Review

Hela Kula Sirithata :

Innovative exercise in music

by Ranga CHANDRARATHNE

Kolitha Bhanu Dissanayake	Anoma Priyanthi Dissanayake	Chandrakanthi Shilpadhipathi
Priyantha Chandrasiri	H. M. Lionel Bandara	Ashoka Pushpakumara

Hela Kula Sirithata, a CD containing songs for children by Ashvin Bhanu Dissanayake was recently launched at Royal College Colombo. Though there may be CDs for children in the market, what makes Ashvin's CD unique is not only because of its melodious notes which are suited to children but also because of its lyrics that convey a moral message for children.

The objective of the CD is to bring about a positive impact on modern-day children who are caught up in a rat race and to reaffirm the healthy values in them. It has been found out that most of the children are television addicts. Especially, children are addicted to cheap cartoons which create role models in the tender minds. Since the tradition of bedtime storytelling has died down due to change of lifestyles, television has become a cheap mode of entertainment. One of the by-products of this process is the birth of a generation of children with little or no sense of direction and lack of moral values.

Most of the programs in the electronic media for children are either not suited for children or taking them for a ride. For instance, there are series of programs on television which produces child stars. They simply use children for commercial purposes on the pretext of getting rid of their stage fright. On closer examination, it is obvious that there is no moral, behind these programs.

This is where Ashivin Bhanu Dissanayake's CD is different. The CD contains ten songs on diverse themes suited to children. Anoma Priyanthi Dissanayake, Chandrakante Shilpadhipathi, Dr. Praneeth Abeysundara and Sarath Midipolawatte, have written lyrics for the CD.

The music was directed by Rohana Weerasinghe, Ashoka Pushpakumara, Nanda Malini and Kolitha Bhanu Dissanayake. Apart from Ashivin Bhanu Dissanayake, Imasha Madushani Dharmadasa, Nikila Janadeepa Dharmadasa, Anjo Reshan, Suwani Sathsara Gunasekara, Supuni Punsara Gunasekara, Harith Wijeratne, Kethmi Udumuhamdiram and Nethmi Madurya Dissanayake have rendered their voices to the CD.

Sarath Midipolawatte	Dr.Praneeth Abhayasundera	Rohana Weerasinghe	Sanath Abeykoon	Upali Gunasekara	Madhavi Shilpadhipathi	Nanda Malani

Hela Kula Sirithata is marked for its melodious notes which are simple in constructions yet with universal appeal. Lyrics contain moral messages which eventually register in the minds of young listeners apart from giving them a taste of excellent music. Since the music for songs have been composed by different composers, much needed variety and diverse flavours have been added to the collection.

Training children in appreciation and introduction of music is a sine qua-non for children, Hela Kula Sirithata fulfils that to a great extent. Young Ashvin Bhanu Dissanayake has proved his talents as a singer.

Themes such as Aththamme (Grandmother), Mage Chuti Nangi (my little sister), and Shaktiyaye Jeevithe (strength of life) are as diverse as the messages encrypted in theme. In a way, the CD is an innovative exercise in music aimed at providing children with meaningful entertainment and at creating a perception of life in them. For instance, the song 'Demapiya Senehasa' (love for parents) is a theme appropriate to children.

It emphasises the importance of loving one's parents. Though these values were part and parcel of life, they are gradually being eroded in the face of fast moving lifestyle which is dictated by market forces.

Inculcating positive values such as respecting elders, especially mother and father, one's religion and love for nature in children while providing them with good music is one of the significant features of the CD. Hela Kula Sirithata is one of the best collections of songs for children to emerge from the Sri Lankan music scene.