise things with each other?
Anoma: As we married we came to an understanding that I being the lawyer, was not to handle any criminal case in courts as it would directly or indirectly affect him. I have been handling Civil cases only.
Question: How did you manage your home and career?
Anoma: It was really difficult for me to cope up. I was building up the practice and along with house chores and children, I found it terrible. But! (pauses), I’ve never grumbled as I’ve married a person of my choice and my career was something I was doing with pleasure.
So, I was never tired of anything. Instead I treated everything as my duty by everyone, including my husband, children and other family members. Apart from the busy schedules, we faced awful and hazardous situations in life due to the life threats he got from various criminals.
He never took notice of them, but I used to get shaken up a bit. But, nothing
has gone wrong in life. I’m a practicing Buddhist, so is Jayantha. I believe
that the Triple Gem showers a great blessing on us. 
Question: Jayantha as a husband?
Anoma: I’m a character with a bit of a hot temper. He is the opposite; calm, quiet... Of course, he gets angry, but very rarely, and then I keep quiet until he cools down. But, we never retort in a bad manner. So, it has really helped us to go on. Life is very easy with him.
He is a teetotaller now. I never bother him but attend to every little need of his. You see, your husband can be the ruler of a “continent”, but before his wife he becomes a child.
He looks for mother’s love from his wife. And if you fail to give it then you are pushing your marriage into trouble. You may be having hundreds of domestics, but it’s not like you attending to him, and his children. It’s a must. I’m very close to his family members too.
Question: Your children?
Anoma: Our daughter, Danushka studied at Bishop’s College. She first wanted to be a lawyer, but later chucked up the idea even after doing Law at the Royal Institute for 2 years after seeing my hectic life as a lawyer.
She is following a Fashion Designing Course at present. Anosha, our son studied at S. Thomas’ College, Mount-Lavinia. He will be passing out as an Automobile Engineer from Notingham University, UK shortly.
Question: Contended life?
Anoma: Yes, If you lead a honest and virtuous life, it is not that difficult to achieve a contended life.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer July 27 2008
‘Tunes are all I have to take your heart away’
Beatrice talks of life with veteran music composer Rohana Weerasinghe.:
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“My pride - has been the quality that enticed him. That’s what he says,” smiles Beatrice, wife of veteran musician, Rohana Weerasinghe. Dance and music, the blend of aesthetics turned into a blend of love, grew as a sapling of a tree, under the shelter of Heywood......
“Rohana was an active member of the students’ Union. He has been creative since he was young,” says the `dancer’ wife about her `musician’ hubby who has made a record in the local music history by composing music for about 3000 songs so far.
Batapola Arachchige Leela Beatrice de Silva was born on July 17 in 1953 to B.A. Themanis de Silva and Aslin Silva.
“I was the fifth of the six siblings. My father worked at the CTB, and we have been living at Wattegedara, Maharagama. I studied upto O/Ls at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, and then entered to College of Fine Arts at Heywood in 1971. I was studying dancing and Rohana was studying music there,” she recalls.
Dancing has been her life long passion. Even since she was a kid she tried her steps on the floor of Kandyan dancing sequences.
“I would have been studious if I concentrated more on my studies, but my passion for dancing came first. Concerts and dancing competitions were my preferences when I was at school. My father died the same year when I entered to Heywood. My mother and other siblings were not that happy about me getting into dancing, but later they okayed it,” she says.
Beatrice
learnt Kandyan dancing under Edward Lokuliyanage. She got the opportunity to
take part in two stage dramas - Pota veradila-Yaka gahala produced by the
Kandyan dancing teacher and Sanni daha ata produced by the Heywood dancing
faculty.
At Heywood, Beatrice learnt Low Country dancing. The blend made the pretty dignified young woman to be a perfect dancer. In 1973, while at Heywood, Beatrice was selected both for the State Dancing Troupe under the late veteran Panibharatha, and for the Army Dancing Troupe under Captain Delwala. Both provided her the rare opportunity of going abroad, which Sri Lankans of that era were not fortunate to enjoy.
“First my home people were a bit scared of my travelling abroad. But, they always trusted me and that I would not go a wrong way. I’ve travelled many countries,” she smiles.
Her first teaching appointment was at Velimaluwa Vidyalaya for three years and then she came to St. Joseph’s Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda where she stayed for 20 years. “I have been at Royal College, Colombo since 2004. I handle the primary classes there,” she says.
Question: Rohana has been known as a veteran musician. But we heard that he handles a different position at present.
Beatrice: Yes, he has been the Advisor to the President for Cultural and Aesthetic Affairs since 2006. Rohana has been working towards the development of the Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs in the country. He is concentrating on the foreign commercials and teledramas that have been telecast in many private channels in Sri Lanka which directly affect the local industry.
Rohana also took the initiative to bring the Bill to the Parliament under the Intellectual Property Act, to pay the lyricist, musician and the singer of the songs telecast in all the channels both in radio and TV.
He also hopes to bring to the limelight the adverse effects of the Court Order banning operations of loudspeakers after 10 pm, which affects singers and others connected with the musical industry.
The Industry of Compact Discs is also in threat due to the underhand fraudulent activities. A CD manufacturer would spend millions to produce a quality CD paying through his nose payment for the lyricists, singers, musicians and other technology. But, the duplicate could be bought from the pavement for about Rs. 50-100 when the origin would cost about Rs. 400-500 or more.
Question: Do you think he would be able to proceed in his intentions?
Beatrice: He is a courageous person. He gets complaints and grievances from artistes everyday. He is trying to find solutions to them. There are things possible as well as difficult. Trying is always better than doing nothing.
Dimadugodage
Rohana Chitra Kumara Weerasinghe was born on February 18 in 1949 to Dimadugodage
Henry Weerasinghe, the Village Headman of Blackpool, Nuwara-Eliya and Sapalin
Weerasinghe as the youngest of nine siblings. Rohana studied at Nuwara-Eliya
Convent and entered Welimada Central after achieving a Grade 5-scholarship. He
did his A/Ls at Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, and entered the College of
Fine Arts at Heywood.
Music was his forte, but Football was his interest, and played for the school team. His first music composition was for the late celebrated singer Malani Bulathsinghala her popular hit, ‘Ran Tharu Mini Muthu’ which he did while studying at Heywood in 1970-71. The number of songs he composed music so far is innumerable.
Rohana has worked as the music Director of 40 odd films, 3 to 4 stage dramas and more than 300 teledramas so far. The number of awards ; ‘Sarasaviya’ Awards, President’s Awards and ‘Swarnasanka’ Awards would be between 30-40. Rohana has composed music for almost every singer in the local music industry.
By this time, Rohana though he had earned a name in the field sensed the need of a sturdy strength for his personal life as both his parents had passed away, and was looked after by his brothers. With his unbreakable love for Beatrice for seven years, the football player cum musician tied the knot with the pretty dancer at Sea View Hotel, Colombo on December 1 in 1977.
Kalindu Gajaba and Chirath Kanishka are the two children born to them, and Kalindu’s marriage took place last year to Sri Lankan born and Australian brought-up Chalani Thilthi Hettige.
Question: We would like to know about your children?
Beatrice: Kalindu is 27 years now. He studied at Ashoka College and then at Ananda College, Colombo. He is a Management graduate at Monash University, Australia. Though he has the Australian citizenship, his heart and soul is still in Sri Lanka. He is a good singer and musician as well though we encouraged him to select a different career.
Loku Putha could find a job here, but, since his wife has done radiography, it’s bit tough to find a suitable post for her. She has been in Australia since she was two years, but has grown up to a typical Sinhalese girl with all the good qualities we can ever expect from a daughter-in-law.
Question: Oh! you flatter your daughter-in-law?
Beatrice: (Laughs) No, I’m telling the truth. Our youngest also studied at Ananda College, Colombo. He is 21 years now, and following a Diploma in Computer at ACBT. He might also go to Australia for further studies (smiles).
Question: How do you compare Rohana and yourself?
