Sri Kantha was an exceptional musician

Extra ordinary musician cum a marvelous player Sri Kantha Dassanayake who made a name as a maestro for himself in the field of Sri Lankan music bid farewell on March 10, 2012. He revolutionized the drumming of Sri Lankan Pop music also where he happens to be one of the greatest drummers that Sri Lanka ever produced. His 62nd birth anniversary fell on June 30.

Sri Kantha stepped into professional music in the early 70s by joining the band “Pioneers” led by his brother Raj Dassanayake. Soon he established his own band titled “Pace Set” with his younger brother Abhaya Dassanayake (Keyboardist) & after that “Esquire Set” where he performed as the rhythm guitarist & bass guitarist.

1973 was the turning point in Sri Kantha’s music career when he was invited by legendary musician Clarence Wijewardane to join his new band “Super Golden Chimes”. Although he was supposed to be the bass guitarist, at Clarence’s insistence, he became the drummer of the band while giving birth to a new era of acoustic drumming.

The first time I saw Sri Kantha alive was at the “Super Golden Chimes” Reunion Concert which was held in 2003. Since then our friendship remained intact until his demise.

May he attain the Supreme Bilss of Nirvana!!! Rukshan Karunanayake Lead Guitarist/Composer/Music Director/Audio Engineer Leader - “Chimes of The 70’s” Band