Revolutionist in Sinhala film music Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa - Sumangalian

At the Base Hospital, Panadura, Ellen Nona, the wife of Guruge Simeon Perera of Thalpitiya, Wadthe new-born infant would become a revolutionist in future in the Field of Music, duwa, gave birth to a son on January 25, 1937. Born the youngest in a family of nine, nobody would have thought that.

"From his birth he showed that he was different from others. While all others were born at home, he was born at the Hospital. Due to some oversight, his birth had not been registered, and had to forward an affidavit to have his birth registered. Even his admission to Sri Sumangala in 1942 was different. He had presented himself to the entrance examination and scored highest marks, and was the cynosure of all the parents who had accompanied their children for the entrance examination.

"While in College, he missed a double promotion by the loss of a few marks which would have given him first position in class and the double promotion.

The difference of opinion on his challenge over the lost marks made him leave the College. With a flute bought for 75 cents at the Bazaar, he decided on his future."

Music of Tomorrow-Khemadasa-Upul Guruge, P.14

(Sinhala publication)

He joined R. A. Chandrasena's music class and gained his theoretical knowledge in music and slowly broadened his vistas. He treats the Sangeetha Manjarie established on the third of January 1959 as his University of Life. Studying our Traditional Folk music, and the Western and Oriental traditions of music, he created his own style.

Amaradewa, our other Conferee of the Honourary Membership states:

'A person with dedication and energy need not study in a school. Men like Senarath Paranawithana and Martin Wickramasinghe did not attend a University. Einstein did not go to University. They may have passed all the examinations externally. Khemadasa may not have an examination to pass'.

Silumina, January 21, 2007.

Khemadasa's creative genius fused with the expectations of the people with the theme music he composed for Golu Hadawatha. The strains of lilting music pouring forth from his musical instruments colourised more than a 100 of cinema films, stage plays, tele plays, operas, cantatas, ballets and symphonies.

Musicologists the world over state that the Signature Tune Khemadasa composed for the SLBC Newscast is the best signature tune for newscasts composed ever.

He was the musician who made a revolutionary change in the Sinhala music. Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, Old Boys' Association presented a special felicitation award at its 85th anniversary celebration, with one of the five 'Honourary Memberships' of the association. He applied himself in his creative activities selflessly, while his ill health challenged him, he forgot his difficulties when he created his last works 'Agni', SSCOBA deeply regrets his demise and wishes 'May he attain Nibbana'.

- Asiri N. Perera Old boy, Sri Sumangala College, Panadura