Beatrice: Well, I’m a person who never gets agitated easily, and can apply a lot of patience and self confidence to any difficult situation. Rohana has been a very good husband who has provided everything for me in life. We’ve married for the past 30 years, and I’m very happy that I married him.
Question: Any special qualities you see in him?
Beatrice: He loves to sleep (laughs). Due to his hectic work schedules, he looks for a chance to lie down and relax. He thinks about the family a lot and whenever he gets a holiday he loves to travel to relax with us, his family.
When we go out abroad only can he enjoy a real vacation as he has a 24-hour life of a ringing phone (laughs). He sometimes develops anger, but it diminishes within no time. I have heard him working with his music tunes, but he never sings at home as people generally do.
Question: Rohana has been mingling with female companions, especially in the field. How did you face the gossip that commonly go around a famous personality like him?
Beatrice: I have not heard any thing so far. Thanks! But, however, I believe that every wife should keep an eye on her husband, and it’s her duty. That is my message for the younger generation as well. Be vigilant! (laughs).
Question: Rohana has been one of the most veteran and best music composers we have. What are the favourite tunes or songs of his as well as yours?
Beatrice: He has composed a lot of tunes for the celebrated singer Sunil Edirisinghe.
My favourites are among Sunil Aiya’s, and ‘Nathi Bari Mohothaka Pihitata Enne....’ comes first. Rohana too prefers Sunil Aiya’s songs and his favourite is Sunil’s ‘Sada Kalika Lokayaka....’, the song for which he has composed the melody. He says he likes the words and tune which mix with Sunil Aiya’s melodious voice.
Question: His melodies would become evergreen.
Beatrice: Yes, it is already. The old songs are still in the market. Rohana has been in the field for about 30-35 years rendering his talented service to the local music enthusiasts.
Question: Your future plans?
Beatrice: We are Buddhists, and following a good life. We are running a centre for aesthetic studies `Kala Bhoomi’ at Nugegoda since 1985, which provides youngsters to learn Eastern and Western music and also the vocal training.
We are not getting much profit out of that, but run with the intention of passing the aesthetic education to the younger generation. Both our sons might settle down in Australia. So, both of us might also be with them someday, not immediately, but once we grow little more older (smiles).
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer July 20 2008
‘I tolerate my husband’s crazy ways’
Geetha speaks of life with Sunil Perera the much adored musician:
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“Oba dutu mul dine...’ (the first day I saw you) is my favourite out of all the songs of Sunil,” says Geetha, wife of Sunil Perera, Gypsies leader and `Baila Chakrawarthi’. Sunil, the man who has hit the whole country with his deep mellifluous voice, once said in an interview that other than his mother, his wife is the most respectable woman in his world.
Mingling Western Cha-Cha, Rock, Hip-Hop or Reggae with local verse, Sunil with his clan of Gypsies have tried to introduce new innovations to his fans. All his songs were hits. For the past 40 years, Gypsies has recorded only about 100 songs.
The quality of the song is their main target while rendering a message or a different perspective in a novel way of their own. There’s no need to give a lengthy introduction about Gypsies, as it would be unusual to find even a kid who hasn’t tapped his toes on the floor when Sunil’s song is on the air.
Music has no barriers so is it for love. Geetha waits patiently to reveal her story with Sunil which has a history of 26 years. “I really respect my wife for tolerating all my nonsense and not leaving me. If it was any other woman, I would have been a divorcee by now,” I (the writer) recall the very words which Sunil once spoke at a similar interview over a TV channel.
The moderate size woman with an extremely pleasant smile when every time she speaks a word, has given a wide margin to her hubby in their lives. “I assume that we, women are born for sacrifice. It is a duty of a woman, and that’s why we are meant to bear children,” she voices in belief.
Geetha Kulatunga was born on March 18 in 1967 to Mahinda Kulatunga, Sub- Inspector of the Police and Dunitha Kulatunga. Geetha was the second of four in the family.
“Since my father was in the Police, we had to go from town to town along with his transfers. Hence I studied in about 7-8 schools and my last school was Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya. My father was stationed in Colombo and we were staying at Pannipitiya. I was in my O/Ls class, when for the first time I met Sunil,” she reminisces.
Geetha was fond of Kandyan and Bharatha dancing. She started attending dancing classes of Rajini Selvanayagam at the Buddhist Hall, Moratuwa.
“It was 1981. Gypsies were a popular band in the country. I’ve heard about them, but was not that interested as many others did. But, once I got the chance to go for a show by the Gypsies with my sister and cousins.
After the show, we were coming out of the place, when a slight drizzle started. There was a van, and I just leaned against it. Somebody in that van peeped out and looked. It was Sunil!”, she recalls.
Sunil who was an extremely social man by nature thought of having a word with the pretty teenager who had a long hair and was in a simple ankle length dress.
“I
too started talking to him, but didn’t have any special fanatic enthusiasm nor
did I get excited over this meeting. We talked very casually, and then he asked
me to come and meet him at his place like he would ask any other fan of his,”
she reminisces.
Geetha met Sunil some other day at his place and was soon in his fan club. “We were good friends, and I was too young to think about Sunil in any other way. He was 15 years older to me and treated me as a younger sister, and that’s all. When it was possible he used to come to Nugegoda to meet me, and used to drop me home.
I never met him alone my sister was always with me. I didn’t see anything wrong in our relationship though he was a popular man, for me he was just like a brother or cousin. He has a great sense of humour, so anyone who has met him would automatically love to have lengthy conversations with him as he knew how to make you laugh,” she smiles.
Sunil was a hero in Geetha’s world. She used to reminisce above his jokes with herself as she rarely had a friend to share them with. Though she was taking things so cool, the eyes around her were taking fire home.
“My mother was an extremely strict person. Somebody who had seen me getting into Sunil’s vehicle with my sister, had given the tip to my mother. She was devastated and started scolding me, and never believed me even when I said I had nothing to do with him. She thought we were carrying on, and asked me stop saying `Sindu kaarayo’ (singers) would not be a good match with our family.
There were days she had hit me. But, somehow or other I didn’t stop phoning Sunil and meeting him, knowing we hadn’t anything between us that would create more problem with my mom,” recalls Geetha.
Geetha was about 15 years and studying for her O/Ls. Her mother who couldn’t endure the gossips she heard over her daughter, decided to stop Geetha going to school. First, it was for three months. Geetha was idling at home sighing, seeing her siblings and neighbouring teens going to school.
After three months her mother said “Ok, you can go back to school, but no nonsense with Sunil again.” Geetha nodded her head, but by that time was quite stubborn in her thoughts. She phoned Sunil again, and met him. His meeting was bringing her a lot of joy.
When her mother got to know about Geetha’s disobedience, she declared war at home, and stopped her going to school completely. Geetha was devastated and wrecked. She was very angry with her mom. Even her father had no say over it. One night, she took a decision, wrote a letter to her mom and eloped from home.
“I went to Boralesgamuwa to one of my friends place. Her sister was planning to take me home with Sunil and explain to my parents that we were not lovers, and to arrange for me to go back to school again as I was to do O/Ls... But, before that my parents had lodged a complaint at the Police saying that Sunil had abducted me and vanished. I was under age, so it was a criminal offence. Homagama police arrested Sunil and I too had to appear there. It was around 3.00 am on October 25 in 1981,” recollects Geetha.
Sunil and Geetha both tried to prove to the parents of both who has come to the police over their arrest that they were friends and nothing else was going on. But, nothing could convince Geetha’s mom.
“Finally, Sunil said he would marry me, and asked my parents to let me continue with my studies first. But, nothing worked with my mother. I was shocked, and didn’t know what was going to happen.
At last, Sunil’s parents took us to a Registrar, a friend of theirs at Moratuwa, woke him up and registered our marriage at 4 o’clock in the morning. Sunil, later told me that after they saw me at the Police, his parents had told him, `Son, the girl looks decent and ok. If you like her, go ahead and marry her. We have no objections’... His parents liked me then and there.
