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| 1 |  | 1.W. D. Amaradeva | ||
| Amaradeva is widely seen in Sri Lanka as the embodiment of Sri Lankan heritage and culture. His music evokes an idealistic Sri Lankan identity informed by strong Buddhist introspection and philosophical musing. A talented composer, he took care to take on the work of the most able lyricists - indeed his roster of collaboratations is the cream of the crop: Mahagama Sekera, Madawala S. Ratnayake, Sri Chandrawaratne Manawasinghe, Dalton Alwis, Sunil Sarath Perera, K. D. K. Dharmawardena, Dharmasiri Gamage, etc.
Own compositions: 1. Aetha Kandukara ~ far away mountains ~ 2. Nil Manel ~ blue lotus ~ 3. Mindada Hee Sara ~ bow shot arrow of Cupid ~ 4. Sihina Nelum Mala ~ dream lotus flower ~ 5. Wasanathaye Mal ~ flowers of the summer ~ 6. Adawan Wu 7. Atheethayen Ganga Gala ~ from the past the river flows ~ 8. Piley Padura ~ on the watch mat ~ 9. Mala Ira Basina ~ as the afternoon sun sets ~ 10. Irata Muvaven ~ hidden from the sun ~ 11. Wali Thala Athare ~ among the sand dunes ~ 12. Peenamuko ~ let's swim~ 13. Sasara Wasana Thuru ~ till eternity passes ~ 15. Pera Dinayaka ~ on a previous day ~ 16. Ira Handa Payana Loke ~ the world where the sun and the moon shine ~ 17. Heena Hathak Mada ~ among seven dreams ~ 18. Bambareku Awayi ~ a a wasp arrived ~ 19. Sathkalu Paw 20. Swarna Wimaneta ~ to a golden land ~ 21. Kanda Udin Enna ~ that which arrives from above the mountain ~ 22. Aese Mathuwena Kandulu Bindu Genna ~ taking the tears that arise from the eyes ~ 23. Oba Sumudu Neth ~ your beautiful eyes ~ 24. Payan Ran Sanda ~ the golden sun that shines ~ 25. Muni Siripa Simbiminne ~ Hugging Siripada ~ 26. Gee Pothayi Mee Withayi ~ song book and intoxicant ~ 27. Shantha Me Rae Yame ~ this shining night time ~ 28. Siripa Piyume ~ on top of Siripada ~ 29. Jagan Mohini 30. Mal Gomu Gomu ~ flower groupings groupings ~ 31. Sannaliyane 32. Monara Kikiliye ~ female peacock ~ 33. Ratna Deepa Janma Bhoomi ~ golden deep birth place ~ 34. Obey Namin Saya Bandimi ~ tie a seya in your name ~ 35. Bindu Bindu Ran ~ drop drop golden ~ 36. Sansare Eka Mohothak ~ one moment in endless rebirth ~ 37. Hima Kandu Atharin ~ through snow mountains ~ Compositions for others: 1. "Galana Gangaki Jeevithey" - Nanda Malini and Narada Disasekera (Ran Muthu Duwa, 1962) ~ life is a flowing river ~ 2. "Pawan Susum" - Dewananda Waidyasekara and Indrani Perera (Tharanga, 1975) 3. "Etha Gaw Ganan Durin" - Narada Disasekera (Getawarayo, 1964) ~ from a gaw distance away ~ 4. "Sandun Gase" - J. A. Milton Perera and Mallika Kahawita (Adata Wediya Heta Hondayi, 1963) 5. "Pipee Pipee Renu Natana" - Narada Disasekera (Ran Muthu Duwa, 1962) ~ blooming blooming Renu dance ~ 6. "Mey Sinhala Apagey Ratayi" - Nanda Malini (Saravita, 1965) ~ this is the land of us, the Sinhala ~ 7. "Siri Sara Bulath Vita" - J. A. Milton Perera (Saravita, 1965) ~ Sara's betel seed ~ 8. "Laksha Ganan Wasthu Labey" - J. A. Milton Perera, C. T. Fernando and (Saravita, 1965) ~ treasures worth thousands will be received ~ 9. "Koheda Koheda" - Victor Ratnayake (Madol Duwa, 1976) ~ where where ~ 10. "Apey Lowak Madol Duwa" - Victor Ratnayake (Madol Duwa, 1976) ~ Madol Duwa is our land ~ 11. "Heena Hathak Meda" - Latha Walpola (Getawarayo, 1964) ~ among seven dreams ~ 12. "Gayana Gayum" - Neville Fernando (Delovak Athara, 1966) ~ songs that are sung ~ 13. "Daskon Sakisande" - Neela Wickramasinghe 14. "Landen Landata" - H. R. Jothipala (Tharanga, 1975) 15. "Malin Maley" - Narada Disasekera, Amitha Dalugama and J. A. Milton Perera (Adarayai Karunawayi, 1965) ~ flower to flower ~ 16. "Ruwanwala Duhul Kadin" - Nanda Malini (Wesathuru