Thank You for the Music!

Channa Bandara Wijekoon

It was an evening with mixed feelings. Fans of the legendary singer and musician Victor Ratnayake flocked to Lumbini to watch their idol in action in SA for the last time.

The atmosphere outside the main entrance to the venue reminded me of a scene in 'ABBA the movie' shown here in the decade of 70. It also reminded me of the song...'Kohe Sita Oba Paminiyedo Sihinaye Randunu Ae Apsara' sung by Victor Ratnayake in the Sinhala film 'Podi Malli'.

Being part and parcel of the whole occasion had already made me a proud man by that time. The gigantic structure with a canopy, which could accommodate over 2000 people put up especially for the occasion, was full.

Once seated in a front row exactly one hour before the show commenced, I made a wow to myself, never will I vacate my seat until the show is over. Seated on either side of me were a gentleman and a beautiful lady.

"Denodaahak Awata Sitiyada...Thaniwela Wedana Windemi Mam". I must break the silence and talk to someone. Obviously the gentleman was my first choice.

To my astonishment, the man next to me, Shanthi Wickramasinghe, had been a fan of Victor who had had the privilege to watch the very first SA at the same venue 39 years back. It was my lucky day. He told me how people entered the hall breaking windows and doors to see their idol singing that day.

While Shanthi shared this his rare experiences associated with SA and Victor with me, Jayantha Ratnayake was rehearsing with the orchestra. The hype was created well.

A sudden announcement was made. The Veteran singer had ordered organizers to open the main gate for fans who could not obtain tickets to enter the premises. They did come in like Tsunami. Organizers were seen struggling to cope with this unexpected situation. How could an artiste retain his fans for 39 long years like this? It was not black magic but reality.

The time had come, time to commence the proceedings of the event. Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, the special guest of the occasion, was escorted to his seat by Kandyan dancers and drummers. He received a standing ovation from a courteous audience.

The breezy evening sans rain made the perfect setting for the occasion. In the backdrop the name SA in Sinhala was displayed in dreamy red colour. Then the King made his presence on the illuminated stage. He was clad in gold colour attire. He greeted the audience and a received a loud applause.

He took the Thampura to his possession. The 'Saraswathie Sthothra' sung by Victor with his everlasting golden voice echoed in the auditorium. Victor's mesmerizing voice gave life to a string of his most popular songs meant for SA. Then he paused a while to thank his fans who gathered to witness the magic in SA for the last time.

"It is me who is mostly emotional today," said Victor, "we started SA way back in 1973 July 20 when I was a vigorous young man. So was my team. Now exactly 39 years have passed and today is 2012 July 20. I am no longer a young person. Hence I decided to bring SA to an end to safeguard its glory and credibility. It doesn't mean though my singing career will come to an end." It was time for singing again. 'Paawae Wala', 'Amba Gas Yata Mal Ihila' (duet), 'Obe Dethol Pethi Lihee', 'Thani Tharuwe' were sung in the ever youthful voice. 'Daiwayogayakin Nowedoo' added much colour to the song lineup. In between he was seen sipping a 'soft drink.'

The audience showed their appreciation with a loud applause after every song. A whistle came from an ardent fan every now and then. I tried with my trembling hands to capture a few memorable moments on my digital camera.

Victor still possesses the vigour needed to sing a song like Thani Tharuwe. He first sang it 39 years back when he was very much young. This is the magic in Victor which no other singer could match. Thus we call him a legend!

The original chorus singers of SA: Rohana Weerasinghe, Sunil Edirisinghe, Edward Jayakody, Lashman Wijesekera, Ananda Weerasiri and Bandula Wijeweera joined Victor to sing 'Ruwan Nidana Hela Bimai.' Sunil Edirisinghe coming in a jiffy after everyone else to join the band wagon and standing in a corner like a child, created amusement...something which the show was demanding at the time. The audience laughed amidst tears.

Jayantha Ratnayake and Hemapala Gallege played the harmonium and Tabla for Victor to sing 'Podi Kumarihamiye'. Though a seductress did not appear on stage to perform for the song, in our minds Victor created a 'Podi Kumarihami' very much lively.

Wasantha Rohana announced there will not be an interval, which meant Victor had to sing at a stretch all the songs lined up. The next song was 'Thotupola Ainae'. I looked back at the packed audience over my shoulders. All eyes were focused on Victor... and Victor only. Victor did justice to the song with his mesmerizing voice.

The show was steadily coming to an end. Victor himself a person with a sense of humour came up with some old SA stories and made his fans laugh. Victor's loud laugh only heard by his close associates could be heard by all that day. Then he distributed tokens of appreciation to artists who did much to take SA forward from its inception. He mentioned about demised artistes associated with SA.

The audience joined Victor to sing 'Api Okkoma Rajawaru" to steer the show to an end...for the last time. A standing ovation was received by the idol. Everyone wanted to ascend the stage to greet their idol in person. I used to watch SA every time I fell in love and every time I was deprived of love. His singing soothed my mind and taught me the magic in love, romance and warmth.

Dr Victor Ratnayake will be remembered by all Sri Lankans as the only artist who could maintain the enthrallment of a one-man recital for 39 long years. Also he will be remembered as the only local artist who had a loyal and intact fanfare right throughout his life like Michael Jackson or Elvis Presely. He is and will be our one and only 'King of Romance'.

Thank you for

the music !

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Pictures by Hemaka Diaz