When I think about it now it can be expressed that a great blessing was showered upon us,” smiles Geetha.Ivor Sylvester Sunil Perera was born on September 14 in 1952 to Anton Perera, ex-army person cum businessman and Dorine Perera.
Sunil was the second of the nine children in his family. Nihal, Sunil, Lal, Nimal and Piyal were the five brothers who later started `Gypsies’ musical band which turned the local music upside down with their innovative rebellious lyrics, melodies and singing. Sunil had his education first at St.Sebestian College, Moratuwa and then entered St.Peter’s College, Colombo.
After crashing in his O/Ls his father decided, music would do him best than anything else, and inspired all his sons to start their band `Gypsies’ in 1969. Sunil and his brothers learnt the guitar under Vincent Jayawardane and George Ferdinando arranged the Band for them. They did voice training under Loren Abeysekara, Lily Godridge and Maryanne David.
`Gypsies’ mainly concentrated on Western radio music and songs first. But, since they felt the wider demand for the Sinhala songs, they too decided to opt for it. `Linda Langa Sangamaya’ and `Amma...Amma’ were the first local songs of Gypsies.
Sajith, Rehana, Gayan and Manisha are the four `Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma’ (Eastern music notes) born in Sunil’s nest. Though just 41 years, Geetha is today a grandmother. Her elder son, Sajith who is married to Tahani (popular singer Dalreen Suby’s daughter) is already a father of a two and half year old baby girl. “Sajith was born when I was 16, and others were born each year after that. I was a mother of four when I reached the age of 20,” she laughs.
Question: Why did you think of stopping at four, as there were more notes (Pa, Da, Ni, Sa) in music?
Geetha: (Laughs) Our children and we are like friends. sons studied at St.Peter’s and girls went to St.Bridget’s.
Sajith works for Ceylinco Group and runs his own Advertising business. Gayan has his music band. Rehana is also married, and is a housewife. Our youngest, Manisha is following a Fashion Designing course.
Q: Sunil and you come from two different backgrounds. Did this affect your family life in any stage?
Geetha: He comes from a Catholic background and I’m a Buddhist. I could get on with his family members and haven’t encountered much difficulty though our social status were also different. Racial differences has never be a problem either of us. Even our eldest son, Sajith is married to a Muslim girl and Rehana is married to a Buddhist boy.
Both Gayan and Manisha are also engaged to Buddhists. Sunil is a cool person at home and gets angry rarely. But, there were so many other things that would have destroyed my marriage, if I didn’t act wisely. Like many other famous personalities, Sunil also got into many temptations, especially in the first ten years of our marriage. When I heard of them I used to ask him straight.
He never denied me, and if he had done something wrong, he had always confessed. He had promised me not to repeat the wrong once again, but it took nearly quarter century for him to realise the iniquity he was committing.
Q: How did you face life in difficult situations like that?
Geetha: Other than asking him straight I’ve never discussed them with anybody, even with my parents. Even if somebody asked me I would slip out of the matter saying `that’s all what people gossip about’. I have never ever argued or scolded Sunil over the things that were taking place.
I was a woman who wept silently. I’m a devoted Buddhist and treading the Buddhist way of life was the only remedy for my anguish. I used to recite Gaathas at home and go for Bodhi Poojas seeking relief. I did all my duties my husband. I provided a peaceful healthy home front to my children. I think my sacrifice succeeded, and my endeavour didn’t go in vain.
Today, Sunil is a totally different person. He has started to explore into Buddhism, and has become a great disciple of Buddhist philosophy. We are Sai devotees as well. Sunil reads a lot on Buddhism, and even on Sai Baba’s preaching. My children, though they are Catholics by birth, come to temple and take part in Sai Bajans with me whenever they can. They too read a lot on religion.
Q: With your experience, what message can you give to society?
Geetha: Being women, we have a great responsibility by our family as well as by the society. If you cannot go out of the way and render some service to the society, at least be aware that you are not responsible in breaking others’ marriages. A man cannot clap with one hand, and if there’s an illicit affair, the woman would also be responsible to it. Some say marriage are made in heaven, but many who preach this do wrong, tempt men and cause trouble in another woman’s marriage.
Question: Future plans?
Geetha: Lead a happy and good life with Sunil and my family.From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday July 13 2008
‘Love has no barriers’
Apsari speaks of life with former SL cricket captain Hashan Thilakaratne:
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“I was not that much of a cricket fan. I had more things to think about. But, I always had a liking to Hashan as he was with a smiling face in all his photographs which appeared in the papers. This made me to think that this cricketer seemed to be a pleasant guy,” recalls Apsari about veteran cricketer cum budding politician, Hashan Thilakaratne.
“It was 1995. I met Hashan at one of my friends, Eshantha’s place. I was working for Emirates and was based in Dubai. The Sri Lanka Cricket team had come there for their Sharjah Tournament, and were invited for a refreshments by Eshantha. It was the first time I met the team. I had a chat with Hashan, it was all about general topics,” says Apsari.
“The pretty Emirates Air Hostess who had an excellent manner carrying herself could not be easily forgotten,” thought the young cricketer who was at his peak during that era. He had seen many girls, beauty queens in all his tours. But, what draws him so much to this young lady, he could not fathom... Finally he decided to call her.
Apsari, a rare model of brains and beauty, first answered to his calls with her usual affable manner. She had no intention of the change that was going to take place in her fate.
“We became friends for sometime and I realised that he was a simple, humble, down-to-earth, caring and loving person. I met him at a few cricket matches played in Sharjah. When he proposed to me, I asked him to meet my family. He was undergoing a series of problems. So, I too thought it was better to get the consent of my parents first,” smiles Apsari.
Ranasinghe Arachchilage Nohoth Sinhabahu Ralalage Deepika Sandamali Apsari Sinhabahu was born on March 8 in 1970 to R.A.S.R. Podi Nilame Sinhabahu and Sheela Fernando at Maharagama. She had her education first at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and then joined St. Paul’s, Milagiriya from Grade 6.
“I did a bit of swimming and was not keen of sports. Instead I was a very studious student. However, I tried my hand at flower making, cake making and so on while at school,” she smiles.
Apsari
was in her A/L class studying Bio-Science when she heard from her friend about
the American Field Services which was a students exchange programme. The venue
centre was just opposite her school.
“By the time I heard about the programme, it was the closing date for applications. I took an application, filled and handed it over to the centre after school. Since a parent or guardian had to sign there, I got my Principal, Mrs. Pitigala who was always fond of me to sign it. I just applied for it, but never had high hopes about it,” she says.
After three tests including two interviews held by foreign delegates, 30 students including Apsari were selected.
“I was selected to go to Australia. But, this was what happened. My father used to accompany me where ever I went. A lady officer working at this programme centre who noticed me had said this to my father, `Mr. Sinhabahu, I’ve noticed that you are very caring and protective of your daughter. That’s why I’ve thought of telling this to you.
My advice is to send your daughter to Japan as she will come back the same way. Also she can learn the language as an added thing.’ So, my parents and I took her advice, I flew to Japan in 1987,” reminisces Apsari.
“We are loosing another doctor,” laments her Principal when Apsari went to bid farewell to her. Though the programme was for one year, Apsari decided to follow the two year Diploma course.
“Three girls and two boys were selected form Sri Lanka, and altogether there were 300 students at the orientation camp held at Tokyo, which briefed us a basic account of the Japanese culture, language and etiquette. Eating with the two chop sticks was the most difficult thing we encountered,” she recalls.
Every foreign student was given the shelter of foster parents who were to be responsible for their education and other facilities. “We were based in Hiroshima. There were none who knew Sinhala or English. So, we had to learn Japanese somehow. I used to work throughout the night and somehow became fluent in the language with in three months,” she claims.
Her foster parents who didn’t have children of their own became really fond of the courageous pleasant teenager, and didn’t want her to leave.
“Neither did I. But parents wanted me to come back. So, once when my mother phoned and gave me a better idea. She asked me to join Air Lanka, as then I could travel often, and would get the chance to meet my foster parents. Simultaneously I finished my diploma programme and returned back to Sri Lanka,” she says.
