YOUR VOICE WILL ALWAYS EXCITE ME
On March 10, 1998 you left this world breathing your last at the Nawaloka Hospital and on April 29 the following year I was born at the same hospital. You weren’t there to see me when I was born.
Today when we mark your 14th death anniversary, I recall my earliest childhood how I loved your songs. My parents told me how I used to love your ‘Eda Re Guwan Thotupoledi’ song as an infant, so much so that I went to bed listening to it.
You indeed gave life to those songs filled with emotions. Your Voice was soothing to all; your comforting voice brought joy to some hearts that were crying due to heartbreak. I heard that the Gramophone era ended with one of your hits and the Cassette era also started with one of your hits, what else should I write or say about you..?
You were a great cricketer and lover of the sport. I have been told that you had even cancelled your shows just to go for a match. You even captured the hearts of some of our Sri Lankan cricketers too. If you were with us you would be the happiest grandfather on earth to know that I am the opening batsman of my club.
Singers may come and go but exceptional singers like you will always live in the hearts of the people forever. You will live in my heart forever. People who know that I am your grandson, want me to sing your songs. I can’t do this because everyone should know that there will only be one Milton Mallawarachchi. We are no match to his glorious voice.
Now I am the lead singer in my school band in Australia, but you are not here to see it. But one day I will sing one of your songs for the world to hear. This is not to be another Milton Mallawarachchi, but I will do it as a tribute and respect to my great est grandfather. I am really proud to be part of you and your son – my dad Ranil Mallawarachchi.
I am very lucky to have your l oving wife Swarnamala Mallawarachchi as my grand mother. I take this opportunity to thank everyone who had helped the Mallawarachchi family even in a small way, especially the print and electronic media.