‘Taru Dawasa’

To celebrate 76th Sinhala Cinema Anniversary

‘Taru Dawasa’, a grand musical concert conducted by veteran musician Priyanath Rathnayaka featuring Sinhala Film Songs was held on January 21 in conjunction with the 76th Anniversary celebrations of the Sinhala Film industry.

Forty-five students attached to ‘Priyanath Music Academy’ performed 45 Sinhala film songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s era under the guidance of Priyanath and Manoja Ratnayake was the top attraction of the ‘Taru Dawasa’ Popular movie stars and industry veterans including Sriyani Amarasinghe, Nadeeka Gunasekara, Sanoja Bibile, Rajitha Rodrigo and singer Walter Fernando were there to grace the occasion.

Priyanath Ratnayake is a veteran in the field who has contributed immensely to Sri Lankan cinema through music directions. A special feature is that he was the youngest artiste who made such a huge contribution during the period of 80s and 90s. Among the films he directed music are ‘Nohadan Kumariya’, ‘Wasanthaye Kunatuwak’, ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Thisarawi’, ‘Satanata Awasara’, ‘Hith Honda Vijey’, ‘Sikuru Bhavana’ and a Tamil film. He has assisted more than150 teledramas with music direction.

Certificates and accolades were awarded to all the students who participated and performed at ‘Taru Dawasa’.

The launch of ‘Priyanath Rathnayaka Fan Club’ was held at the concert and the students of the ‘Priyanath Music Academy’ were enrolled as the first batch of members.

A platform is also set up for those with different abilities in the music industry to present their talents through the Academy.