Apsari
whose dream once was to become a doctor was shipping into a different destiny.
While waiting for Air Lanka applications, Apsari joined as a Japanese Guest
Relation Officer at Lanka Oberoi in 1989. After six months she accepted the
biggest challenge in her fate. Apsari joined the board.
“I have no regrets over leaving higher studies for my job, as everybody go for the education to achieve a better life in the future. I really cherish my life as an Air Hostess. It was a great opportunity as I had more than 50 locations in many countries. It was a great experience. You are like ambassadors of your country, and even at the Airport you have to conduct yourself well,” she says.
Question : Some assume Air Hostesses get a lot of freedom. So, with a well secured background, didn’t you faced objections over becoming an Air Hostess?
Apsari : If you know what you are doing, and how to look after yourself there won’t be any problem. Young women in every field get caught to gossips. So, why only look at Air Hostesses with squint eyes? I assume every girl should
try this opportunity as it gives you many experience. You get opportunity to travel, meet different kind of people, and especially if you are to get married, it would be great, as you get a wonderful chance to shop.
Though looking cheerful and a free bird, a big responsibility was lying on Apsari’s shoulders. “My father worked as a Cinema Hall Manager. He provided us a wonderful and happy childhood. By the time I was in my A/Ls he suffered a terminate illness. He was too feeble to work, so as the eldest of the family, it was I who had to look after my parents and my younger sister. I did it all with great enthusiasm. I could give the best treatment to my father and make him still alive,” claims Apsari. She recalls the first car she bought out of her hard earned money.
Apsari heard of Emirates who was recruiting Sri Lankan girls for Air Hostesses after four years. Among hundreds of applicants, Apsari was the only Sri Lankan selected to Emirates in 1994. “It was a surprise! My mother had delivered the letter sent by Emirates to Katunayake along with the driver who came to pick me up in my car. It changed another leaf in my life,” she smiles. Apsari met Hashan while at Emirates which she had to end within one and half years.
“Hashan wanted to start a happy family life. He was at his peak, and was really busy. It was a deciding point in my life. A big `RISK’ I would say. I had to do the sacrifice, and quit my job. However, I had confidence that Hashan would look after me and my family who were totally depending on my support. Hashan kept his word! And that is the biggest reason for me to respect him,” she recalls.
Question : What was the response you got from your parents over his proposal?
Apsari : My parents had great confidence in me, and they knew I would not take any wrong step. `You have done so much for us. It is your life anyway. But, I know nothing would go wrong in your life. Our blessings are with you, Duwa,’ was my father’s very words uttered to me after Hashan paid a visit to our place.
Question : So.....?
Apsari : So, we came under one roof, and built our own nest (laughs).
Hashan Prashantha Thilakaratne was born on July 14 in 1967 to Raja Thilakaratne, ex-Air Force personnel and Lili Amara Thilakaratne, ex-Central Bank employee. Hashan is the oldest and his younger bother, Yasas Thilakaratne is also a professional cricketer who plays lead cricket for both England and Australia.
Hashan had his primary education at Isipathana College, and then entered D.S.Senanayaka College. He started playing Cricket at the age of nine, and qualified for National level at the age of 19. He first came to prominence with a match-saving century against England B in Galle in 1986 while still at school, and went on to make his first One Day International `Sri Lanka Vs India’ in Sharjah of the same year. He played his first Test match `Sri Lanka Vs Australia’ in Hobart, Australia in 1989.
Wills World Cup in 1996 was a historic victory in Hashan’s Cricket life. He was named the Test captain in April 2003. His last One Day International was with Zimbabwe in Sharjah in 2003, and faced the final Test match with Australia at SSC in Colombo in 2004.
In 2005, The Sri Lankan Cricket Board appointed Hashan as the Executive Director of Cricket Aid, a body formed to provide relief following the Tsunami which occurred in December 2004.
He was bestowed a rare honour when he was conferred with a honourary life membership of the MCC from March 2008. Last May Hashan Thilakaratne was appointed as the President of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers of Sri Lanka (ACUSSL).
Question : Oh! can make a team of your own?
Apsari : Why not? (laughs). Our twins, Duvindu Sachin and Ravindu Sachin were born in 1996, the very day we had our house warming ceremony here at Piliyandala in our newly built house. They are 12 years, studying at S.Thomas College, Mount Lavinia and are very keen in Cricket.
They would relate all the milestones in Thathi’s Cricket career off the bat! Both Hashan and I liked Sachin Tendulkar a lot. That was why we named our twins thus. The third, Rajindu Irvar is two and half years now.
Question : Why do you say `the third’, do you have any idea to add more to your team?
Apsari : Yes (laughs). I love children, and do not mind having even more. But, I prefer a daughter as the fourth.
Question : Hashan is in politics now. How do you see him in his this new role?
Apsari : At first, it did scare me a bit, as both families and friends were quite against it. But, I realised that Hashan has a good vision which he has gained through his experience in sports as a cricketer, captain and an executive member. Some come to politics to earn, but in our case we have enough to live on and have travelled all over the world.
There’s nothing much for us to gain in politics other than self satisfaction by doing social work. Both Hashan and I believe that we have social responsibility to fulfil. That was the very reason he stepped into politics. He will be celebrating his first anniversary today (July 13) as the Chief UNP Organiser of Awissawella Electorate in Colombo District. Co-incidentally his birthday falls tomorrow.
Question : You seem to be giving him the utmost support in all his achievements. At the same time you stated that you have faced many `risks’ and `challenges’ in life.
Apsari : I have faced jealousies and enmity since my childhood. But I have never ever become jealous of anybody as I don’t have to do so. My parents and sister have been with me through out. I’m really happy about my life as everything has fallen perfectly.
I’ve supported my family, and give hundred percent encouragement to my husband in everything he does. I’m gifted with an instinct so that my guesses over things have rarely gone wrong. My next aim is to help Hashan too do something for the people of this country. He has just started, and his aim is not to go to the Parliament tomorrow. There’s a long way for him to tread before that.
Question : In conclusion, what’s your message to the society?
Apsari : Face life with courage and determination. Always have a positive out look while attending to your duties by the family, spouse and society. If you can live according to your conscience, that is the best way to mould your own destiny.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer July 6 2008
‘Sacrifice is another name for love and marriage’
Somalatha talks of life with maestro Pemasiri Khemadasa:
How does one describe an icon whose influence has shaped and moulded the country’s musical culture for nearly forty five years? Words don’t do justice, to Pemasiri Khemadasa, the Lion who creates exciting melodies for our nightingales, and the giant who fills hearts and ears with a new wave of music, fusing Western classics with local folk tunes.
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Music composition is a philosophy. The clamour of the ocean, the buzz of the breeze, the drilling at a building constructing site, the eerie sound of a Bulldozer at a road repairing and even the tingling of a dripping water from a roadside tap on to a galvanised tin are equally significant for Khemadasa.
He elaborates his music compositions with all that. But, the best choice he has made in his life is Somalatha, his betterhalf.
“Sacrifice is another name for love and marriage,” believes Somalatha Khemadasa, wife of the veteran musician, Pemasiri Khemadasa. No disagreements or arguments about it if one believes in it. Somalatha is the soul behind the great success of the celebrity who has won nearly hundred awards for his novel invention in music.
Khemadasa, a man who has been adored by Sri Lanka for his incomparable harmonious talents as a musician, is just an imp before her.
This fair, tiny, meek and good looking woman has been looking after him, attentive like a mother for the past 42 years. Her patience and tolerance should be compared with the Indian Ocean or the cool unshakable `Himalaya’ mountains.
Henadeera Arachchige Somalatha Perera was born on April 2 in 1943 to H. A. Simon Perera, a landed proprietor of Rubber estates and Malagalage Roslin Peiris at Bandaragama, Kalutara. Somalatha was the youngest to a brother and a sister.
