Taking us on a musical journey to a symphony of golden melodies and ever-lasting memorable compositions, Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe has enriched our musical world by adding new musical flavours and dimensions to this universal art. Heartfelt melodies flowing from his poetic heart begin with delight and end with wisdom, healing thousands of hearts and bringing lyrics into life.
Renowned musician Dr. Weerasinghe is undoubtedly a source of heart-soothing melodies. With the melody of a violin, let’s embark on a musical voyage to his youth.
School life
Rohana Weerasinghe had his education at several schools such as Good Shepherd Convent in Nuwara Eliya, Vidyachakra Buddhist School, Ruwan Eliya, Welimada Maha Vidyalaya, Pannipitya Dharmapala Vidyalaya and Gamini Maha Vidyalaya Nuwara Eliya.
With his passion for composing music, he was in the habit of watching Hindi movies during his spare time. “I used to watch new Hindi movies because of my craze for music.” He recalled his past. A teacher is a builder of a nation. Honestly, there was a teacher who discerned young Rohana’s inborn skills. It was K.V.S. Perera who had studied music at Shanthi Kala Nikethana in India. Being energetic and self-motivated, young Rohana had gained immense popularity among students as a talented musician as well as a football player. He had played football for his school team Pannipitya Dharmapala as well.
Heywood college
After facing his Advanced Level examination, he had to come back to his ancestral village Nuwara Eliya. “I came to Nuwara Eliya and contributed to some youth-run societies. At that time, I met another good teacher named Kithsiri Aluthge.”
Kithsiri changed Rohana’s destiny. Guiding Rohana on the right path to be a musician, Kithsiri directed him to the College of Fine Arts better known as Heywood.
“Heywood was the turning point in my life. I got to know many artistes including Victor Rathnayake’s younger brother Somapala Rathnayake, Wijerathna Ranathunga and so on,” he said.
Rohana soon came under the spotlight by displaying his talents. Impressed by Rohana’s brilliant performance, Wijerathna Ranathunga introduced him to veteran musician Premasiri Khemadasa. Later, Somapala Rathnayake introduced Rohana to veteran musician Victor Rathnayake.
As time passed, Rohana received many opportunities to perform in the chorus and symphonies. Speaking of symphonies, Rohana was fortunate enough to perform as a sitarist in Khemadasa’s symphonies such as ‘Muhuda,’ ‘Niyagaya Wessa saha Kunatuwa’.
It is interesting to note that Rohana was more radical when he was studying at Heywood college. Being the president of the student union, he had taken both stern actions and praiseworthy steps for the betterment of the college. Back in 1977 Rohana got married to Leela Beatrice De Silva who studied dancing at Heywood.
A colossus in music
“First, it is important to understand the lyrics before composing the music for any song. Our understanding of the lyrics helps us to create a suitable melody, rhythm and tune,” he said, when I asked about his process of composing music for songs.
With the musical creations for his maiden teledrama titled Rekha and maiden movie Aradhana, Rohana came into the limelight. Del Wu Pahan is still echoing in our hearts like an ever-lasting flame of a lamp. Rohana stands out from all musicians because of his own unique identity.
He composes music for all generations regardless of the generation gap. Therefore, his melodies remain young forever. He has composed music for more than 8000 songs including film, teledrama and stage drama. Moreover, he had won the award for the best music director for ‘Thanamala Pipila’ and ‘Maghatha’. Rohana wanted to bring something new to the Sinhala music. For instance, when he visited India with his bosom friend Luxman Wijesekara, he brought a new musical instrument called Santoor with which he contributed to most musical creations.
Today’s music
“Singers like Mohideen Beg, H.R. Jothipala, Clarence Wijewardena, M.S Fernando maintained discipline in their musical creations. They prioritized discipline when entertaining their fans through their performances. Speaking of today’s popular music culture, regrettably, most singers and lyricists convey crude and uncivilized ideas through their songs shamelessly. It is unbecoming. Even though only a wistful of singers produce good musical creations, FM channels promote only the meaningless and cheap kind songs with the intention of earning money.
“On the other hand, those in musical bands play songs at night musical shows, provoking people’s minds. They do not sing songs, but beat drums and shout at the top of their voices. Some night shows have become extra sources of income for drug dealers. In the end, our political system should be responsible for this tragedy,” stressed Rohana Weerasinghe.
“Doing cover songs has become a popular trend among today’s new generation. I have already given permission for anyone to do cover songs without distorting my originals. Even today most young singers are doing covers. Hence, we can pass the baton to our next generation.” He blessed the new generation.
C music publishing company
Singers, lyricists, writers and musicians belonging to all generations and also the veterans including Victor, Prof. Sunil Ariyarathna, have joined hands with the C music publishing company. Significantly, all members can gain a monthly income for their musical creations spread on social media through the C music publishing company.
