On the 9th of December, 2012, the Writers Guild of the Sinhalese Cultural Forum (Sansadaya) welcomed one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious songwriters. In a career spanning from 1960s to the present day, Sunil Sarath Perera has penned well over 1000 songs including classics such as ‘Budhun Wadiya Rata’ by Pandith Amaradeva and ‘Yashodara’ by Sanath Nandasiri. Dr Palitha Ganewatta presided over the event.
SCF Media VP, Deepal De Silva, commenced proceedings, noting the contributions of the Sansadaya to Sinhalese literature in Sydney. Representing the SCF President who was unfortunately unable to attend, Education VP Shamal Pannila spoke of the SCF’s cultural contributions to the community. With the formalities addressed, Dr Piyasoma Medis regaled the audience of his four decades long friendship with Sunil Sarath Perera. Maithri Panagoda, a renowned songwriter in his own right, then spoke about the literary style of his fellow songwriter.
Sunil Sarath Perera then addressed the audience, speaking of his views on the art of song writing. A new songwriter must have a good cultural grounding and possess a good heart, he stressed. The songwriter recreates a personal experience in the mind of the listener through the power of his lyrics. He advised new songwriters to study the writing style of greats like Manavasinghe, Madawala S. Rathnayake and Mahagamasekera.
Malee Dissanayake, who coordinated the event, concluded proceedings by delivering a vote of thanks.