After having her education first at Medagama Balika Vidyalaya she was admitted to Good Shepherd Convent, Panadura where she studied up to the Senior School Certificate (SSC).
“My brother studied at Cyril Jansz College, Panadura and my sister studied at St. John’s Girls School, Panadura. I took part in many extra-curricular activities at Medagama Balika, but at Good Shepherd, I preferred Maths and knitting a lot. I was really good in Maths, but since those days a girl was rarely sent for higher studies, I couldn’t achieve university level education.
After SSC, I stayed at home until I got the ‘Visa and ticket’ to get on to the `Magul Poruwa’ with Khemadasa Master,” laughs Somalatha.
The unforgettable incident in her life was the Penicillin injection she got for the tiny rash caused by a shoe cut on her leg.
“I got it around 9 o’clock in the morning from a Skin Specialist at Horana Hospital, but fainted soon after. I gained consciousness only around 5 pm that day. It was terrible. I was about 15 years then. Unlike today, those days Penicillin was not given after being tested for allergies,” she recalls.
Question: We would like to know how you met the maestro.
Somalatha: Khemadasa Master was a friend of my Aiya (my elder brother) at Cyril Jansz College. Master was popular student musician with all the schools at Panadura. He used to come to play the piano at our school concerts too.
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He paid visits at our place as my brother’s friend, but we rarely had the opportunity to exchange a word. Our father was also very fond of music, and he had a few music instruments like flute, Serapina and Tabla at home.
If we heard Master was to visit our place, Akka (elder sister) and I used to place these instruments on the centre stool of the sitting room before he came and were waited to hear him play. We really enjoyed listening to him.
Guruge Pemasiri Khemadasa is not someone who can be described in a few pithy phrases. The magic of his creativity will be strong as ever, not simply in his music but also in his willingness to reach out to the young, and share his musical proficiency, experience and his genius.
Khemadasa who was born on January 25 in 1937 at Thalpavita, Wadduwa came from a family with a musical background. Khemadasa’s parents, Simon and Allen Perera were dairy farmers, and the family income was derived from selling milk and milk products. The big herd of cattle was often looked after by Khemadasa, who was the youngest of the 13 children in his family.
Khemadasa’s parents wanted their children to have a good education, and sent the boys to Sri Sumangala Boys College, Panadura. Little Khemadasa though was then not having any inclination towards music but was studious. He got his first double promotion when he was in the fifth standard.
But, a discrimination done by the Principal made him dislike both school and studies. The principal did not give five of the students including Khemadasa the due double promotion. Khemadasa was really disheartened and lost interest in everything.
After sitting for his Junior School Certificate (JSC) exam young Khemadasa wanted to quit studies, but he didn’t know what he wanted to do.
Though known as a `Humming bird’ by his family and relatives since he was a child, he didn’t think of music as a career option and didn’t realise he had an enviable talent until he came across a bamboo flute hanging at a shop in Panadura. He felt drawn to it, and for some unknown reason, he felt compelled to buy it. Looking back, the fifty cents worth of `tube’ changed his life.
He started playing the flute to his father’s herd of cattle, and so a great musician was born. Legend has it that flute music played by God Krishna enticed many, including Radha. But the villagers who heard the flute being played by young Khemadasa never thought that a future maestro was evolving in their midst.
Soon young Khemadasa became a popular musician in the area. On the insistence of his friends Khemadasa took part in music events at St. Joseph’s College, Panadura. The Principal of St. Joseph’s astonished by the beauty of the music played by the youngster invited him to join the school which turned a new leaf in his life. Khemadasa did his Senior School Certificate (SSC) at his new school, but did not want to discontinue learning music, which had already become his passion. He did the second part of SSC at Cyril Jansz College, Panadura where he met his future wife’s brother.
While studying for SSC, Khemadasa started studying music, and came to Colombo during the weekend to learn the music art from many veteran teachers. After his SSC he decided to dedicate his whole life to music and came to Colombo at the age of 18. He found life hard, but was determined not to turn back. He played music at weddings and other small functions for a living while studying.
While listening to various `ragas’, Khemadasa felt that he had a creative talent for composition. Whenever he saw a set of lyrics written by a known or unknown poet he created a beautiful tune to suit the words. Before long he established a reputation as a skilful composer. Singers began to come to him for melodies to their songs.
Not a musician restricted to the Eastern melodies Khemadasa’s was also inspired by the Western musical traditions. He never missed a single European symphony played in Colombo.
In 1959, Khemadasa started his own music school, `Sangeetha Manjariya’ at Maradana for which he got support from his intended in-laws. His first musical was `Beri Sil’ based on a priest who later gives up his robes. He followed this up with `Kele Mal’ (wild flowers) and later did `Nawa Rella’ (new wave).
In 1963 he wrote a new year musical symphony based on folk music, probably the first ever symphony in Sri Lanka. `The Sea Symphony’ he created in 1964 added a new dimension to the musical history of this country.
In what was widely perceived was the beginning of the golden era of the Sinhala cinema, film director K.A.W.Perera asked Khemadasa to compose music for his newest film `Senasuma Kothenada’. Khemadasa composed music for `Sulan Kurullo’. The song written by Dharmasiri Gamage and sung by the famous singing duo Harun Kumar Lantra and Angeline Gunathilaka brought a lot of fame to the film which was the hit at that time. Khemadasa walked away with the Journalists and Critics Award in 1966 for his effort.
He won the `Best Musician Award’ at the Sarasaviya Film Awards Festival for his second music direction in Lester James Peris’ film `Golu Hadawatha’ (Silent Heart) in 1967.
Since then Khemadasa’s name has been affiliated with many popular hits in the Sinhala Silver Screen. From Lester’s `Nidhanaya’ (treasure), Dharmasena Pathiraja’s `Bamabaru Awith’, (return of hornets), Tissa Liyansooriya’s `Naari Latha’, Parakrama Niriella’s `Siri Medura’ (mansion), Wasantha Obeysekara’s `Dadayama’ (the hunt), Dharmasiri Bandaranaike’s `Hansa Vilak’ (a lake of swans) and `Thunveni Yamaya’ to recent films like Jayantha Chandrasiri’s `Agni Daahaya’ (fire) and Jayantha Chandrasiri’s `Guerrilla Marketing’, Khemadasa has been winning awards as the best music director.
He has composed music for more than 200 films. Beginning with Dharmasena Pathiraja’s award winning tele drama `Kadulla’, Khemadasa has composed music for nearly 100 tele dramas as well. Jayantha Chandrasiri’s `Weda Hamine’ and `Dandubasnamanaya’ were some of the hits of the small screen that displayed the creative talents of the maestro.
The founder of Sinhala operas in Sri Lanka, Khemadasa’s operas `Manasavila’ (1993), `Doramadalawa’ (1994), `Sondura, Varnadasi’ (2001) and `Agni’ (2007) have been etched in gold letters in the annals of Lankan music history.
Khemadasa’s father died when he was 8 years.
`Mage Kaalaye Mavuni’ (the mother of my era) was the symphony he produced in 1978 to felicitate his mother who was 80 years then. It was to be staged on May 4 at Ladies College Auditorium.
“Amma, you are the chief guest of my symphony which I created for you,” he invited his mother on May 1. His mother was to come to Colombo from Thalpavita on the following day, but instead he got a call from his brother to inform him of her death. It was hard for him.
However he managed to take part in the funeral on May 3 with somewhat tranquil mind and staged his symphony on May 4 as it was arranged. The chair he meant for the chief guest, (his mother) stayed vacant in the first row of the seats.
Lets zoom back to Somalatha who hosts us with her warm pleasing smile with a hot cup of milk coffee which really suited the hour of interview, during a rainy weather. She starts unfolding the other half of her story.
“Master, though became a good friend of my family, asked me my love through a friend of mine,” recalls Somalatha. Other than exchanging a smile, a few words and rolling an eye-ball whenever they meet, Khemadasa and Somalatha had no other opportunity to express themselves to each other. Somalatha’s father was a strict person and even her brother was not happy about her affair with a `musician’.