Siritha, 1966) - Compositions by others: 1. Ma Dan Mahalu Viye (composer: Sanath Nandasiri) 2. Niwan Purata (composer: Premasiri Khemadasa) 3. Ma Mala Pasu (composer: Somadasa Elvitigala) 4. Hanthane Kandumudunu Sisarey (composer: Premasiri Khemadasa) 5. Ipida Marey (composer: Edwin Samaradiwakara) 6. Thanha Asha (composer: Lionel Algama) 7. Kandulu Kathawey (composer: Sanath Nandasiri) 8. Erandathiya Enawa (composer: Victor Dalugama) 9. Sansare Gamane (composer: Premasiri Khemadasa) 11. Mey Guru Parey (composer: Sanath Nandasiri) 12. Sanda Horen (composer: Premasiri Khemadasa) 13. Seepada Rawey (composer: Premasiri Khemadasa) 14. Kumariyaka Pa Salamba (composer: Victor Ratnayake) | ||||
| 2 | | 2.Victor Ratnayake | ||
| Amaradeva may be the most iconic of the traditionalistic Sri Lankan artists but Victor is arguably the most popular. Victor for a time was capable of investing his traditional fare with a youthful energy as was demonstrated by the vigour of his stage show SA. Additionally, Ratnayake was perhaps the only one from his peers in the genre who was willing to step outside of his comfort zone and experiment with more faster paced Western style music like in "Andura Bindinata." After the 70s, he would settle into a more ploddingly conservative style but for a time he provided some much needed excitement to Sri Lankan music.
SA exemplifies his work and features his best known songs. "Api Okkoma Rajawaru (We are all kings)," the pseudo national anthem, is a joyful celebration of Sinhala brotherhood and identity. Ranking of songs 1. Api Okkoma Rajawaru ~ we are all kings ~ 2. Saru Pasa ~ fertile soil ~ 3. Hurathaleta Kavi Kiyala ~ singing songs out of naivety~ 4. Gaha Kola Mal ~ tree leaves flower ~ 5. Hitha Mithuru ~ friendly to the mind ~ 6. Ayage Akayehi (w/ Amaradeva) ~ in her arms ~ 7. Api Marenne Nae ~ we don't die ~ 8. Adaraye Ulpatha 9. Pinibara Malak ~ dew filled flower ~ 10. Kohe Sita Oba ~ from where did you ~ 11. Nangiye Malliye ~ younger sisters younger brothers ~ 12. Podi Kumarihamiye ~ small princess lady ~ 13. Edanden Piya Maninu Epa 14. Kurulllanta Gee ~ to sing songs to the birds ~ 15. Sina Dholak 16. Dewram Vihare ~ at the Dewram temple ~ 17. Meena Nuwan 18. Udayata Hiru Ma ~ in the morning the sun to me ~ 19. Andura Bindinata ~ to break the darkness ~ 20. Daiwayogayakin ~ by fate ~ 21. Bindumathi 22. Thotupola Aine ~ along the harbour ~ 23. Arundathi Tharakawa Se ~ like an Arundathi star ~ 24. Sihina Sathak ~ seven dreams ~ 25. Maliniye Compositions for others: 1. "Suseta Baranin" - Neela Wickramasinghe 2. "Kumariyaka Pa Salamba" - W. D. Amaradeva 3. "Kuda Gamey" - Sunil Edirisinghe (Hulawali, 1976) ~ small village ~ 4. "Kula Gedarin" - Bandula Wijeweera (Hulawali, 1976) 5. "Kundumani" - Freddie Silva 6. "Pan Kiritha" - Freddie Silva 7. "Bambara Patikki" - W. D. Amaradeva Compositions by others: 1. Koheda Koheda (composer: W. D. Amaradeva) 2. Linden Wathura Bila (composer: R. A. Chandrasena) 3. Mohen Mulawela (composer: R. A. Chandrasena) 4. Negena Wetena (w/ Ivor Dennis; composer: Sisira Senaratne) | ||||
| 3 | 3.Premasiri Khemadasa | |||
| Khemadasa was perhaps the most consistently good Sri Lankan film music composer and ably adapt at switching genres at the drop of a hat. He wrote many wonderful songs for varied singers like Amaradeva, Dharmadasa Walpola, T. M. Jayaratne, etc. throughout the stretch of his long career that slipped under the radar overshadowed by work for populist singers H. R. Jothipala and Anjeline Gunathilake among others. His ability to cut through the ocean of plagarism that plagued the field and even entertain writing songs for these singers is a testatement to his talent however.
