Immortal note that runs through three generations

Kalasoori Stanley Oumar:

By Indeewara Thilakarathne

Mage Ran Ragini
Sukomala Daya Soduru Priyavi

Theses lines were composed by Stanley Oumar, the only Malay composer and musician, for an audition before Jabir A Cader, the producer of the film Surathalee .

The film Surathalee which was directed by Cyril P. Abeyratne not only became a hit at the time but also led to the discovery of a playback singer in H. R. Jothipala. The song was the very first song Jothipala sang for a film.

Being a legend in his own time, composer and violinist Stanley Oumar offers himself as living history of rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka which was titivated by individuals of his calibre who had virtually seen three generation of musicians.

Contribution of the Malay community in Sri Lanka to the cultural landscape is marked by outstanding artists who had transcended artificial barriers and emerged as Sri Lankan artists and musicians like Haroon Lantra.

Among artists from Malay community Stanley Oumar who has left his imprints in the field of music not only as a musician and composer but also as lyrist.

Oumar is also actively engaged in Malay community activities serving as Director Cultural Affairs of the Sri Lanka United Malay Organization and as an executive member Conference for Sri Lanka Malay Association (COLAM).

Oumar belongs to the generation who were caught up in the resurgence of culture and language in the aftermath of the independence from Britain.

Oumar received his primary education from Mahabodhi College and subsequently from Ananda College Colombo. It was at Ananda College; Stanley developed a strong interest in music. However, his engagement with music became intensified when he joined Tagore Society in 1949 eventually leading to his formal education of music under Visharada Edwin Samaradivakara.

Subsequently Oumar joined Visharada Victor Perera’s Orchestra where he performed, for the first time; in Ditta Mangalika a ballet produced by Pani Bharata in 1951.

However, it should be mentioned here that Stanley Oumar recalled with gratitude his former heads including eminent civil servants Neil Bandaranayke, Brian Senanayaka, Gamini Seneviratne, Susil Siriwardana, I. O. K. G. Fernando, Mahinda Bandusena, Prime Minister’s Secretary, Vincent Panditha, Chandrasena Maliyadda, Upali Weerawardana, GDA Gunapala and Elmo Wanigasuriya who made it possible for him to embark on a career in music.For he commenced his career in Government service as an English Stenographer at the Ministry of Industries and Scientific Affairs.

Milestones in career

Perhaps, the proudest day in his trailblazing career came in 1960. Oumar was in the R. A. Chandrasena’s Orchestra and had the rare privilege of playing for the Indian legendary singer Mohamed Rafi. When maestro Stanley Oumar played all the Rafi’s popular songs by memory, he was amazed by the performance.

He also played for Talat Mehmood when he visited Sri Lanka in 1983. Apart from composing music score for films such as Simon Nawagaththegama’s Seetha and Rodigama, maestro Stanley Oumar composed music for also a number of stage plays including Kuveni, Thawath Dawasak, Veda Warjana, Makara, Suba Saha Yasa, Sudu Saha Kalu and Hunuwataye Kathawa .

Maestro Stanley Oumar composed music for three generation of vocalists ranging from H. R. Jothipala, Victor Ratnayake, Milton Malawarachchi, Edward Jayakoday and Kolithabhanu Dissanayake.

In recognizing his singular contribution to film music, the Government of Sri Lanka honoured him with titles Kalabooshana in 1995 and Kalasoori in 2003. Stanley Oumar is proud of his two sons Roney Oumar, Managing Director Earthscape (Pvt) Ltd, Bachchi Oumar, Chief Financial controller at Syringa Network Idaho USA and daughter Shereena Hussain- Star Choice Television, Calgary Canada.

He attributed part of his success to the encouragement and assistance he received from his wife Moon Oumar.

Jothi Sangeeta Ayatanaya

Septuagenarian Stanley Oumar has, now, dedicated his time towards improving the school of music Jothi Sangeeta Ayatanaya which he commenced last year with ten students at his residence at No. 32/4 Jayaweera Mawatha Ethulkotte.

The academic staff of the school which primarily focused on Eastern Music is made up of Stanley M. Fernando on Organ, Wimalsiri Cooray on Sitar and Somasiri Baddegama on Tabla while maestro Stanley Oumar teaches violin and singing. The school will re-open in January, 2009 with expanded facilities.