KAUSHALYA’S LIFE BONDED WITH MUSIC

Australia’s Perth-based Kaushalya Kannangara who is on a brief vacation to Sri Lanka was seen on some popular television programmes recently, showcasing her exceptional singing skills. Music and singing are not something alien to Kaushalya. She studied music under seasoned personnel from the age of five and also excelled in tele dramas and television commercials.

“I studied music from the wife and daughter of veteran musician Shelton Premaratne from the age of five. I learnt to play quite a few instruments like the violin, harmonium and the organ. I continued for ten years until OL exam at Gampaha Holy Cross College where I took part in various concerts, singing contests and other events. At the age of 18 I started Carnatic music classes and all that have helped me immensely to boost my musical career,” said Kaushalya who left for Australia for higher studies in business management and international business.

Kaushalya started to act as a child artiste in Sriyani Amarasena’s ‘Irabatu Tharuwa’ and followed it up with a bigger role in ‘Eka Iththaka Mal’ directed by her father veteran director Sudath Rohana, who is the ITN chairman today. Kaushalya who is planning to embark on a career linked to her degree in business management and international business, is a much sought after character in the small Sri Lankan community in Perth.together with Harshana Dissanayake, she sang the theme song in the Heritage of Sri Lanka documentary. Kaushalya sang both the English and Sinhala versions in the widely watched documentary.

“I miss a lot of good opportunities in Colombo since I am in Perth. But I am thankful to all who have motivated, inspired and supported my journey, especially my parents, my husband Ashane Jayasekara, my in-laws, friends and teachers,” said Kaushalya.

“I learnt to play quite a few instruments like the violin, harmonium and the organ”