“My sister got married and it was my brother-in-law who came forward to my rescue, that was also after ten years. However my brother gave his consent. But my father though had a simple wedding ceremony at home for me, he maintained an unusual silence to show his disapproval. He didn’t even visit my place for about two years,” she reminisces.
Question: Master was very sick once due to renal failure.
Somalatha: It was the most difficult time in my life I have ever faced. He had to under go a Kidney transplant at Kandy Hospital in 2005... I really appreciate the support given by the Government, donors, surgeons and the hospital staff and everybody who prayed blessing for him. He is being adored by everybody, and I must say that he is very lucky in that sense,” she smiles.
Question: That is all as a famous figure. Him as a husband...?
Somalatha: Well! (with a broad smile), he is a difficult person to handle. I think I’ve practised and developed patience to the highest level during the past 42 years. Everybody, including my mother, daughters and close associates have been wondering how I have had such tolerance. My daughters sometimes say that `Amma Budu Venna Paaramitha Puranavada?’ (Mother, are you practising to achieve Enlightenment as the Buddha)... (laughs)...
But, I’ve always thought if I do not render service to my husband in that way, he would not be able to do great novel creativity in music. As a wife, I think I’ve done my part to the maximum level.
Question: That’s why you said, sacrifice is another name for love and marriage? Ok. Tell us about your children.
Somalatha: We have two daughters. Both studied at Ladies College, Colombo. Our eldest, Vayantha Anupama is a Computer Engineer in Canada, and plays the Cello at concerts. The youngest, Danesha Gayathri is a pianist in Czechoslovakia. She studied first at Conservatory University in Prague. Presently she is engaged with her Masters at Barno University. `The Prague Post’ carried a newspaper article about her concert with the title `A haunting meeting of Eastern and Western Music’ on June 18, 2008.
Question: Charity?
Somalatha: If we collected what he earned so far we would have built two or three palaces. But, what has happened was he has given away monies to so many of his friends in the field, which we have never got in return (smiles). That’s ok. Whatever that happened we did all that with good intention. Other than that both Master and I have been involved with temples and Buddhist priests. They shower the blessings upon us, we believe.
From the Spouse's Mouth - Sunday Observer June 29 2008
True love finds a second chance
Pamitha speaks of life with former minister Lakshman Jayakody:
Many do not let their first love to be revived once they get adjusted to their second love or to the marital status they enter later in life.
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But, still one’s pulses race if they bump into each other’s old love in any corner of the world. Some turn on the light of the first romance and rejuvenate their lives along with it, but some let it die off not letting the bud re-blossom since it may create discord in life.
Love is like the embers of a dying fire, covered and hidden in the ashes, ready to enkindle two hearts. Hence one should have a high percentage of assurance if one to step forward in such a situation.
“That’s true,” agrees Pamitha with a broad smile.
“If the environment of your life is not ready, it’s a risk to accept it...,”she continues. “I think, I took the correct decision at the right time though it was bit late.
Lakshman Aiya and I were second cousins, and we eventually fell in love. I was in my early teen and he was six years senior to me. We carried on for eight years, until my parents spied and declared war,” recalls Pamitha, wife of Lakshman Jayakody, former Minister and the present Advisor to the President.
Pamitha Wijetilaka was the eldest to a sister and brother, born to Benet Wijetilaka, an Electrical Engineer hailing from Galle, who worked as a Director at Ceylon and Foreign Trades Engineering Company. “All in his family were educated. My mother was Chandra Jayakody from Balagalla, Divulapitiya.
Lakshman Aiya was related from her side,” smiles Pamitha who celebrates her birthday on September 16 with her happy-go-lucky team of cousins while offering a `dana’ (alms giving) to an elders’ home annually. She is still with full of spirit with undying juvenile beauty even with the passing at many decades in her life.
Pamitha
has been residing at Polhengoda, Kirullapone, Colombo with her family since her
birth, but constantly visited both Divulapitiya where her mother’s land and
property were, and also Galle, her father’s native home. Ms.Pulimood was the
Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo during Pamitha’s time.
Pamitha who was a Tom boy was involved in everything that took place at school whether it was sports, drama or choir, Pamitha’s name was in the list. However, it was only up to the Ordinary Levels that she could reach at school. During that time girls from affluent backgrounds were rarely allowed to go to universities.
“Our elders thought we would elope or marry somebody that would not tally and pally with their class if we, the girls entered campus. So, after O/Ls I started following Home Science courses and continued my piano music lessons,” recalls Pamitha.
Her carefree life erupted in war when the news of her affair with Lakshman leaked to her parents’ ears. “If you want to go with Lakshman, you would get only the frock you are wearing, and nothing else,” stormed her mother in fury. Pamitha was lost. She was immediately kept in the house as a prisoner.
“My parents didn’t like Lakshman Aiya as he was not a professional. His father died on the day he had his University Entrance interview, so that he had to sacrifice his higher studies and look after his family properties. Since being the eldest of the family he had to abided by the family duties,” says Pamitha.
Among the proposals that came to Pamitha, the young beauty with a torn heart with her loss love, said `ok’ to her first cousin, a MBBS doctor, a professional that her parents were seeking for.
Concealing her pain in her heart with the wedding out fit `wrapped’ on her she got on to the `Poruwa’ with her groom. Pamitha who was mistaken for a Parsi girl at school because of her unblemished glowing fair skin didn’t need any make-up even as a bride.
“However, my first husband was a nice person. It was he who taught me to drive saying I should learn to take the wheel to drive our son to school. My first marriage lasted only for three and half years as he died of cancer.
He was 30 years, I was 23 years and our son was one and half years then. It was a great shock! I fainted when I heard about his terminal illness. That shock might have hardened me, whatsoever.
We were brought up like flowers in our family background, and I was scared to move even from this room to the other. Children should not be brought up in such a way, because if things go wrong in life they would not be able to face life with courage. Thanks! I have had the spirit to convert myself to the changed conditions,” she reminisces.
After a period of mourning, Pamitha turned on to a new leaf of life. “I went to learn Ballroom dancing, Tennis and swimming. But, wherever I went I took my little son and my cousins. I really enjoyed my `lonely’ life that way,” she smiles. Though she was surrounded and followed by many suitors asking for her hand, Pamitha had a strong will in her life.
“I have lost two loves. So, I was feeling repulsive over having `partners’,” she recalls. BUT! the fate of people is like a wheel of a cart which rotates constantly towards unexpected directions. Pamitha was a widow for 14 years when destiny, knocked on her door. Her first love was at her door step once again. Lakshman Aiya was asking for her hand.
Lakshman Jayakody was born on August 24 in 1930 as the eldest to two sisters and a brother to a landed proprietor, Lionel Jayakody and Gwendoline Jayakody. Lakshman’s maternal grand father was the famous stage play writer and a founder of Tower Hall, Charles Dias.
After studying at Trinity College up to the University Entrance, Lakshman was in-charge of the family properties. His first marriage took place a few months after Pamitha’s wedding, and he had a daughter and a son.
There were two things that enticed him in his life; Pamitha and Politics. Both were his first love like the `pair of scales’. He had lost Pamitha temporary, so he decided to continue with politics. Lakshman joined the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on November 1, 1954, and stepped into active politics in July 1960.
He became the General Secretary of the SLFP Trade Union under S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike in 1959. He was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from his ancestral home town, Divulapitiya in July 1960 election and continued to be since 1977 when he lost with a few votes with the UNP crash.
Under Premier, Mrs.Sirimavo Bandaranaike, he was the Deputy Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. Lakshman contested Attanagalla seat and returned to the Parliament in 1980, and continued until 1989.
He was the District MP for Meerigama Electorate in the Gampaha District from 1989 to 1994. He became the Minister of Buddhasasana, Cultural Affairs and Religious Affairs in 1994, and rendered a memorable service to the country.
