Lankika's long march to stardom

by Prasad Gunewardene

A little girl was admitted to Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa in the early 1960s. She was limping due to polio. She kept praying to God to cure her as she dreamed to be a singer one day. As time passed by, her prayers seemed to answer. She was fully cured, she claimed. Her claim is proved beyond any reasonable doubt when the popular Lankika Perera from the "Golden Chimes" entertains the audience with her ringing voice and dance.

Lankika who celebrates the thirty fifth anniversary of her musical career on September 9 at Methodist College, Colpetty, titled "Celebration 35" entered the music scene in 1971. The god father of Sinhala pop music, the legend Clarence Wijewardene who formed the "Golden Chimes" with her brother Vijith Peiris, Chanaka Perera and Dixon Guneratne looked for a female vocalist for the new band. All other members of the band hailed from Moratuwa, other than Clarence.

Lankika was spotted by Clarence at this juncture. Clarence invited her to join the group as her brother Vijith was the drummer. Her entry strengthened the Golden Chimes which was the top Sinhala band of that day.

The Golden Chimes with Lankika as the female vocalist and Clarence backed by Anil Bhareti reigned the Sinhala pop music scene. Lankika on stage began with the popular Kimada Nave to Malai Welai, the ever popular duets on stage. This fair looking vocalist was attracted by the Rythmn Guitarist, Chanaka Perera. When on stage, Chanaka's eyes were more on Lankika than on the guitar.

Vijith on drums hardly noticed the eyes of Chanaka focussed on his sister, Lankika. But, Clarence knew there was something in the offing for Lankika. Clarence who always welcomed love and romance backed Chanaka to the hilt. Well, Chanaka's efforts succeeded and it was love between Chanaka and Lankika.

This romance gave new ideas to Clarence to compose top hits for the band. Malai Welai was one of them followed by Surangana Wes Wala to recall a few of those top hits.

After sometime, Clarence left the band. But, Chanaka led the "Golden Chimes" with Lankika. The absence of Clarence was not much felt as the band came up with new compositions of the style of Clarence.

The marriage of Chanaka and Lankika gave vigour to continue the band. Music never affected Lankika's profession as a banker. She was courageous. After work, she was fully involved in music. She was also a good house wife who managed her house efficiently.

Up at 4.00 a.m., her first task was to ensure the welfare of her husband and two sons, before she left for work. After work, she would allocate at least three hours to update the house and then get to band practice.

The Golden Chimes continued uninterrupted for thirty five years todate, because of the commitment and courage of Lankika Perera. The only other group that continued todate from 1970 is the "Gypsies" led by the dynamic Sunil Perera.

Chanaka and Lankika took the Golden Chimes from place to place day by day. Lankika was instrumental in getting the band to play at hotels over weekends. She believes that Golden Chimes is her next home.

She will on September 9, come out with the moving hits of Golden Chimes, partnered by Anil Bhareti and the band. The Prince of Sinhala Pop, Annesley Malawana will do a guest spot with Indrani Perera. The Compere will be Bevil Palihawadana. On that day, Lankika will step into her thirty sixth year in music.