Nightingale Lata Walpola set to create a record, singing evergreen hits with sons of original singers at ‘Saumya Rathri’ on June 9 to mark her tuneful career of 65 years.

Inimitable singer Lata Walpola who will be turning 80 this year has made a remarkable impact in Sri Lankan music as a songstress who has contributed immensely for 65 long years continuously. The undisputed nightingale of Sri Lanka has proven her versatility and mettle beyond doubt, especially in the playback scene in which she has lent her melodious voice to more than one hundred Sri Lankan film actresses and also to Indian film stars like Madhubala, Vaijanthimala, Meena Kumari, Nimmi Shashikala and Nirupa Roy.

As songstress she has sung with all popular male singers in this country and the duets have been huge hits. Unfortunately most of her singing partners including her husband Dharmadasa Walpola are no more today. But she is going strong with her voice power.

Kalasuri Lata Walpola is planning a spectacular musical show titled ‘Saumya Rathri’  at 6.30 pm on June 9 at the Ananda College  Kularatne Hall where she will sing the unforgettable duets of the past with the sons of the original singers. Apart from her own children including Amith Walpola, she will sing those evergreen duets with star sons Ishak Baig, Priyankara Perera, Amal Perera, Jayantha Rathnayake, Mario Ananda, Priyantha Fernando, Isuru Jayaratne  in addition to Keerthi Pasqual, Susil Fernando, Nuwan Gunawardana, Raju Bandara, Rajiv Sebastian, Uresha Ravihari and others.

Renowned choreographer Chandana Wickremasinghe will choreograph the dance sequences while Mahinda Bandara will be in charge of the music.

Former Prime Minister and Senior Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake will participate as the Chief Guest.
Amith Walpola said the event would also coincide with the 28th death anniversary of their father Dharmadasa Walpola. He said he planned to take this unique show to all parts of the country and even abroad.




(By Ramesh Uvais)