Life style

Golden Jubilee years of Sinhala Pop Music;

Published

5 years ago

2021/07/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Christian youth herald an Integrative revolution

By Dr D.Chandraratna

Right at the outset I need to justify the above subtitle. The readers may be understandably perturbed that the use of the word Christian is an irrelevant identity marker, given the violence that identity markers have caused in Sri Lanka. I am acutely conscious of Amartya Sen’s advice, ‘Reason before Identity’ before we classify groups (Identity Violence, 2007). However this identity profiling is only an empirical generalization contextualized here because it has contingent social significance.

I wish to demonstrate how young, predominantly Christian youth, through Sinhala song stumbled on to foster amity, dialogue and communication between communities, ‘unloading a million bricks’ out of the Sinhala psyche (Langston Hughes, The Big Sea, 1986). Having relieved my burden I shall come to the subject proper. This article is to celebrate more than half a century of the continued dominance of Christian youth led popular Sinhala music where they reigned supreme.

Bands Galore

At independence while Sinhala music was experimenting with different forms, amidst debate and rancour the city dwelling youth were emulating the sprouting bands and vocalists in the West, and Latin America. The Beatles, Shadows, Kinks, Rolling Stones etc. and generally fast rhythm music was mimicked by the westernized youth who were mostly Christian whose talents were honed in the arts and performances of the church. The bill was split between competing groups. Among the most popular were La Ceylonians, Moonstones, Sunflowers, La Lavinians, Los Flamingos, Hummingbirds, La Bambas, Los Muchachos, Los Serenaders, Los Caberellos, Beacons, Peddlers, Sunflowers, Spitfires, Gypsies, Eranga and Priyanga and many more in the country towns including the North. The Christian schools in Colombo as St Thomas’, St Peter’s, St Joseph’s, St Benedict’s provided much needed youth to work the bands. Likewise the Christian Schools in towns of Kandy, Ratnapura, Nawalapitiya, Galle, and Jaffna followed suit supplying vocalists and instrumentalists.

The dawn of the ‘people’s revolution’ in the late fifties was turbulent. It was a time Sri Lankan society was badly challenged by language and religion thereby partitioning the pluralities and diversities that were considered the norm. The revolution was executed in a rush without debate and dialogue. Exultation was short lived and as the ideals became distant many communities felt betrayed and perceived to feel outside the Sri Lankan heritage. The thesis canvassed here is that Sinhala popular music championed by Christian youth, led an integrative revolution, which was successful in no small measure.

The sudden loss of the conviviality and robust richness of the cultural mix that was their world may have driven the youth to yearn for a mechanism to return to the beautiful old days. Sinhala pop music beckoned them as the integrative solution that many were yearning for. Their school education, mainly in the liberal arts, equipped them with a number of competencies; an intellectual tolerance, substantial questioning of dogmatism, social maturity, rejection of authoritarianism and a degree of secularizati

on outside of books. They were not oblivious to many aspects of the contemporary world.

Meteoric popularity of the Sinhala bands

With apologies to many bands and artists of yore including the Dharmaratna brothers who were the stars of the Sinhala pop I will limit myself to the trio, Indrani Perera, Annesley Malewana and Clarence Wijewardena. Indrani of the Three Sisters and Clarence and Annesley of Golden Chimes, and their bittersweet re-union in Super Golden Chimes were at the helm for the entire period. Their stamp in the pop scene has survived all these years and naturally they have been dubbed the Queens and Kings of the fifty plus year’s history of the Sinhala popular music.

The stars of Indrani, Annesley and Clarence have burned brighter for more than half a century and I will be excused for selecting the three for the purposes of this article. Indrani’s crystalline voice delivering folk like verses were framed in exquisite musical arrangements prepared by Clarence Wijewardena, the songwriter and producer extraordinaire. He was bass guitarist devising dynamic guitar breaks as a value add, especially to the moody emotion filled songs such as Dilhani and Kalpani Duwani. He once said in public that as a teen he was an avid listener to Beatles and Shadows with Cliff Richard and that after secondary school all he wanted was to make actual music with his interiorized musicality. Indrani’s vocals were often multilayered with harmonies by her sisters. Annesley’s dusky voice ranging in delivery from home based country anthems to solemn folk balladry attracted large crowds and sold the records under numerous labels.

