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| Saturday, 25 September 2004 |
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Features | |
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Tribute to a veteran journalist, lyricist, film maker, author: Dharmasiri - a multi-dimensional journey through life
"One should not take such criticism seriously. That's their point of view. Let's forget it," was his response when that particular newspaper criticised him without mercy. He was not worried about criticism as he had to do many things for the people. He lived his whole life focusing on this principle without criticising anyone. This veteran journalist, film director, poet, lyrics writer and author died last week at the age of 65, ending an artistic life spanning nearly five decades. The unique feature in his artistic career is (as everyone agrees) that he was ready to help any one at any time. Whether you are a veteran or new comer, you only had to ask - he would be there to help you. He was a tower of strength to all. For newcomers like us, Dharmasiri uncle was always helpful and was there to advise us. His vision and motto all the time was to helping people. "Help people without expecting any favour in return," he always used to say. Born on October 4, 1939, he was the only son to Maththaka Gamage Peter Appuhamy and Kalegana Archchige Chandrawathie and the eldest brother to three sisters. He first developed his artistic talents under the influence of U.S. Perera (Siri Aiya) and joined the Children's Program of the then Radio Ceylon. After serving the Lankadeepa since 1959, he joined Lake House and worked in all the Sinhala Newspapers beginning from Dinamina, Janatha, and Silumina. At the same time, he began to expand his artistic talents into other fields specially film making. He first commenced writing songs for films from "Ambapali" and composed lyrics for nearly 250 films. He also made a unique contribution towards screenplay writing from Adarawanthayo onwards. In 1963, he composed songs such as "Sulang Kurullo" for "Senasuma Kothenada" directed by K.A.W. Perera. Thereafter, he went on to establish his mark as a film maker and created two films Yasa Isuru and Pooja which won much critical acclaim apart from awards. He was one of the most beloved lyrics writers. He wrote songs for almost all leading and veteran singers. Among his popular hits are "Ammawarune" sung by Nanda Malini, "Chandana Ellen Nala" by H. R. Jothipala, "Hadawila Kalambana Pem Jala Rekha" by Nanda Malini, Amaradeva's "Sansara Gamane Thanha Asha". He was always willing to help people in many ways and never wanted to disappoint anyone be it invitations for seminars, excursions, lectures, and not least, for musical get-togethers - he was present everywhere spending his own money for travelling. The unique achievement in his life was initiating 'Pahan Weta' in the Yovun Janatha newspaper which supported and encouraged budding artistes in many fields. The void left by Dharmasiri cannot be easily filled with his unmatched humanity. He was a beacon of hope for the budding generation of artists, journalists, narrators, lyrics-writers and nature lovers. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. - Bharatha |
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Produced by Lake House |
Two years back, Dharmasiri Gamage was writing one of his articles at
the Lake House library when I went to collect a picture for an article. A
weekend paper (not of the Lake House Group) on the previous Sunday had
severely criticised his role as a journalist and an environmental
activist. I inquired about this.