He gave up his 40 years of Parliamentary politics in 2000, and has been giving his finest support as an Advisor, firstly to President Chandrika Kumaratunga and presently to President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Under the present Government, agriculture, land, irrigation, power and cultural affairs are the areas Lakshman Jayakody has been concentrating on. `Lakshman Jayakody Foundation’ founded by him with his own funds in 2006, is working along with the projects and new researches done by the Agricultural Ministry, heading the agricultural development of the Northern Gampaha District - Divulapitiya, Meerigama and Attanagalla.
The Foundation gives support to food and field crop agriculture like paddy, coconut, rubber, tea, pepper, cinnamon and various other acrotic fruit cultivation like Kilo-guava (huge Malaysian guava), Dragon fruit, yellow varieties of Bananas, local yellow papaya and edible bamboo, aiming both the local market as well as the export market such as in Middle East and Japan.
After a stormy and turbulent period of his personal life, Lakshman was zooming back to his lost love. Pamitha was already a widow by then, living with her parents and only son. Her father who was down with a stroke was looked after by her for eight years. Once in a way she used to tease her Dad, `Thatha, you know a bit of astrology. So, hadn’t you noticed that I would be a widow one day?’
“As soon as he got the verdict of divorce from his first marriage, Lakshman Aiya came to my mother proposing marriage to me. My mother who was once a `Hitler’ and didn’t like the sight of him, had a cooler attitude towards him, and told him to speak to me straight,” she laughs. Pamitha was surprised, but asked for two months as she had to discuss it with her son who was about 16 years then.
“I kept my promise to my late husband to guide our only son Prasad Nanayakkara to become a doctor. I’ve already done it. He studied both at Ananda and Royal College, and practises at the General Hospital at present. He is happily married and I’m a grandmother of two boys,” she smiles.
“My son was a very quiet person, and didn’t mind me getting married to Lakshman.” she smiles.
Though Pamitha had eradicated her painful past completely, Lakshman’s plea softened her stern attitudes. “Actually I felt sorry for him as like me he was also alone and without a companion in life,” she recalls. Pamitha and Lakshman finally came under a one roof turning a new leaf in life on June 30 in 1976. Love, happiness and tranquillity began to shower on the old lovers once again.
“We didn’t hold a function, and only got registered. So, sorry, I have no wedding picture of ours to give you for your readers. He was the Deputy Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs at that time,” blushes Pamitha.
Question: You might have lead a cool life as a widow, whatsoever. How was it with a politician?
Pamitha: Ah! terribly busy, and enjoying both the benevolent as well as the malevolent experiences. It was like entering a second life of the same birth. Completely different chapters. Lakshman Aiya is a good person who has a great capacity of tolerance. He rarely raises his voice to somebody, if he finds a fraudulent act by his subordinate.
He loves old Sinhala Tower Hall classical songs, music and stage plays. He underwent several serious operations, and I was with him both during his ailments and his election campaigns. So I think I’ve done my duties by him, and are quite happy and proud about it. We’ll be celebrating our 32nd Wedding Anniversary tomorrow (laughs).
Question: What are your future plans?
Pamitha: Both of us are in to the charity work helping the poor. It has been our hobby as well. I have been working for the Mallika Home, Colombo for the past 9 years. Presently I’m in-charge of the `Sethsevana’ ward there.
In addition, I’m a committee member of both the Eye Hospital and Divulapitiya Hospital. So, my message is to lead a good life fulfilling your duties to your family; your husband and your children, mainly, and then to the society.
From the Spouse's Mouth Sunday Observer Jun 22 2008
Music and sport, a winning combination
Sharmini talks about life with veteran cricketer Sidath Wettimuny:
By Lakmal Welabada
Cricket and Symphony Orchestra, a blend of two extremes, has been `rhyming well in the field’ for the past 20 years for Sidath and Sharmini Wettimuny who have a lot to talk about.
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Sidath, one time Romeo or the dream suitor of many young princesses both the Cricket lovers as well as non-lovers, has been steady with his love for Sharmini. “After a seven year affair we got married on June 4 in 1988,” says Sharmini beginning her life story with Sidath.
“I’ve heard about him a lot from my friends. Though I was also a Cricket fan, I had a little interest in him as a cricketer when I as a teenager,” she continues.
Sharmini Tara de Silva was born on November 1 in 1961 to Charitha Prasanna de Silva, a top pioneer figure in the business management in Sri Lanka and Shusheela Paul at Nawala.
“I was the middle among two brothers. My parents led a wonderful married life and gave us a lot of comfort, love, security and happiness. My mother was a Masters graduate of Smith College, USA, and taught earlier. She sacrificed her job in order to give us, her children the fullest attention which was followed by me as well, when I quit my Banking job after my son’s birth,” she smiles.
Sharmini’s father who was honoured with `Deshamanya’ recently has rendered an immense service to the country by being the pioneer to introduce many new business ventures. He was the Chairman of Aitken Spence group for many years, and pioneered the leasing business by forming LOLC.
His service was appreciated by the Japanese government who honored him with the `Order of the Rising Sun’ - Gold and Silver stars from Emperor Hirohito in 1998, the highest honour given to any foreigner. Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher and Helmut Kohl were the other foreign recipients who received this honor that year.
And my father was the only Asian who received this that year and has been the only Sri Lankan to receive it so far,” says Sharmini proudly.
year.
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Question:You seem to be really proud of your father?
Sharmini: Why not? I grew up with him as my role model.
Sharmini had her education at Ladies’ College, Colombo and was one of the brightest stars in the school. She was the Head Prefect and House Captain in 1980.
The same year she was the Leader of the Choir and Leader of the Debating Society. Except Cricket, Sharmini did many other sports including Tennis and Swimming. “We hadn’t heard of women cricket at that time,” she laughs.
Sharmini
was a much involved and active student at school. Music was her forte though she
excelled in the Maths and Economic stream. Following her mother’s footsteps,
Sharmini entered Smith College, Massachusetts, USA and graduated in Magna Cum
Laude degree.
“There too I was involved in the university Choir. My stay at Smith College was memorable as those three and half years were really enjoyable. The course was four years, and we were allowed to do one year of it in an university in UK. So, I entered University College, London, and did my third year where I also got the opportunity to take part in an operetta - `Gwendoline’ by Chabriere,” she recalls.
Sharmini returned to Sri Lanka in 1984, and commenced work at Citibank N.A. as the first female Sri Lankan Executive Officer in which she handled and headed many responsible sections while getting training in Singapore, India, Philippines and Malaysia on Financial Institution and other banking affairs. Sharmini was the first Sri Lankan Citibanker to be sent to New York for training at the Citibank Centre in 1986.
Question:After holding that sort of lucrative post with many of such rare opportunities, how did you feel when you quitted it?
Sharmini: Hmm... I had everything to the fullest. I saw how my Mom sacrificed her job for us. And it was my turn to take the same decision. I wanted to be a good mother to my children.
Since 2006, Sharmini has been the (Honorary) Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, the only Orchestra that performs regularly in this whole SAARC region.
“There are 300 permanent members of Sri Lanka. We do a lot for the prevalence of the Western classical music. We all perform with love for music and not for money. We are trying to publicise it among schoolchildren within suburbs and outstations as well. Our next concert, `Young Soloist’ will be held at Ladies College in August,” she says.
In addition Sharmini was the Choir Director (Honorary) from 1998 to 2000, and accompanist for the Ladies’ College Choir.
Question:Your meeting with him?
Sharmini: Interesting...(laughs)
Sidath Wettimuny was born on August 12 in 1956 as the fourth of five boys to Ramsay Gregory de silva Wettimuny, (Wettimuny Senior) Mechanical Engineer cum a Buddhist Scholar and Indrani de Silva at Park Road, Colombo. Sunil, Mitra, Ranjan, Sidath and Nimal, the five sons of Wettimuny family marked Sri Lankan history in many ways.
Except Ranjan all the others played Cricket, and among them Sunil, Mitra and Sidath were Opening Batsmen for Sri Lanka while Nimal was restricted to Club Cricket. Sunil chose his career as a pilot while the other brothers got involved in the lucrative garment industry.