With the crash of Sri Lankan cinema in the 80s and shift towards newer composers, Khemadasa began focusing almost exclusively on providing music for outsider cinema. To match the dissonant themes of filmmakers like Dharmasena Pathiraja and Dharmasiri Bandaranayake he provided some of his most experimental work in this period. Film songs 1. "Neewan Purata" - Amaradeva (Pujiathayo, 1971) ~ to land of nirvana ~ 2. "Mala Gira" - T. M. Jayaratne (Wasanthaye Dawasak, 1978) ~ necklace of parrots ~ 3. "Dedunu Paya Pata Watenawa" - Nanda Malini (Seeye Nottuwa, 1971) ~ colour flows from a rainbow that shines ~ 4. "Sakwala Rathwana" - M. S. Fernando and Milton Mallawarachchi (Pujithayo, 1971) 5. "Jeevithey Amadara" - T. M. Jayaratne (Nedayo, 1976) ~ life's sweetness ~ 6. "Kanda Udin (Mal Pethi Paradana)" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Rana Giraw, 1967) ~ from above the mountain ~ 7. "Sansara Gamane" - W. D. Amaradeva (Sansuma Kothanada, 1966) ~ journey of endless rebirth ~ 8. "Palu Gamey Palu Paley" - T. M. Jayaratne and Malani Bulathsinhala (Muwan Palessa, 1979) ~ lonely village lonely shack ~ 9. "Mey Gee Eda" - W. D. Amaradeva (Janaka Saha Manju, 1978) ~ these songs then ~ 10. "Sadhati Sadhati" - A. J. Kareem, J. A. Milton Perera, etc. (Pujithayo, 1971) 11. "Gedera Hitiya Rosa" - M. S. Fernando (Lasanda, 1974) ~ Rosa who was at home ~ 12. "Suwandak Denewei" - Clarence Wijewardena (Janaka Saha Manju, 1978) ~ feel a smell ~ 13. "Ko Ma Pathu Obey Adarey" - T. M. Jayaratne (Janaka Saha Manju, 1978) ~ where's the love I dreamt of ~ 14. "Loke Jeewath Wannata" - Clarence Wijewardena (Janaka Saha Manju, 1978) ~ to live in this world ~ 15. "Lassana Sihinaya" - Milton Mallawarachchi (Seeye Nottuwa, 1971) ~ beautiful dream ~ 16. "Awurudu Ganak" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Rana Giraw, 1967) ~ years long ~ 17. "Ayyala Saha Akkala" - Narada Disasekera (Rana Giraw, 1967) ~ older brothers and older sisters ~ 18. "Hinsaren Awa" - W. D. Amaradeva and Sunethra Saratchchandra (Wasanthaya Dawasak, 1978) ~ slowly came ~ 19. "Senasum Susuman Pawilla" - T. M. Jayaratne (Nedayo, 1976) ~ relaxing exhales float away ~ 20. "Udumbara" - T. M. Jayaratne (Bambaru Awith, 1976) 21. "Hemin Sare Piya Wadey" - T. M. Jayaratne and Sunethra Saratchchandra (Hansa Vilak, 1982) 22. "Rama Seera Wage Pem Karala" - T. M. Jayaratne, H. R. Jothipala