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Susil Premaratne The renowned creative artist of beauty and popular playback singer |
At the age of 16 Susil Premaratna was first introduced to Mr U.A.S.Perera known as Siri Aiya of Radio Ceylon by late Mr. Herbert M. Seneviratne.He associated with famous drama writer C.A. Fonseka, Singer V.P. Leelawathie and Violinist Vincent de Alwis at Radio Ceylon and became a regular artiste at Radio Ceylon (SLBC).The famous song Namawu Namawu recorded with the then popular singers Kingsley Jayasekera, Priscilla Opatha & Leela was true to form his cordiality with his associates.He was promoted as 'A' Grade artiste at the audition held by Mr Ratanashanka the Indian Musician assisted to Radio Ceylon in early 1950s.In the latter part of 1940s Mr. Gabriel the Manager of Recording Department, Cargills Ltd influenced by his musical skills invited Susil for recordings with H.M.V. Records widely recognized publishers of music at the time.In 1950 it was Susil who introduced Rita Jenevi Fernando as Lata the future Nightingale of Music in Sri Lanka since her voice was richly melodious as Lata Mangeshkar of India. He observed the innate talents of Lata and encouraged her to achieve her ambitious goal in singing.
"Ru Rese Andina Lese" (Poems of Gutthila Kavya) Ranwan karalin pesila, Kalu Kelani Nadee, Sonduru Komala , Sinhala Janasangeetha, Preethi Madura and Nanwamu Siri Lanka were some of the duets recorded with Lata in 50s.Contemporary artistes of this great personality were Dharmadasa Walpola, Mohideen Begg, Lata Walpola, C.T. Fernando, Vivian de Silva Boralessa, Chitra, P.LA. Somapala and Rukmani Devi.
His first duet sung with Lata was Ranwan karalin pesila and other duets were sung mainly with Mallika Kahawita and Indrani Wijayabandara.Ko Ada Menika, Naaran Dodam Amba, Nil Seley Adan, Raththaran Menik, Sakman Maluwedi were the popular duets sung with Malliaka Kahawita and Sudu Piruwata with Indrani Wijayabandara.Janaki maa prema rani, Aadara matha, Ma Aa Mawatha , Ma Sonduru, ma hade Shoka, Mal Renu Natala, Pem Kusume still remain etched in the lasting memories of our time.
Nearly a hundred songs sung by him during his career of music are immortal and highly popular at the height of its composition of the melody, lyrics and his admirable voice captured by generation after generation on picnics, dinner parties and musical evenings.He was one of the playback singers for B.A.W. Jayamanne's film "Sengawunu Pilithura" screened on April 20, 1951 singing Manahara geetha gayala & Pem loke rajini with Rukmani Devi the Queen of Silver Screen. He sang Pem sayure gilila a duet with Latishia Pieris.
Susil as an artist made a few progressive steps on Paintings. Painting was a talent gifted by his late father a revolutionary painter well known for historical paintings of Buddhist culture. A household name for miraculous paintings particularly in Buddhist temples was his reputable father M. Sarlis Master. He joined Lankadeepa Newspapers as a young artist of drawing creative stories brilliantly guided by Mr D.B. Dhanapala the then editor of Lankadeepa Newspaper.Those stories of artistic drawings became so popular among its readers that an increase of the publication was high in demand.
His first creative story of comic drawings (Chithra Kathawa) was Hora Howla and "Mahahene Reeriyaka" was the second written by the late Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike. Consequent to the overwhelming popularity of these story writings of artistry as appraised by its readers Lankadeepa was compelled to focus on Chitra Kala drawings of mega stories Bili Pujawa and later Landesi Hatana.Blessed by the innovative talents in artistic drawings Susil extended his skills to Vanitha Witthi a publication of the Times of Ceylon with his starling performance of Arts in Ran Dupatha, Ridee Kumari, Pahan Tharuwa and Hangi Mutthang of the children's magazine.
In addition he was engaged in detective stories to Rasavahini in the latter part of 50s.His creation was Wickrama like Sherlock Holmes in detectives and Tin Tin in stories for children.Encouraged by this revolution of artistry various other publishers too started their own publications with drawings of stories (Chitra Katha) in 60s and 70s.Gamini Fonseka king of the silver screen (Cinema Sakvithi) was a painter himself and was a student of Susil Premaratne.
The effort by his wide knowledgeable skills to enrich music and painting art should be greatly appreciated.His deep voice of admiration and great works of paintings will remain etched in our lasting memories.The vacuum left by his unbearable demise is never replaceable.May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!!!
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Susil Premaratne - An Artiste of All Times
By T.K Premadasa
Colombo Today Feb 23, 2010 2:10 PM
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