Clarence Wijewardena:

Great maestro remembered

Today marks the 14th Death Anniversary of Clarence Wijewardena, the Godfather of local pop music. Clarence was born in Haputale in an estate known as Bramton.

His father was a Medical Doctor and his mother was a Matron. Being the eldest in a family of five, he had two brothers and two sisters. After his father’s demise, his mother accompanied by his stepfather came to settle down in Batugedera, Rathnapura. This house, in fact belonged to Sheela, a comely lass who later became his lifelong lover and finally ended up as his beloved wife.

To become a fully-fledged musician, the then “Diminutive” Clarance had many a great obstacle from all possible aspects.

With the backing of Sri Sangabo Corea, Clarence formed the Group Moonstones. The Bands Golden Chimes and Super Golden Chimes followed suit. Ultimately, he became a freelance musician. Many a song written during the Moonstones period revolved around certain individuals around the area and of course about Sheela and even his only daughter, Amila.

The famous song Mango Nenda even became a fantastic hit on the charts as the best song broadcast over the radio. Practically almost all the leading musicians of today have been helped by Clarence in numerous ways. I must emphasize that I could vouch for this as I closely was associated till his demise. For practice sessions, I was happy to offer my premises at Mount Lavinia regularly.

Clarence was the Music Director for a number of Sinhala films and Tele Dramas too, which include Sikuruliya and Nidikumba Mal. He even was instrumental in producing a cassette on the occasion when the Sri Lanka Cricket Team got international status.

He holds the unique distinction of introducing electric guitar to local pop music.

Apart from his singing prowess, Clarence has done many commercial jingles for companies such as Bata, The Development Lottery and for Astra Margarine.

This Maestro of Music not only excelled in the field of music but as a human being too because those who associated him know him as a gentleman who loved not only up-and-coming musicians (to whom his doors were always open) but to all mankind.

He despised arrogance, snobbery and duplicity and had no special gimmicks or show-offs on stage. This was perhaps the main reason why he was personally admired.

Apart from all this, Clarence even possessed a good knowledge on English and Sinhala literature and at the time he was ailing and hospitalized, there are written records of his notes of his ideas pertaining to Philosophy, Buddhism and the Life. He was a man who could render an impromptu speech anywhere and at anytime, practically on almost any relevant subject.

Though 14 years have gone by, the increase of his popularity is not a secret when one sees the number of programms broadcast over a number of television channels focusing specially on the younger generation.

Clarence’ beloved wife Sheela is back in the island after holidaying in Australia to attend the 14th Death Anniversary of her husband and to participate in the religious ceremony to be held on his behalf.

May the name of his Great Maestro live in the hearts of his ever-loving fans as well as the new generation.

Siri Hettiarachchi