Trained in gospel singing, in Indrani and others the Sri Lankan audiences discovered a national treasure That won lasting affection for bringing us nostalgic experiences of our own lives; beauty of the landscape, undiluted romantic innocence, and the warmth of a human community. Throughout their long and brilliant careers spanning five decades they entertained millions of Lankans. Working long hours in a undervalued vocation in the 60’s and 70’s we who are the recipients of their precious gift owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. A career in music is hard work, a lot of sacrifice, but more importantly need a lot of perseverance and patience.

The integrative revolution

The singer and audience relationship is about connection; above all an emotional bond that make you cry, laugh, think, hold out a hand, in brief empathic union. The bands playing western music were moving the people on the dance floor while the Sinhala groups were moving people in an atmospheric emotional direction. Beyond the form they also were driving hard a message to bring the nation together. In sonata style, without big guitar moments, warbling in unhurried tunes, fittingly mellow with mundane lyrics made an impressive appeal.

It was the immense capacity to put together a poetic collection of images, sounds, scents and stories, wrapped in mellifluous but simple words. They produced a grand alchemy of songs all testimony to the indigenous artists’ engagement with the country and its people, the common folk. At the same time they evoked something within all and we felt connected. It was a part of the little tradition of the Sri Lankan culture that brought us together.

This change in the music topography and culture that took place from the decade of the 60’s points to something beyond the confines of musical creation and musical thought to the wider sphere of social life and social strife. This was an integrative revolution responding to kindred developments in the realm of wider society. The integrative revolution was led by the suburban Christian youth.

Clarence Wijewardena, mindful of the furious forces that were beating against the barriers that hemmed them in, stuck to his motto throughout: semplice-sempre, simple in style and presentation. Contemporary reality mirrored and expressed in spirited conversations with few instruments, he was able to compose songs like Sigiriya, Ruwanpuraya , Kalu ganga Udarata Kandukaraye, Dunhinda Manamali, Wana bambaro ohoma hitu, Dilhani, Ela dola piruna Gon Bassa, Mango nanda, Gamen liyumak avilla, Udarata niliya heda wage, Kalu mame, and many others disregarding formalistic aspects of language and idiom. Of course some of the words were criticized and even censored for being rustic.

Use of words such as Himihita wetiyan, Umbata rideyinam, ohoma hitu, and bithu sithuwam neluwo were subjected to trenchant criticism. But the most important fact was that this music, lyrics and tempo appealed to all segments of society, Buddhists, Christians, Hindu and Muslims could enjoy breaking ethnic and class barriers. In sociological parlance it can be said that while the earlier bands and music were westernized, the Sinhala pop music was sanskritized.

The authoritative Indian sociologist M.N.Srinivas captured the social changes in the 1960’s in India by devising the term sanskritization for a similar process that we can freely use to describe the changes in Sri Lanka ushered in by popular music. Even to the urban society it impressed both on an intellectual and emotional level. I may be pursuing a tenuous connection leading to a dead end but I considered it necessary to record this transformation as a valuable contribution, as reminded by Reverend Malcolm Ranjith quite candidly. It was a social movement and the implied consequences may not be intended. However as Hegel once noted philosophy should avoid political entanglements.

Music and song became the catalyst that unleashed the forces and opened vistas of all communities including the upper middle classes to fall in line. No doubt there was opposition but there were also entrepreneurs like Gerald Wickremasooriya who unstintingly offered assistance. Perhaps they understood the underlying integrative element because it was a contrapuntal message, given better than any political pamphleteer. Popular artists liberated the melody from its tight constrictive wordy bodice and made it part of the common man’s idiom. More importantly, the text invited all social classes and communities to embrace the ethos of our common Sri Lankan heritage. Maw bima obei sithala, rata deya kere bandila, panamen obei sithala, pili gatha yuthui puthune, they pleaded.

