Unforgettables

Wally Bastian

The 28th death anniversary of baila pioneer Wally Bastian falls on Wednesday, January 16.

Ogustus Martheneus Bastiansz better known as Wally Bastiansz who developed his unique style of baila in the forties, passed away on January 16, 1985.

Bastianz was a Traffic police officer and an experienced guitarist, banjo player and violinist.

His songs dealt with everyday life and ordinary people. One of his bigest hits ‘Nurse Nona’ was an ode to a nurse in a hospital. The other songs written by him, but later ascribed to other popular artistes include Hai Hooi Babi Achchige, Yaman Bando Vesak Balanna, Ratak Watinawa, Le Kiri Karala, Irene Josephine, Kussi Amma Sera, Muhudey Yamu Masun Genenna, Weeriyen Soya, Nondi Simaiyya, Wada Kaha Sudiya and many others.

Granville Rodrigo

Talented singer and actor Granville Rodrigo who had also served a stint in the Navy, passed away at the age of 41 due to a tragic accident.

His 14th death anniversary falls today. Having started his acting career in Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s stage play ‘Mahasara’ he followed it up with several dramas. His film debut came in Dr. Lester James Peries’ ‘Veera Puran Appu’. As a Radio Ceylon singer he excelled in his unique style singing hit numbers like Ota Damannang, Mayawo Akal Mako, Chandana Maldam and others.

The old boy of De Lasalle College Modera and St. Benedict’s Kotahena passed away on January 14 in 1999.

Don Sirisena

The 27th death anniversary of one of Sri Lanka’s celebrated comedians Don Sirisena falls today.

Having made his acting debut on stage, he entered the film world via Ariyadasa Peiris’ ‘Sobana Sitha’ in 1964. Since then he acted in more than 100 films playing the role of comedian. He was also offered a few serious characters to which he did justice.

He passed away on January 14, 1986 at the age of 52.

Stanley Liyanage

The first death anniversary of prominent musician Stanley Liyanage falls to morrow, January 15. He was 65 when he suddenly passed away during a music mission last year.

He was married to popular stage actress Kanchanamala Mahawithana.

- Ramesh Uvais