and Angeline Gunathilake (Nedayo, 1976) ~ loved liked Rama and Seeta ~ 23. "See Pancho" - T. M. Jayaratne (Wasanthaye Dawasak, 1978) 24. "Dedunnen Enna" - Sanath Nandasiri and Latha Walpola (Wasanthaya Dawasak, 1978) ~ from the rainbow comes ~ Non-film songs 1. "Thun Ruwaney" - Malani Bulathsinhala 2. "Samanola Sirasey" - Malani Bulathsinhala and T. M. Jayaratne 3. "Nisolmane" - T. M. Jayaratne and Neela Wickramasinghe 4. "La Nil Lassana" - T. M. Jayaratne ~ small blue beauty ~ 5. "Ran Kekire" - T. M. Jayaratne 6. "Sanda Horen" - W. D. Amaradeva ~ the sun secretly ~ 7. Seepada Rawe" - W. D. Amaradeva 8. "Anduru Kutiya Thule" - T. M. Jayaratne 9. "Ma Ada Oba" - Ivor Dennis ~ today I'm your ~ 10. "Hanthane Kandu Muduna" - W. D. Amaradeva ~ top of Hanthane mountain ~ 11. "Pavaneta Salena" - T. M. Jayaratne 12. "Sanda Balanna" - Sanath Nandasiri ~ to look at the sun ~ 13. "Handaya" - Freddie Silva 14. "Domba Gaswala" - Freddie Silva 15. "Ho Ho Ho Massina Gey" - Freddie Silva 16. "Mal Mal Mal Pipeela" - Freddie Silva ~ flowers flowers flowers bloomed ~ | ||||
| 4 | | 4.නන්දා මාලනී [Nanda Malini] | ||
| Nanda Malini when she wrote her own songs produced some of the most exciting Sinhala songs I've heard. "Sakura Mal" leaps with energy and features enigmatically phrased lyrics from Sunil Ariyaratne. Her songs demonstrated a keen understanding of traditional Sinhala life whether it was talking about the procession of a marriage in "Sari Poditthak (A Bit of Sari)" or the going ons of school life in "Mal Kiyanne (Flowers Are)". It's a shame she stopped writing her own music in the 80s - H. M. Jayawardena does not work with her former authenticity. Still, she left behind a significiant enough body of work that makes me hold her in high regard.
1. Sakura Mal ~ Sakura flowers ~ 2. Rukkattana Mal ~ Rukkatana flowers ~ 3. Buddhanu Bhavena ~ Buddha's blessings ~ 4. Mirivedi Sangalak ~ a pair of sandals ~ 5. Sari Podditak ~ a bit of sari ~ 6. Adaraye Kodukarayo ~ amateurs to love ~ 7. Chandra Madala (Duwe Epa) ~ the moon ship ~ 8. Mal Kiyanne ~ you call flowers ~ 9. Mal Mal Heenaya ~ a flower flower dream ~ 10. Surangita 11. Ran Giri Giri | ||||
| 5 | 5.Sanath Nandasiri | |||
| Nandasiri has a unique voice that may be an acquired taste. In addition to his own songs, he wrote two great songs for Amaradeva - "Ma Dan Mahalu Viye" and "Kandulu Kathawe."
