Listening to maestro Rathnayake

Neetha Sirimanne Ratnapala

I was delighted to have been physically present at this rare fete of Sanda Hiru Tharu (Sun, Moon and Stars) at Musaeus College Auditorium recently which coincided with maestro’s 71st Birthday. A remarkable fete and gift to a deserving Guru of Sri Lankan vocal music where talent excelled.

Victor Ratnayake

Coming from a musical background myself, I was in nostalgia. My thoughts flew back to my treasured childhood days when our family gathered with our father, and eldest brother leading the way, especially at New Year and Christmas ,when our humble home turned into a ‘grand’ fiesta of music, song and dance and simple merrymaking.

How could one forget Ben Sirimanne who radiated the stage as Prince in ‘Maname’, Kusa in ‘Kusa Pabavathie’, king in ‘Hasthi Kanhta Manthare’ and his unique performance in ‘Swarnathilaka’.

The Harmonium, Thablaa, Mandoline, Organ, Mouth Organ, accompanied songs of yester year to near perfection.

There was NO distinction between Oriental and Western. Both were enjoyed at full measure. How years have elapsed and altered our lives denying us much with the demise of our loved ones.

From Victor Ratnayaka’s Family Evening I was carried many years back witnessing the depths of family bonds opening before me. Congratulations, to Victor Ratnayka, Jayantha, Lelum, Chandani and Manjula for the refreshing, nostalgic hours you gave us all. As the second generation takes over good luck to you and by what we tasted we have more flavour to expect.

I would not call it a show but a warm, appearance in appreciation and gratitude for an audience of well wishers who have admired, appreciated, loved, followed closely with interest the rise of Victor Ratnayaka to the zenith, with Victor himself emerging a true VICTOR of hearts with his soft, controlled, heart-melting melodies.

It’s no exaggeration to state there is only one Victor Ratnayaka and to him I pen this eulogy. May he be blessed with good health, longevity and Divine blessings to continue and contribute towards enrichment of our world of music, rhythm ,and song. May we be fortunate to hear his melodies through the wee hours of the night when all is STILL around us and the world asleep.

Starting with the tiniest that came before us that evening, Nikila Hirushana Dias just 5 years Feb. born as his grandfather took us back to the world of kids as he addressed his grandfather ‘’Ane Seeye Amal Biso kathandare kiannako’’. The group effort of the grand children of the maestro reminded us of the great tragedy taking over our children in being coaxed into singing, imitating adults and their songs of romance or separation or love lost. It’s an eye opener to all of us. Who is to be blamed here, the child or the adult? Talent misguided can be more damaging than rewarding so over to those interested in children’s welfare.

To presenters of Hiru Sandu Tharu goes the credit of the blending of the east and the west cleverly and cautiously attempted. I must mention Lelum Ratnayaka’s rendering of YESTERDAY from John Lenon’s collection with an inkling of Lenon physically on stage but the voice very much his own in full take off and rhythm to a loud applause. Vinuja Gunasekera emerged a promising lad while Chetani stood out both in song and dance. Jayantha led the way with ‘Maw Vessanthara’ and bade adieu with ‘Subha Raathriyak Wewa’ two melodies somewhat emotional but well conveyed.

It was a memorable evening for the maestro I’m sure reminiscing the days with his dear wife Chitra and the children.

Now that the flock has grown with addition of nine talented grandchildren Victor Ratnayaka can be a happy man and lift the spirits of so many who find solace in his songs. Jayantha, Lelum and Sajana S Ratnayka who moved us with tears in heaven could take off from where so ever Victor Ratnayaka may wish to pause, but not halt.

‘Aasha-Nirasha’ and ‘Sondura Numbha Mata’ would echo and re-echo in all who appreciated and applauded Ratnayaka that evening .However I feel I’d be missing in my pursuance if I fail to mention at least some of those who supported Victor Ratnayaka with their compositions in the like of Bandula Nanayakkarawasm, Kularatna Ariyawansa, Ajantha Ranasingha, late Gamini Fonseka and Prema Keerthi de Alwis. Rohana Weerasingha excelling in music he provided all falling into a super brand of their own.

Jayantha and the clan, thank you for an evening well organized and the beautiful souvenir till the next.