‘LEADER WITH A HEART FOR ARTS’
It is a widely known fact that President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the first to call all artistes irrespective of their colour or status, and convey his best wishes to them on their birthdays. He also personally visits senior artistes to wish them on their birthdays.
To a leader possessing such noble and humble qualities, I feel we as artistes should express our heartfelt wishes on his birthday which falls on November 18.
My family which includes Sangeeth Nipun Prof. Sanath Nandasiri, Malkanthi Nandasiri, Nirmala Ranatunga and Nernjala Sarojini Peiris also join me in conveying our best wishes to the President.
I, as a musician who has travelled to almost all parts of the world and as an artiste who has associated almost all leaders of this country in recent history, can proudly say that President Rajapaksa is one leader who stands out when it comes to associating with artistes closely. Even during the demise of an artiste he would hasten to condole and offer whatever assistance to the bereaved families.
The President's effort to expedite the building of the Nelum Pokuna Theatre and to have it as a centre stage where artistes could hold their milestone events, is another major triumph for the artistes of this country.
The leader who saved the country from the clutches of terrorism was himself an actor and that experience would have helped him in instilling such humble qualities. He has strived to enhance the quality of our arts, culture and even the artistes of this country.
The recent presentation of car loans to artistes and offering of other concessions to the local film industry also illustrates his objective of developing the country's arts and culture.
On his birthday in 2010, I was privileged to present him with a significant CD comprising a tribute song to him at the President's House in Kandy. The song ‘Sohoyuraneni, Niyamuwaneni' musically composed by me was sung by my brother-in-law Prof. Sanath Nandasiri and penned by Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha Thera. I take this opportunity together with my family members, to wish him the very best in all his future endeavours.
(The writer Lalitha Kala Visharada Deshamanya Manoj Peiris is also a member of a SLBC Director Board)