Thirst for the arts
You would probably remember her
from ‘Kandulu diyawela wetunath’ – written by Yamuna Malini Perera and
music composed by Rohana Weerasinghe – on ‘Sithgath Gee’. In fact her
fans came to know her through her visuals of the song, which she took
part in. However most are oblivious to the fact that this vocalist is
also a professional journalist with more than five years of experience.
In fact most her academic qualifications are in the field of journalism.
For Visharadha Jayamini Atthanayake becoming a journalist has been an
accident.
 She has worked for Mihira, Sarasaviya, Silumina as well as Rasanduna.
“I wanted to become a lecturer in music” but Jayamini also went on to
explain that she had taken a liking to writing at a very early age. “I
used to translate and write poetry for the class wall magazine.” Said
Jayamini reminiscing. But she also exhibited talent for singing and
dancing at a very early age. In addition to singing, dancing and writing
she has also a talent for acting. She has starred in Sarathesa Nimavee,
Puthuni Mata Awarasara and Makara Dadayama in addition to some
advertisements. A product of Pushpadana Girls School, Jayamini started
her career with school level stage drama.
Jayamini later took up the professional study of journalism at the
University of Kelaniya and graduated in 2002 as a Bachelor in Fine Arts.
In 1998 she sat for Bathkande and is currently reading for her MA in
Media in the University of Kelaniya.
Although she also mastered the art of singing her fate was to become
a journalist. “But I love music as much as I love journalism and would
one day like to excel in the field” explained Jayamini. Jayamini
although a journalist by profession, has many awards to vouch for
talents in music, such as in the categories of folk songs, youth music
composition.
She has also won the Mahagamasekara Award for best lyrics, Kala
Shiromini Awards and Upcoming Woman Journalist of the Year Award in
2008, proving that she is multi-talented in the field of arts.
“I believe that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”
Jayamini says she has spent most of her life on studies. “In fact I hope
to go into electronic media as well” says Jayamini who has studied TV
production in Tele View. “I have a thirst for all areas of art.” A
self-made singer, Jayamini has strong principles about her career. “I
did not want to become a puppet of a record company.”
It is for this reason that she decided to sponsor her CD herself, in
the midst of many financial hardships.
She will also launch a few books written by her along with the CD, in
a live concert. Her songs have also been included in other albums
before.
Jayamini is currently on the lookout for sponsors. “My late father
was a great source of encouragement for me” says Jayamini and claimes
that she learned to manage on her own after he died. She also wished to
thank Daya Perera, Kolitha Bhanu Dissanayake, Rashmi Sangeetha, Sanath
Nandasiri, Anil Mihiripenna and Amara Ranatunga. Still unmarried,
Jayamini says that since most of her life was spent on studies and the
hectic nature of her profession – journalism – she still had not had
time to think of marriage. “I donn’t take things like love and marriage
lightly. Even if I do fall in love one day, I hope to end it in
marriage. Trust and understanding is of utmost importance in a
relationship.”
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