MILTON PERERA

A heartthrob forever

Sandun Gasaka Ethi Saman Lathawaka, Sihina Dew Duwe, Sobha Alankare Muhune, Me Pipasitha Lothale, Agadha Sagaraye, Maha Gana Wananthare, Samanawee Ipadee, Sikuru Liya, Umbe Kiya Kiya, Pem Apasarawo, Kawadada Kohoma, Ahanna Mage Honda Punchi Puthe… These memorable songs sung by matchless singer J. A. Milton Perera have remained evergreen hits for several decades. The 28th death anniversary of the man behind this emotive voice falls on October 24.

Inspired by his father Tabla Podi Appuhamy, Milton also learnt music and was later known as a talented tabla player.

At 18, he became a singer at Radio Ceylon after Aloy Gunawardana penned him ‘Alehi Bendi Jeewitha…’ to the tune of Mohamed Sally.

With songs like Podi Kale Api Denna, Oba Wewa Wewa Pahana Mage, Kalyaniye and others he became immensely popular among music lovers.

He took to playback singing in Kurulubedda in 1961 and in his film career Milton rendered his voice to stars like Gamini Fonseka, Joe Abeywickrama, Tony Ranasinghe, Vijaya Kumaratunga, Ananda Jayaratne, D.R Nanayakkkara, Anthony C. Perera, Stanley Perera and other heroes. As a playback singer he made outstanding contributions to films like Adata Wediya Heta Hondai, Dheewarayo, Yatagiya Dawasa, Allapu Gedara, Bicycle Hora, Daru Duka, Sarawita, Ataweni Pudumaya, Chandiya, Deiyange Theenduwa, Sikuruliya and several other movies.

The talented singer passed away on October 24, 1991.

He took to playback singing in Kurulubedda in 1961 and in his film career Milton rendered his voice to popular, leading stars

Born: May 9, 1929, Colombo Died: October 24, 1991, Colombo Spouse: Kalyani Perera Albums: Pem Apsarawo, Agada Sagaraye, Sanda Natha Babalenne, Awasan Warata Gayu Gee