Sidath’s father who was an enthusiastic cricketer encouraged his sons a lot in taking up with sports, though he didn’t live to see his sons excellent performances. Sidath was 17 years when his father passed away. Wettimuny Senior was the engineer who constructed the train for the foreign film `Bridge over the river Kwai’ shot here at Kithulgala in 1960s.
He was a learned figure who had a versatile knowledge of all the religions and philosophies. He wrote many books introducing the relationship between Science and Buddhism. Seated at his father’s feet Sidath was used to listen to his long Dhamma discussions with his learned colleagues since he was a small boy.
Ananda College, Colombo taught Sidath Cricket and gave the Buddhist background and discipline. He did his A/Ls in the Commerce stream, but opted to a career as a professional Cricketer. He first represented his school, at the age of 10 and held the captaincy for Ananda College in 1975.
He won the All Island Best Batsman of the Year Award (school cricket) in 1974-75. Sidath represented Sri Lanka in Cricket from 1977 to 1987. Some of his cricketing highlights are that he scored the first test century for Sri Lanka in Faisalabad, Pakistan in 1982, scoring 157.
He was the first Sri Lankan to carry his bat through in both a Test match in New Zealand, and a One Day International in Sri Lanka against England. His highest Test score of 190 is a record even today, as the highest score made by a batsman in his country’s first Test appearance at Lords, the Mecca of Cricket.
He was also the first Sri Lankan to be named Wisden Cricketer for the Year in 1984-1985. His highest First Class score was 227 not out for Sri Lanka against India in 1987. Sidath was honoured by the Jaycees in 1985 as one of the Ten Top personalities of the Year. No doubt about that as it was stated above, he was one of the most adored dream princes who stole many hearts.
Sidath has served on three past Interim Committees for Cricket and he held the membership at the ICC Cricket Committee and ICC Board representing Sri Lanka. He has been both a selector and Chairman of Selectors for Cricket and an ICC Match Referee after retiring from Cricket. He was made an Honorary Life Member of two of the most prestigious cricket clubs in the world - the MCC in London the Cricket Club of India in Bombay, for his past cricketing achievements.
Sidath is currently the President of the Sri Lanka Cricketers Association and a member of the current Interim Committee at Sri Lanka Cricket.
Question:That was all about him. Why not reveal your romance with him?
Sharmini: I first heard about him when I was attending Oosha’s class of ballet. I was about 13 years then. It was just some information. But, I first met him at the Grindlay’s Bank Manager’s place at Queen’s Road in 1977. My father was invited attend to this function where both England and Sri Lankan Cricket teams were also graced.
Though the invitation was for my parents, I jumped to the idea as I was a Cricket fanatic at that time, but didn’t have any `enthusiastic hero’ as such in my mind. So, my mother `donated’ her invitation to me(laughs). I attended to it with my father, and Sidath was introduced to me there for the first time.
Question:What was your first impression about him?
Sharmini: Hmmm.... he was handsome and looking good (laughs). Very impressive, I have to be honest. Also he seemed to be very shy. I just shook hands with him as I did with other Cricketers.
Question:Your second meeting?
Sharmini: Oh! you need all that (laughs)? Well we were residing at Nawala, we had an informal friends’ club called `Nawala Lane Friends’ which included all our playmates residing at the lane we stayed. Thushantha has been a mutual friend of mine since I was a kid.
His birthday falls on November 4. He and Sidath were schoolmates at Ananda. So, both Sidath and I were invited to his birthday party, and it was the second time I met him. We introduced ourselves and started to talk. Sidath had found my phone number and called me after two days.
He was good looking, and I was excited to receive a call from him. So, that was it. I had a very strong interest in Cricket. That was something common between us. We had a month to talk to each other as he had to go to India with his Cricket, and before he returned I flew to USA for my higher studies.
We used to write and phone each other once a week as we didn’t have SMS facilities and Chatting Computer facilities as today’s lovers. All his Cricket money might have been spent on our massive phone bills (laughs).
Question:Both of you have been coming from two different backgrounds. How did it affect your relationship?
Sharmini: It did affect at the beginning. He was from a strong Buddhist background while mine was a devoted Anglican set up. Both were influential families, so that we had to face a lot of obstacles and disturbances. Even Sidath was not sure whether I would fit in with his culture.
However, I would frankly state about his mother who has always been ready to accept me since she first met me. Her love and care played a vital role in the relationship of Sidath and mine. Seven years...(pauses) quite a long time. We don’t regret as we got the opportunity to know each other well. We tied the knot at lavish wedding at Hotel Hilton finally (smiles).
Question:Married life with a famous personality?
Sharmini: Never been problem as we have had good communication skills since the very inception. Thanks to the mobile phone facilities, we are in touch with each other throughout. He is the Vice Chairman of his own family business, the Nobles Group of Companies.
He could spend a lot of time at home as he manages his factory managerial work through the phone. That’s relaxing. Sidath is a person who is very particular about his physical fitness. Very calm and revered personality. He meditates a lot. It was he who taught me the importance of being mindful. He is very special. In his thoughts and actions - he is extraordinary generous. He is very good with people, and maintains an excellent PR with anybody. He rarely holds anything against anybody, and is unusually good. Sidath practises what he believes in wholeheartedly.
Question:Rumours?
Sharmini: I might have been told, but I couldn’t remember anything that bothered me. We have a good understanding. Music is our common subject. I play the piano and he is an excellent singer. In fact he released a VCD of Buddhist songs recently. I practise my religion and he does his. Apart from that we are both involved in charity work a lot.
Both our children are Buddhists. Our son, Sanjay is 18 years now, and is doing a degree in Aviation in New South Wales for a commercial pilot licence. He wants to be a pilot. Sanjay was a Junior National Golf player and represented Sri Lanka junior golf. He played Cricket and swam for the school. Our daughter Shamara is 17 years, and is very versatile. She is extremely good in sports, dancing and singing. She is the current football captain and Prefect of the school. Both my children are at the Colombo International School.
Question:Future plans?
Sharmini: To lead a good life while doing my best to promote the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka.
Up close & personal Sunday Observer June 15
The golden touch that elevated Sitar to its divine height
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Dr. Nirmala Kumari Rodrigo is a Senior Lecturer in Music at the University of Visual and Performing Arts and an avid proponent of classical music in Sri Lanka.
She strongly believes, like in India, that Government should sponsor the classical music and should also be responsible for creating an audience for classical music by allocating air time in radio and television as well as allocating substantial funds at national and provincial level for the propagation of classical music.
Referring to her student days in India, she recalled with vivid memories of the Lucknow
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Festival of Music which lasts for seven days. The annual festival (it is also held in other cities) was fully sponsored by the Government which also bore the accommodation and travelling expenses of the visiting artists.
However, the festival did not confine itself to music but also happened to be one of the biggest trade fairs. Traders from neighbouring provinces set up stalls at the fair. The Music Festival which was free of charge would commence at 6.00 p.m. and would continue till the next day morning.
Dr. Nirmala Kumari pointed out that the Indian government and provincial governments have allocated substantial funds for the propagation of classical music. For instance, the Indian audience has been exposed to classical music as government had run large number of programmes in radio and television. People can watch classical music recital throughout the day on television as there is a dedicated channel for classical music.
Indian Government, a trial product
Dr. Nirmala Kumari is of the view that compared to India; Government sponsorship for classical music is almost zero and government had even stopped the little space that classical music enjoyed in *Rupavahini and SLBC. * The programme which was dedicated to classical music has been cancelled though the classical musicians were willing to make their contribution to the programme free of charge.
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It is pathetic that in Sri Lanka the artists have to organise their own concerts at their own expense and that the response from the public is also not encouraging. She attributed the total apathy on the part of audience to classical music to the lack of exposure of Sri Lankan audience to classical music and general tendency to associate classical music with funerals of political leaders.
This practice has created a negative perception on the part of listeners of classical music in general and Sitar recital in particular.