Yet another ‘first’ in musical experiences

Ananda Perera and Jayantha Ratnayake 

To see Sihashakthi back in action after several years is indeed most welcoming. They provide music for the latest innovative music program ‘Leya Saha Laya’ broadcast over DeranaTV. 

To kick off the new program, the one-time extremely popular music group sang and played ‘Dona Catherina’ – a favourite of many – written by Ratnasiri Wijesinghe and music composed by Rohana Weerasinghe, both highly-respected in their own fields. 

Sihashkthi stands above most other music groups in their ability to both sing and play the instruments. It’s so good to see Ananda Perera, the versatile musician who originally was responsible for most – if not all – Sihashakthi creations, and the two Ratnayake brothers Jayantha and Lelum, also well versed in both singing and playing the instruments we usually see them play.  The others have also been in the music field for quite some time.

Presenting the program is veteran journalist Jayantha Chandrasiri, best known for his creations on stage and screen – both cinema and small screen. His plays, films and teledramas which he has written and directed have a distinctive character. This is the first time I have seen him in the role of a presenter and he has already shown his skills in making the programme meaningful. 

We have been used to duos (husband and wife) singing. The novelty of ‘Leya Saha Laya’ is in the introduction of a father and son/mother and daughter to sing together numbers which have made the seniors popular artistes. In the process, the musical career of the senior is discussed and the talent of the junior is unearthed. It’s good to see almost all the juniors introduced so far showing a keen interest in music and some have already gone a long way inspired and guided by the parents.  

While discussing the progress of each singer’s background and musical career, Jayantha C analyses almost each song giving a new dimension to them which the listeners may have missed or not thought about. The lyricists and composers are not ignored. They are given their due place when chatting about the creations. The juniors are not left out – their views on songs in addition to their career path are discussed.

The first pair to appear in ‘Leya Saha Laya’ was one of the most seasoned musicians – Edward Jayakody and son Chandipa. Asked about his interest in music, Edward J went back to his schooldays at St. Mary’s College, Kegalle at a time when the accent in school was on English. The music teacher had taught them English music and to play the piano. The accent had changed when a later teacher moved over to Sinhala music.

Edward J had spent six months following the renowned dramatist Dhamma Jagodaa’s drama classes at Lionel Wendt in the 1970s and appeared in several dramas. Some of them had been dramas where songs were sung and gradually Edward J’s interest had moved over to music. Simultaneously he had attended the College of Performing Arts and completed the course in music.

It was interesting to hear that son Chandipa is more interested in composing music rather than being a singer. From his young days he had started playing the tabla.

I have so far watched programs featuring Priya Surasena (also a musician with a long tale going back to the 1970s) and son Laksith, Kirthi Pasqual and son Kasun, and the mother/daughter combination Samitha Mudunkotuwa and Kavinda. While bringing back memories of their early renditions, listening to their experiences during their musical journey is interesting.

A program well worth listening to every Sunday evening.

Samitha and daughter Kavinda