Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Buddhika Changes Gear with ‘reverse’

- By Vasantha Wimalasing­he

Popular actor and singer Buddhika Rambukwell­a always gets into news due to things he does differentl­y. Even now he has set up a new band which is different from other bands.

WHAT’S THIS TALK AABOUT ‘REVERSE’

Well, some may wonder if I am trying to create another world record driving in the reverse gear. No ‘Reverse’ is the name of the new musical group which has become a hot topic in the country today. The real meaning is that I take the people’s mindsets to the seventies which produced the most scintillat­ing music and songs of all times. My group has seven members who play 42 instrument­s including the drums, organ, guitar, violin, flute, all kinds of drums, basically covering western and oriental stuff.

Nilanka Kumarasiri who plays the keyboard can play several instrument­s and is also a folk singer. So is bass guitarist Chamida who has played with a top band for 16 years with overseas exposure. Performing arts graduate Dhanuska Alagalla plays the rhythm guitar and sings in Hindi. Drummer Suresh is also a graduate.

Shiran Sylvester who is the percussion­ist is multi talented. He can play two trumpets simultaneo­usly following musical notations and also comfortabl­e with any other instrument. He won the best percussion­ist trophy in Bangkok recently. Anuruddha Ananda who plays Sgt. Nallathamb­i’s role is our vocalist who can imitate the voices of several popular singers. Indika Rathnayake sings songs of H. R. Jothipala.

Dr. Sudantha Silva who serves as the director of the Southern Province Ranaviru Welfare Organizati­on is our mentor. He sings songs of the late Gunadasa Kapuge. He has helped me with the investment needed for sounds. The specialty in our group is that the members of our team can imitate the voices of more than 25 singers. Our aim is to entertain the audiences to the fullest with comedy segments too.

“We accept bookings for indoor functions, weddings, parties, corporate launches and events and the variety we possess can give anything that the people want. Acting-wise I am playing a key role in Nilantha Kumarasiri’s newest tele drama and also a foreign film ‘Good Night Colombo’.

“We accept bookings for indoor functions, weddings,

parties, corporate launches and events and the variety we possess can give anything that the

people want.

TTHE RECORDS YOU HAVE SET DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS

They were huge challenges. Driving in the revers for more than 100 km at a speed of 72 kmph was indeed a significan­t record. It might be included in the next edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

I also drove with my legs covering distance of 903 kilometers from Point Pedro to Tissamahar­ama via Devundara. This is the first record of its kind. An internatio­nal organizati­on representi­ng 158 universiti­es presented me with a gold medal for my efforts. My next dream is to drive in the reverse with my legs covering the 18 bends.

YOUR EXPOSURE WWITH BANDS?

I have performed with t top bands in the country imitating 24 voices. I AM ESPECIALLY THANKFUL TO AJITH OF SEEDUWE SAKURA AND NEIL OF SUN FLOWERS. This experience has really helped me to guide my newest group ‘REVERSE’. 0777667970

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