Cultural Diary

Four books for children

Perhaps, writing books for children is a more difficult task than writing for adults. Since the children's literature in Sri Lanka has not yet been developed into a form of art itself, market is inundated with cheap literature which often misleads children and as well as parents.

At a time, such cheap thrash invading the market, launching of four books for children by Samanmalie Padmakumara is a timely step aimed at offering young readers a qualitative set of books encoded with moral message. It is evident from the clear and down to earth language that she has, over the years, developed the craft of storytelling. Unlike adults, it is very difficult to keep children engaged with the story unless the story is really interesting. The author's contribution is extremely important at a time when there is a resurgence of children's literature in the world and even in Asia. International workshops have been held on promoting children's literature and particularly the tradition of storytelling which would inculcate the habit of reading in children at a tender age.

For instance, her books titled "I Love Our Flag.. " and " Ape Kodiyata Man Adarai" not only teach children of the features of the national flag but strike a positive note on promoting ethnic harmony in children at a tender age instead of sowing the seed of hatred in them. At the end of the book, among other things, it is emphasized that the National Flag belongs to all of us and represents all.

The book 'Mahadena Mithaniyai Yeheliyan Pasdena' is perhaps, a different version of old Sinhalese folk tale. "Mamai Malai" teach children to appreciate nature. The books are marked for their apt illustrations and appealing language. Illustrations for the books are by Kumudu Tharaka , Shantha K.Herath and Sasanka Dissanayake.

RC

Asha Bhosle teams up with B n S

by Mahes PERERA

Indian singer Asha Bhosle sings “Churaliya” to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s house. Pic by President’s Media Division

The legendary Indian queen of pop music Asha Bhosle who over the past three decades thrilled music lovers with her mellifluous voice was in Sri Lanka to record a single with our revolutionary pop duo Bathiya n Santhush. Asha Bhosle's guest appearance on Dedunna Sedi and also on the Hindi language version of their recent hit song Pethu Pem Pathum will be eagerly looked forward to by fans of both Asha Bhosle and BnS.

Dedunna Sedi is a song composed by Visharadh Sri Shyamalangan who has produced past BnS hits. The Sinhala lyrics for Dedunna Sedi were penned by Nilar M. Cassim.

Asha Bhosle began her career in 1943 and the nightingale of Asia has done playback singing for over a thousand Bollywood movies. Sister of the famed playback singer Lata Mangeskhar, Asha Bhosle has sung over twelve thousand songs during her illustrious career.

She has according to reports sung in over 14 languages and is the first Indian artiste to have been nominated for a Grammy Award for her singing on 'Legacy' an album with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. She has won numerous accolades and recognition and her recent achievement was being honoured with the title of Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India last year.

At a media conference co-ordinated by Event Concepts Bathiya and Santush individually expressed the fact that it was their dream to record a CD with Asha Bhosle and that dream has become a reality today.

It is a goal they have achieved and they are proud to be working with such a renowned Indian music legend.

Asha Bhosle on the other hand expressed her happiness in visiting Sri Lanka, which reminded her so much of her home Goa and humorously remarked that she who has sung in so many different languages wondered why she was not requested to record in the Sinhala language.

Now the opportunity was extended to her by Bathiya n Santhush, and she was delighted to make this CD with them.

A seasonal debut CD release

by Mahes PERERA

Twenty-two-year old Dinusha Peries - keyboardist/vocalist has released his debut Christmas CD 'Ran Tharakawe' which is a testimony to his prowess as a pianist. The lyrics for the 14 songs on the CD were written by Fr. Sanath Kumara Fernando, whose creativity is meaningful in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas.

Dinusha Peries

Dinusha has invited leading singers like Ashanthi de Alwis, Suranee de Mel, Keerthi Pasquel, Shihan Mihiranga and Roshan Ranawana to be a part of this festive experience for posterity. Music arrangements are by Mahinda Bandara, Sarath de Alwis and Navaratne Gamage. Kapun Pasquel son of Keerthi has also supported Dinusha in the music arrangement.

A new and fresh approach to Christmas music the CD is a welcome change from the norm. Suranee de Mel's version of Muthu Muthu Wage is plaintive in rendition while Keerthi Pasqual's Etha Atheethaka in uptempo is catchy, so too the song sang by Indika Peiris' Dev Puthan.

The other contributions Roshan Ranawana's Ahas Gabe, Ashanthi de Alwis' Savan Pura are interesting songs ideal for the season. Mention must be made of the singing of the choir the Hekitta Geethika Group whose harmony was lyrical and sensitive.

A former student of De Mazenod College, Dinusha Pieris is a highly talented young musician who learnt his craft from Saman Nimantha his music teacher. Keerthi Pasqual endorsed the fact that Dinusha for his age has a mature style of playing the keyboards which includes programming and composing, and which he thinks will hold him in good stead for the future. Dinusha is now a teacher at Keerthi Pasqual's school of music, happy to share his artistry with new young musicians.

'Sandakadapahana Abiyasa' at BMICH

Sri Dharmaloka Junior Past Pupils' Association will present. 'Sandakadapahana Abiyasa - Sunil Edirisinghe Gee Hara Prasangaya' at the BMICH, Colombo 7 on December 21 at 6.30 p.m.

The music is directed by Rohana Weerasinghe.

Kirikawadi

The premiere of the teledrama "Kirikawadi" by Michael Fonseka was held recently. The story is based o n ethnic harmony. The teledrama was directed by Kalyana Chandrasekara.