The ‘vegeyaka’ musician

Today is the 65th Birth Anniversary of a distinguished musician the Late Clarence Wijewardena. He was born on this day 65 years ago in Brampton Estate, Haputale. Clarence’s father was a doctor and mother, a marton by profession. Clarence was the eldest from among five children. Sometime later, the Wijewardena family moved into a rented house in Batugedera, Ratnapura.

The Landlord’s daughter was a comely lass by the name or Sheela. Before long, love flared up in the hearts of Clarence and Sheela and of course between them. But trouble was looming on the horizon. Mango, a servant of the landlord began telling him all news about the rendezvous of the two lovers.

But it was surprising to note the reaction of Clarence. He composed a song and melody about Mango titled “Mango Nenda”, which was sung by Annesley Malawana. It was even more surprising that this very song hit the charts as the best broadcast over the radio.

Apart from “Mango Nenda”, practically almost every song created by Clarence while residing in Batugedera revolved around incidents that took place around the area. Of course, he never forgot to write songs about his most beloved Sheela.

Clarence had the rare capability to give his songs a the most scintillating melody, while singing the song too.

This inborn unique talent of his, is known as ‘Vegeyaka” in the field of classical music. - Siri Hettiarchchi