One needs only a comparative perspective to understand how the thought content of their music presented a contrasting but an inclusive society in which all communities and religions to wipe out that ordre positif of the old feudal regime and enter a much better ‘ordre naturel’ preordained by the all-wise and all loving deities whose work men can mar but never mend. Was that the confidence they possessed to accomplish their task fighting all barriers that playwrights like Professor Sarachchandra could not easily dismantle.

Professor K.N.O Dharmadasa noted in an introduction to a booklet on Maname the interesting and enlightening dialogue between Professor Sarachchandra and a Cinnamon Gardens lady on the steps of the Lionel Wendt theatre on one of the early days of Maname where the lady said that Sinhala nadagama appealed nicely to the likes of her kitchen maid. No more profound expression of the class divide of the Sri Lankan Weltanschauung is needed. The upper classes were steeped in a world quite alien to the common Sri Lankan heritage. We therefore pose the question whether the musicians, mostly brought up in the Christian Church background lifted the impenetrable barricades as they sang ‘Api enawa murakawal okkoma bindala’ with much more ease, one wonders.

In the 1950s and sixties the freedom, equality and liberty that independence had granted to Sri Lanka was blotted out by dark shadows of communalism and religious bigotry, a society already fractured by caste and creed. The Bandaranaike revolution was hardly inclusive. The politics at the time failed to create a liberated society, a society that is able to express a richer and fuller life. The people’s revolution brought out the monstrosity of communalism more repulsive than the semi feudal class oppression that it was intent on driving out.

Here we draw the power of the form and thought of creative art in song and music. These musicians, who were the progeny of parents outside the ‘purists’ managed to enter the depths of the consciousness of those who were distracted by the people’s revolution and unobtrusively connected them with the Sinhala mainstream society. While appealing to the common multitude they also entered the homes of the rich and famous freely and all this without political undertones.

All we can say is ‘Thank you for the music and thank you for bringing us close’.

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Life style

Charting a new course for Sri Lankan tourism

Published

1 day ago

2026/06/7

Thilina Walpola

Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe on sustainability, growth and the future of tourism

Tourism remains one of the most powerful drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange in Sri Lanka.

As the tourist industry continues its post pandemic recovery and looks toward a more sustainable and innovative future, the role of strategic planning and policy direction has been more important. In this interview Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Tourism,, and a respected academic in this field shares his insight on the current state of the Sri Lankan tourism industry, emerging trends, challenges facing the sector and the governments vision for positioning Sri Lanka as a leading global destination.

With a vision focused on sustainability, innovation, and destination competitiveness, he is playing a pivottal role in shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. He shares his insights on the opportunities, challeges,and strategic direction of tourism in the years ahead. A first class graduate of Rajarata University and holds an MBA and a doctorate from Sichuan University, China. He launched Sri Lanka’s first Tourism and Hospitality Management degree at Uva Wellassa , endorsed by the UNWTO.

Excerpts of the interview.

(Q) Are you seeing a decline in visitors in Sri Lanka due to geo-political tensions?What segments of the tourism industry are most affected: luxury, leisure or group travel?

(A) Sri Lanka has not experienced a dramatic decline in arrivals, overall, but global geopolitical tensions do influence travel sentiment. The most affected segments are group travel and leisure tourism, as these travellers are more sensitive to perceptions of safety. Luxury tourism remains comparatively resilient, with high-end visitors continuing to seek curated, exclusive experiences.

(Q) Is Sri Lanka experiencing cancellations or postponements from travellers in conflicted zones? Are hotels and resorts reporting reduced occupancy linked to uncertainty in the region?

(A) Yes, there have been cancellations and postponements from travellers originating in conflict affected regions, particularly the Middle East. Some hotels and resorts have reported reduced occupancy during peak uncertainty periods. However, arrivals from other regions remain strong, balancing the overall impact.

(Q) What measures is the Sri Lankan tourism sector taking to mitigate the impact of local stability?

