Innam Ithin Ma Sada Kal, Semada Oba Langa Innam, Mage Hadawatha Hendinagath Oba, Sithin Patha Innam, Punchi Puthu Mage… The common factor in all these songs is none other than Kumarasiri Pathirana who was a one-time music icon, especially in the eighties.

The specialty in his songs is that he wrote and set them to tune. Later on this multi-talented artiste wrote and published several children’s story books and novels.

“I studied at Thopawewa Maha Vidyalaya in Polonnaruwa. I won the first place in a singing competition and later became the drummer in the school band as a grade nine student. Then I was a permanent member in bands like Super Friends and Silver Stone for about 12 years. In 1986 I held my maiden Hindi Songs solo musical concert called ‘Kumara Geeth’. Two years later I held my second concert with Super Seven. Then I met Ashoka Peiris who helped go further in the music field.

 

What are the songs you did for Radio Ceylon?

Songs like ‘Sithin Patha Innam’, ‘Punchi Puthu Mage’, Sandase Udawee and Obata Liyana Mulma Lipiyayi were the first four songs I did for Radio Ceylon and they became instant hits. Those songs were written and set to tune by me.

 

What inspired you to write songs?

I was a sub editor of the school magazine and I was passionate about writing too. I improved my writing skills with the help of my language teachers. I was also good at drawing.

 

Have you sung duets?

During the early stage of my career I invited a prominent songstress to join me in a duet, but she declined since I was a novice. Since then I never sang duets.

I have sung about 160 songs and only ten of them were penned by others. I launched my latest CD titled ‘Sithehi Pirunu Adarei’ which comprised 14 songs.

 

 

Today visuals have become crucial to popularize songs?

I believe that songs should be sung to the hearts and not to the eyes. That’s why my songs are still remembered even after two decades.

 

How did you become an author?

I loved books from my childhood. I also worked in a bookshop after leaving school. Later on in life, I was hit by illness forcing me to stay indoors for about five years. It is during this period that I consolidated myself as an author. The ‘Sepalika’ tele drama which is being telecast now is based on my novel ‘Pivithuru Hada Langa’

 

Your family?

My wife is Chandra Amarasinghe. My sons are Sineth Malaka, Sathmina Sandaruwan, Bimsara Gineth while my daughter is Sathmani Chathurika. My eldest son is involved in music and helpd amateur singers. He also acts and is in charge of the graphic aspects in our publications.

 

 

By Vasantha Wimalasinghe