1. "Mama Nam Asayi" ~ I Do Like~ 2. "Egodaha Kandey" ~ Faraway Mountain ~ 3. "Du Anuradha" ~ Daughter Anuradha ~ 4. "Kisiwak Nokiyana" ~ Telling No One ~ Compositions for others: 1. "Ma Dan Mahalu Viye" - W. D. Amaradeva ~ I'm now in old age ~ 2. "Kandulu Kathawe" - W. D. Amaradeva ~ the story of tears ~ 3. "Mey Guru Parey" - W. D. Amaradeva ~ this teacher's road ~ | ||||
| 6 | 6.Sunil Santha | |||
| 1. "Olu Pipila" ~ Lotus have bloomed ~
Compositions for others: 1. "Punsanda Eliyayi" - Latha Walpola (Sandeshaya, 1960) 2. "Rana Giraw" - Latha Walpola (Sandeshaya, 1960) 3. "Rajina Mamayi" - Latha Walpola (Sandeshaya, 1960) ~ I'm the queen ~ 4. "Olu Nelum Neriya" - Sisira Senaratne (Rekava, 1956) ~ lotus bloom stalk ~ 5. "Anurapura Polonnaruwa" - Ivor Dennis (Rekava, 1956) 6. "Katey Kiri Suwanda" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Sandeshaya, 1960) ~ the smell of milk from the mouth ~ 7. "Sudu Sanda Eliye" - Indrani Senaratne (Rekava, 1956) ~ in the white sunlight ~ 8. "Puruthugeesikarayo" - H. R. Jothipala & Sydney Attygale (Sandeshaya, 1960) ~ Portuguese ~ | ||||
| 7 | 7.R. Muttusamy | |||
| R. Muttusamy was one of the first music directors to contribute original songs to Sri Lankan films. And he actually provided good original music unlike say Mohammed Ghouse.
1. "Pipena Malaka" - Latha Walpola (Okkoma Hari, 1967) ~ of a blooming flower~ 2. "Nelum Manel" - Latha Walpola (Sasaraka Heti, 1964) ~ Nelum flower ~ 3. "Sanda Komali" - Latha Walpola (Mathalan, 1955) 4. "Pani Wahena Katha" - H. R. Jothipala & Pushparani Ariyaratne (Nalangana, 1960) ~ stories dripping in honey ~ 5. "Ganga Yanney Koheda Galla" - Dharmadasa & Latha Walpola (Yata Giya Dawasa, 1965) ~ where does the river flow ~ 6. "Sapatha Swargey" - Dharmadasa & Latha Walpola (Prema Tharangaya, 1953) 7. "Ranwan Dul Karalin" - Latha Walpola (Mathalan, 1955) ~ golden corn stalk ~ 8. "Yanney Koheda Ma" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Sohoyuro, 1958) ~ where am I going ~ 9. "Lankaren Malak Pipi" - Dharmadasa & Latha Walpola (Ahankara Sthree, 1954) 10. "Honda Hondama Weya Lowa" - Dharmadasa & Latha Walpola (Prema Tharangaya, 1953) ~ very very good becomes the world ~ 11. "Hanika Yamang" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Mathalan, 1955) ~ quickly let's go ~ 12. "Komala Prema Sudha" - Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola 13. "Alankareni Sadu" - Rukmani Devi (Siriyalatha, 1957) ~ beautifully made ~ 14. "Parama Ramani Apey Aley" - Rukmani Devi & Mohideen Baig (Nalangana, 1960) 15. "Issara Kaley Indala" - Henry Perera & Pushparani (Nalangana, 1960) 16. "Nil Wala Yawi Pawela" - Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola (Daruwa Kageda, 1961) 17. "Ayyata Rajagedrak" - Master Morrin and Baby Dorrin (Purusha Ratnaya, 1959) ~ a king's house for older brother ~ 18. "Mawala Aney" - Latha Walpola (Mathalan, 1955) ~ dreamt up, please~ 19. "Balanna Lassana Akasey" - Cyril Human (Suhada Divi Puduma, 1962) ~ look at the beautiful sky ~ 20. "Maga Hingana Kotath" - Mohideen Beg, Christy Leonard Perera and C. T. Fernando (Chandiya, 1965) ~ while begging on the way ~ 21. "Unnath Dahayi Marunath Dahayi" - Mohideen Beg, Christy Leonard Perera and J. A. Milton Perera (Chandiya, 1965) ~ exist a thousand die a thousand ~ 22. "Mey Pipasitha Lo Thaley" - J. A. Milton Perera (Allapu Gedera, 1965) ~ this thirsty world ~ 23. "Gajamuthu Hara Parada" - Mark Antony & Clarice de Silva (Purusha Rathnaya, 1959) 24. "Ruhunu Desa Sobamana Maligey" - Clarice de Silva (Purusha Rathnaya, 1959) 25. "Kadima Satha" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Ramyalatha, 1956) ~ wonderful animal ~ 26. "Deviyan Wanney" - Dharmadasa Walpola (Okkoma Hari, 1967) ~ Become God ~ 27. "Sili Siliye Nawa Suwandak" - M. S. Fernando & Noel Gunaratne (Sarasaka Heti, 1964) 28. "Mangalam Jaya Mangalam" - Mohideen Beg (Chandiya, 165) 29. "Nayaney Suwa Yahaney" - Sujatha Attanayake (Amathaka Vunada, 1967) 30. "Amathaka Karalamumu Parani Katha" - Mohideen Beg (Kala Kala Dey Pala Pala Dey, 1964) ~ forget olden stories ~ | ||||
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| 8 | 8.M. K. Rocksamy | |||
| 1. "Menikak Rakina" - Mohideen Baig & G. S. B. Rani Perera (Chandali, 1964) ~ Protecting a diamond ~
2. "Nilata Niley Vihida Yayi" - Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola (Dheewarayo, 1964) 3. "Sarawana Bhawa" Mohideen Baig (Mahe Rae Hamuwu Sthriya, 1966) 4. "Agada Sagaraye" - J. A. Milton Perera (Dheewarayo, 1964) 5. "Nidahas Kahala" - J. A. Milton Perera (Singithi Surathal, 1968) 6. "Awilla Awilla" - Mohideen Baig, Latha Walpola & Christy Leonard Perera (Dheewarayo, 1964) ~ It has arrived, it has arrived ~ 7. "Saman Kuley Surangana Lowey" - Sujatha Attanayake (Singithi Surathal, 1968) 8. "Rae Bowi Bowi Eyi" - J. A. Milton Perera, Haroon Lanthra & Noel Gunaratne (Dheewarayo, 1964) ~ The night creeps up ~ 9. "Walla Simbinna Ralla" - Mohideen Baig, Mallika Kahawita & Christy Leonard Perera (Dheewarayo, 1964) ~ The wave that hugs the beach ~ 10. "Samaya Samagiya Pathurala" - Mohideen Baig, Mallika Kahawita & Christy Leonard Perera ~ Having spread peace and community ~ 11. "Alaya Katath Podu Deyaki" - H. R. Jothipala / Victor Ratnayake (Sumudu Bharya, 1970) ~ love is common to all ~ 12. "Sihina Gangehi Pina Pina" - Mohideen Baig & Mallika Kahawita (Maha Rae Hamu Wu Sthriya, 1966) ~ Having swam in a dream river ~ 13. "Hada Mal Pandurey" - Haroon Lanthra & Sujatha Attanayake (Ran Rasa, 1967) ~ In the heart's flower bush ~ 14. "Muwa Mee Nura Kan" - Tony Hassan & Sujatha Attanayake (Harima Badu Thunak, 1976) 15. "Sandehi Sandun Waney" - Mohideen Baig & G. S. B. Rani Perera (Chandali, 1964) 16. "Papey Gali Lowa" - A. J. Kareem (Sigiri Kashyapa, 1966) ~ caught in sin the world ~ 17. "Sathuta Sokey" - Latha Walpola (Dheewarayo, 1964) ~ Happiness and sadness ~ 18. "Walakulak Men" - G. S. B. Rani Perera (Maha Rae Hamu Wu Sthriya, 1966) ~ Like a cloud ~ | ||||
| 9 | 9.Mohamed Sali | |||
| 1. "Oruwaka Pawena" - Milton Mallawarachchi ~ floating on a raft ~
2. "Sansara Sewanella" - Milton Mallawarachchi ~ shadow of endless rebirth ~ 3. "Robin Hood Wagey" - H. R. Jothipala ~ Like Robin Hood ~ 4. "Ali Naw Ena Kolamba Nagery" - H. R. Jothipala & Christy Leonard Perera ~ Colombo city where large ships arrive ~ 5. "Muladi Banda Adarayaka" - H. R. Jothipala ~ The first love ~ | ||||
| 10 | | 10.Clarence Wijewardena | ||
| In the 60s, when Sri Lankan music was caught between the popular film music influenced by India and the serious music of the likes of Amaradeva, Clarence Wijewardena was the artist who most successfully forged a middle ground developing a uniquely Sri Lankan style of pop music incorporating Western influences. He also contributed to the evolution of baila into a more pleasant experience with his songs like "Sudu Manike" which incorporate his unique style into the genre.