(A) The Ministry has adopted a proactive approach:

Transparent communication through embassies, airlines, and official tourism portals.

Safety protocols coordinated with law enforcement and emergency services.

Marketing resilience campaigns highlighting Sri Lanka’s stability and diverse attractions.

Stakeholder engagement with hoteliers, tour operators, and airlines to align strategies.

(Q) Do you expect a short-term disruption or long-term impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism growth?

Are you seeing early warning signs such as cancellations, reduced flight bookings or shorter stays?

(A) We anticipate short-term disruptions rather than long term setbacks. Early warning signs such as reduced flight bookings and shorter stays are being monitored. However, Sri Lanka’s fundamentals — diverse attractions, strong hospitality, and cultural authenticity — remain intact, ensuring recovery once tensions ease.

(Q) Boutique luxury tourism is often seen as niche – how central is it to Sri Lanka’s overall tourism strategy right now?

(A) Boutique luxury is central to our tourism strategy. It attracts high value travellers who contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings while demanding sustainable, authentic experiences. This segment also diversifies our tourism portfolio beyond mass tourism, making the industry more resilient.

(Q) How is the government defining boutique luxury in Sri Lankan context?

(A) Boutique luxury in Sri Lanka is defined by personalised, small scale experiences rooted in cultural and natural heritage. It emphasises exclusivity, authenticity, and sustainability rather than sheer opulence, offering intimate stays in properties that reflect local architecture and traditions.

(Q) What makes Sri Lanka uniquely competitive in boutique luxury compared to destinations like the Maldives, Thailand and Bali?

(A) Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its diversity. Unlike the Maldives, which is primarily a beach destination, or Bali and Thailand, which focus heavily on wellness and nightlife, Sri Lanka offers a multifaceted experience: pristine beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and Ayurveda wellness — all within short travel distances. This variety, combined with boutique hospitality, makes us uniquely competitive.

(Q) How do you balance encouraging foreign investment while preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural authenticity?

(A) We welcome foreign investment but ensure it aligns with our cultural identity. Guidelines require investors to integrate local design, employ Sri Lankan staff, and source materials locally. This ensures development enhances our heritage rather than dilutes it, creating partnerships that benefit both investors and communities.

(Q) Boutique luxury often interacts with sustainability – how is the Ministry ensuring that growth in this segment benefits local communities?

(A) The Ministry ensures boutique luxury growth benefits communities by:

Promoting local sourcing of food, crafts, and services.

Supporting eco friendly construction and operations in boutique resorts.

Encouraging community-based tourism initiatives where locals directly participate in guiding, hosting, and cultural performances.

(Q) How do you retain skilled hospitality professionals within Sri Lanka?

(A) Retention is achieved through:

Competitive compensation aligned with international standards.

Continuous training programmes in partnership with global hospitality schools.

Career pathways that allow professionals to grow within Sri Lanka.

Recognition programmes to celebrate excellence in service.

(Q) Where do you see Sri Lanka’s boutique luxury tourism sector in the next five years?

(A)In the next five years, Sri Lanka aims to be recognised as a regional leader in boutique luxury tourism. We envision a network of boutique properties integrated into cultural and ecological landscapes, offering world class service while maintaining authenticity. This sector will be a key driver of sustainable growth and foreign exchange earnings.

(Q) What markets are you targeting for boutique luxury tours?

(A) We are targeting highspending travellers from Europe, North America, and East Asia. These markets value exclusivity, sustainability, and authenticity — qualities that Sri Lanka’s boutique luxury sector embodies. We are also exploring niche markets such as wellness travellers and cultural enthusiasts.

(Q) How has the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel affected overall tourism arrivals in Sri Lanka?

(A) The ongoing conflict has created uncertainty in global travel, particularly in the Middle East. While Sri Lanka has not experienced a dramatic decline, arrivals from conflict adjacent regions have slowed. To mitigate this, we are diversifying source markets, strengthening promotions in Europe and Asia, and reassuring travellers through diplomatic channels and tourism partners.

By Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

Serenity Tissa; Gateway to southern Sri Lanka’s timeless heritage

Published

1 day ago

2026/06/7

Thilina Walpola

Elegant architecture and traquil setting offers guests a peaceful escape

As Sri Lanka’s southern tourism corridor continues to attract travellers from across the globe, Serenity Tissa stands out as a destination where comfort, culture and nature come together in perfect harmony, offering guests an unforgettable journey into the soul of the island, southern heritage.

While many visitors journey through the Cultural Triangle in search of the Island’s ancient treasures, Tissamaharama itself stands as a destination rich in history, culture and natural beauty.

Set amidst this historic landscape of Tissamaharama, Serenity Tissa offers a unique retreat in the cradle of Southern Civilisation .

Nestled in the historic heartland of Tissamaharama Serenity Tissa offers far more than a comfortable stay, it delivers an experience deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s Southern charm, cultured heritage and natural beauty.

Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of Tissa Wewa and located within easy reach of the famed Yala National Park, the boutique-style property has steadily earned a reputation among both local and international travellers seeking serenity, comfort and authentic Southern hospitality. Build on the grounds of an ancestral home, once owned by Patric De Silva, Serenity Tissa gracefully blends the warmth of a family residence with the conversion to a modern boutique-style hotel. Fortress inspired architecture, lush mango tress and peaceful open space create a welcoming retreat for travellers eager to explore the cultural and wildlife treasures of Sri Lanka’s deep South.

The hotel’s strategic location places guest close to some of the regions most treasured landmarks, including Yala and Bundala National Park, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Kirinda Temple, Yatala Vihara and Sandagari Stupa, to mention a few.

: Beautiful blend of nature, comfort and hospitality

: Sanctuary of calm and rejuvention, offers the perfect escape

: Elegantly designed for comfort

: Authentic Sri Lankan flavours

For adventure seeking, safari excursions this place remains a major attraction, while those seeking relaxation they can simply unwind besides the hotel’s swimming pool or enjoy the calm beauty of the surrounding landscape. Serenity Tissa rooms are designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, offering a range of accommodation options suitable for couples, families and groups.

Managing Director Ajith de Silva dedication and commitment

Spacious interiors and warm hospitality have consistently drawn praises from guests from around the world. Dining at the hotel is another memorable highlight. The open air restaurant celebrates the bold and aesthetic flavours of Southern Sri Lankan cuisines with dishes inspired by coastal traditions and local village, kitchens. Fresh sea food delicacies, rich curries and fragrant spices combine to create a culinary experiences that reflects the region’s vibrant food culture. The executive chef Rushira, who has years of experience, said ‘At Serenity Tissa Southern hospitality with refined experience, inspired by Sri Lankan rich cultural and culinary heritage is bought to life in all our dishes. Ambul Thiyal. mouthwatering pol sambol, sea food kottu, all reflecting bold flavours of the south. The use of coconut milk, aromatic spices, creates a memorable culinary journey that introduce visitors to the local tastes.

His passion for authentic Southern Sri Lankan cuisine shines though every dish, offering guests an unforgettable experience. Under the leadership of the Managing Director Ajith de Silva, he has played a pivotal role in tranforning a family inspired hospitality, into one of Tissamaharama’s most welcoming boutique destinations.

Guided by his vision Serenity Tissa has emerged as a distinctive hospitality destination in Sri Lanka’s southern vision, offering the warm and personalised hospitality for which Serenity Tissa is renowned for. Frequently praised by guests, numerous reviews full attention, memorable guests experiences makes it a preferred choice for travellers exploring the historic attractions of the region

What is so special about Serenity Tissa is the personalised hospitality, numerous traveller reviews, dedication of the staff, a blend of warm Sri Lankan hospitality personalised services and authentic local experiences.

Ajith de Silva’s vision has helped position the property as a preferred base for travellers exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Tissamaharama Hotel The Manager Thushara Samarasuriya whose dedication and attention in detail have also contributed significantly to the hotel’s reputation for excellence.