1. Sithey Susum (w/ Jackson Anthony) ~ the mind's exhale ~ 2. Adareta Kiyana Katha ~ stories you tell for love ~ 3. Kiri Muhuda ~ milk ocean ~ 4. Sihina Genena ~ the bringer of dreams ~ 5. Maliniye 6. Rahase Handana (w/ Neela Wickremasinghe) ~ secretly crying ~ 7. Ramya 8. Dileepa Podi Puthu ~ Dileepa little son ~ 9. Etha Epita Hima ~ far away in snow ~ 10. Andura Ira ~ dark sun ~ 11. Senda Walawan ~ afternoon time ~ 12. Hada Vile ~ the mind lake ~ 13. Geeyak Liyanne Kesedo ~ how do you write a song ~ 14. Sudu Menike ~ white lady ~ 15. Sanda Ek Dinak ~ the sun one day ~ 16. Sanakeliye ~ casually ~ 17. Dineyka Mey Nadi ~ one day on this nadi ~ 18. Muthu Menike 19. Randunuke Mala Se ~ like a Randunuke flower ~ 20. Hanthane 21. Hindi Vadan 22. Aruna Kirana 23. Muwa Hasarali 24. Hiruge Lowedi ~ the world of the sun ~ 25. Malata Bambareku Se ~ like a bee to a flower ~ 26. Desa Piyagath Kala ~ when eyes are closed ~ 27. Kanda Surinduni 28. Sihina Lowak ~ dream world ~ 29. Sanda Gilunath ~ even if the sun sinks ~ 30. Sandak Besa Giya ~ the sun went and set ~ Compositions for others: 1. "Duwa Roshi" - Winslow Six ~ daughter Roshi ~ 2. "Etha Ran Viman" - Priya Suriyasena ~ far away golden lands ~ 3. "Sanden Eha" - Milton Mallawarachchi ~ past the sun ~ 4. "Awasara Natha Mata" - Milton Mallawarachchi ~ I don't have permission ~ 5. "Irudina" - Anil Bharethi ~ day of sun ~ | ||||
| 11 | 11.Upendra Fernando | |||
| 1. "Dolos Mahe Pahana" - H. R. Jothipala ~ 12 month candle ~
2. "Lokaya Nemathi Gamey" - Freddie Silva ~ in the village known as the world ~ 3. "Kohomba Kalley" - Freddie Silva ~ jungle of Colombo ~ 4. "Jinnari" - Freddie Silva | ||||
| 12 | 12.Rohana Weerasinghe | |||
| Compositions for others:
1. "Mulu Lowama" - T. M. Jayaratne 2. "Unmada Woo" - Kamal Addarachchi and Damayanthi Jayasuriya 3. "Hima Nathi Pemakata" - Malani Bulathsinhala | ||||
| 13 | | 13.Neville Fernando | ||
| Neville Fernando was the most talented Sri Lankan artist to incorporate calypso influence into his music.
1. Mage Ranmaliya 2. Samduru Dewi ~ Samuduru goddess ~ 3. Menike Obe Sinawe (w/ Rukmani Devi) ~ lady, your smile ~ | ||||
| 14 | 14.Edwin Samaradiwakara | |||
| 1. "Sulanga Hama Lapalu Natayi" - Pushparani Ariyaratne ~ wind flows lapalu dances ~
2. "Ipida Mare" - W. D. Amaradeva (Daskama, 1958) ~ born then die ~ | ||||
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| 15 | 15.Dayaratna Ranatunga | |||
| 1. "Nomage Noyanu Puthe" - Wilbert Anthony ~ don't go astray, son ~
2. "Selalihiniyo" - Amara Ranatunga | ||||
| 16 | 16.Sisira Senaratne | |||
| Compositions for others:
1. "Mee Wadayaki Jeevithey" - C. T. Fernando (Kauda Hari, 1969) ~ a honey comb is life ~ 2. "Negena Wetena" - Victor Ratnayake and Ivor Dennis (Kauda Hari, 1969) ~ rising and falling ~ | ||||
| 17 | 17.Melroy Dharmaratne | |||
| 1. "Durakathanayakin" - H. R. Jothipala ~ from a distance calling ~ | ||||
| 18 | | 18.Ananda Samarakoon | ||
| The composer of the Sri Lankan national anthem was also the first Sinhala musician of the 20th century to strive to make music evoking a uniquely Sinhala identity. He did this by drawing on his education at Shantiniketan.
1. Asey Madhura Jeevanaye 2. Podi Mal Ethano ~ small flower Ethano ~ 3. Sumano Podi Sumano ~ Sumano small Sumano ~ 3. Ennada Manike ~ shall I come lady ~ 4. Punchi Suda Kiriketiya ~ small white milk jug ~ 5. Kellani Numbala ~ girls you all ~ 6. Besa Seethala Ganguley ~ get in the cold river ~ 7. Pudamu Mey Kusum ~ offer this kusum ~ 8. Sunila Guwaney 9. Siri Saru Sarakaethey 10. Ramya Wana Maley 11. Peradiga Akasey 12. Vile Malak Pipila ~ a flower has bloomed in the lake ~ 13. Poson Pohoya Dine ~ the day of the Poson blessing ~ | ||||
| 19 | | 19.Sarath Dassanayake | ||
| Premasiri Khemadasa revolutionized Sri Lankan film music (after W. D. Amaradeva) but perhaps his work was a bit too cerebral at times to truly capture the heart of the masses. His songs for populist singers like H. R. Jothipala were not as Bollywood-like to fully shut down the plagarists like P. L. A. Somapala who kept going through the '70s. In to this scene appeared Sarath Dassanayake - with work like "Lassana Loketa Ipadila" and "Wasanawa Dora Arala Balanawa," Dassanayake would make H. R. Jothipala interesting and exciting away from his plagarized tunes. As a result, P. L. A. would slowly but surely fade away as the 80s emerged along with his fellow travellers like M. K. Rocksamy. The populist filmmakers moved away from P. L. A. towards Dassanayake and for a time in the late 70s and early 80s - it seemed like Sri Lankan film music was on the up. This would come crashing down with the depression and destruction of the industry in the wake of the '83 riots but for a moment one could hope and see a better future amidst the mediocrity.
1. "Lassana Loketa Ipadila" - H. R. Jothipala (Kasthuri Suwanda, 1974) ~ born to a beautiful world ~ 2. "Kandang Yannam" - Milton Mallawarachchi (Aethin Aethata, 1983) ~ will take you away ~ 3. "Wasanawa Dora Arala Balanawa" - M. S. Fernando and H. R. Jothipala (Sadahatama Oba Mage, 1973) ~ luck opens the door and looks in ~ 4. "Gigiri Jageri" - Freddie Silva (Kasthuri Suwanda, 1974) | ||||
| 20 | 20.Los Muchachos | |||
| 1. Kamalkaruwa ~ factory worker ~ | ||||
| 21 | | 21.M. S. Fernando | ||
| 1. Bola Bola Matti ~ balls and balls of clay ~
2. Manike Mama Aye ~ lady, I'll again ~ 3. Obata Thibena Adaraye ~ the love had for you ~ | ||||
| 22 | | 22.Rookantha Gunathilake | ||
| 1. Ulath Ekayi Pilath Ekayi
2. Renu Renu 3. Indunil Gangulal 3. Lande Mulawi 4. Bambara Pahasa Compositions for others: 1. "Sagaraye Tharangaye" - Clarence Wijewardena 2. "Thushara Bindu" - Clarence Wijewardena | ||||
| 23 | 23.Lionel Algama | |||
| 1. "Thanha Asha" - W. D. Amaradeva (Patachara, 1964) ~ greed and desire ~ | ||||
| 24 | 24.Somadasa Elvitigala | |||
| 1. "Ma Mala Pasu" - W. D. Amaradeva (Sihina Lowak, 1972) ~ after I die ~
2. "Sawibala Yakada Wagey" - Narada Diasekera (Sudo Sudu, 1965) ~ strength together like iron ~ 3. "Mangalam Jaya Mangalam" - T. Shelton (Sihasuna, 1974) 4. "Adara Hangum" - W. D. Amaradeva (Bakmaha Deege, 1969) ~ yearnings of love ~ | ||||
| 25 | 25.Amarasiri Peiris | |||
| Compositions for others:
1. "Denuwara Minpassu" - Somathilka Jayathilaka and Punya Kathiriarachchi | ||||
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