Serenity Tissa offers a gateway to the history, culture and natural wonders of Southern Sri Lanka Under the guidance of its dedicated team, Serenity Tissa continues to create lasting memories for guests from around the world.

By Zanita Careem ✍️

Life style

Sabina Yousaf shines as the face of Tiesh

Published

1 day ago

2026/06/7

Thilina Walpola

Sabina Yousaf, the newest face of Tiesh

Tiesh Sri Lanka, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless elegance, and celebration of Sri Lankan gemstones, has appointed Sabina Yousaf as the newest face of the brand. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both Tiesh and Sabina, uniting two names that embody grace, sophistication, and a deep appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship.

Sabina Yousaf recently brought pride to Sri Lanka on the global stage when she was crowned Second Runner-Up at the 41st Mrs World pageant. As the reigning Mrs World Sri Lanka, she has captivated audiences locally and internationally with her poise, intelligence, and charisma, becoming an inspiring figure admired by many across the country.

A successful businesswoman and passionate advocate for community empowerment, Sabina’s values closely align with the philosophy of Tiesh. Her commitment to giving back to society reflects the principles long championed by Founder and Managing Director of Tiesh, Lasantha De Fonseka, who has consistently emphasised compassion, generosity, and supporting communities, values that have also been instilled in the next generation of the brand, Thiyasha and Ayesh De Fonseka.

Sabina with the Directors of Tiesh (From Left): Thiyasha, Lasantha, Bryony, and Ayesh De Fonseka

Thiyasha and Ayesh – passionate about thier business

With a legacy spanning over two decades, Tiesh Sri Lanka has established itself as one of the country’s leading jewellery brands, celebrated for blending contemporary elegance with the natural beauty of Sri Lankan gemstones. Beyond jewellery, the brand has become a destination that educates and inspires, offering customers an appreciation of fine craftsmanship, artistry, and heritage.

Renowned for its dedication to excellence, Tiesh continues to uphold its legacy of creating jewellery that epitomises luxury, sophistication, and meticulous attention to detail. Every creation is thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted by skilled local artisans using the finest precious stones, reflecting the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity.

Commenting on the collaboration, Founder and Managing Director of Tiesh, Lasantha De Fonseka stated, “Sabina embodies everything that Tiesh stands for: elegance, confidence, authenticity, and grace. Her inspiring journey, both nationally and internationally, resonates strongly with our values as a brand. We are delighted to welcome her into the Tiesh family as she represents the spirit of the modern Sri Lankan woman with remarkable strength and sophistication.”

Tiesh Director, Ayesh De Fonseka added, “We are incredibly excited to have Sabina as the face of Tiesh. She is admired both locally and internationally, and her presence brings a fresh sense of modern femininity and confidence to the brand. This partnership reflects our vision of positioning Tiesh on a greater global platform while remaining deeply rooted in Sri Lankan heritage and craftsmanship.”

Speaking on the partnership, Sabina Yousaf expressed her admiration for the brand and the significance of becoming its newest ambassador.

“For me, Tiesh is far more than a jewellery brand. It represents history, artistry, and an enduring passion for craftsmanship. What makes Tiesh truly exceptional is its deep connection to the heritage of Sri Lankan gemstones and the incredible artistry behind every creation. Each piece reflects elegance, individuality, and timeless beauty,” she said.

“This collaboration feels incredibly meaningful because the brand aligns so naturally with my own personal style, values, and appreciation for authenticity. I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to work with a brand that I deeply admire and respect.”

She further added, “Jewellery, to me, is a powerful form of self-expression. It reflects individuality, personality, and confidence. The pieces we choose often tell a story about who we are, and I believe jewellery has the ability not only to elevate one’s style, but also to inspire confidence and presence.”

The collaboration between Tiesh and Sabina Yousaf symbolises a shared vision of elegance, empowerment, and timeless beauty. As the brand continues to evolve while honouring its rich legacy, this partnership further strengthens Tiesh’s position as a leading name in contemporary luxury jewellery. (ZC)