The singing artist

Susil Premaratne :

by Tissa HEWAVITARANE

Susil Premaratne: artist and singer.

Some of his paintings

Nearly every successful artist finds at one time or another in His life that a legend has been growing up around him; most legends have some sort of foundation. In fact, Susil Premaratne discovered some years ago that his particular legend was picture story illustrations. In 1938 then Governor Sir Andrew Coldicot was the chief guest at a ceremony held at St. Mathew's College, Dematagoda. A boy of 12 years drew a quick sketch of the Governor and amazed the entire gathering. This boy was none other than Susil Premaratne.

Born to a middle class family on April 5, 1925 at Dematagoda he was the only child. His father Maligawge Sarlis was the most reputed artist for temple murals and sculpture.

At the age of 14 Premaratne left St. Mathew's College and entered Dharmarajha College, Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital as its inhabitants delight in calling it. In 1952 the reputable watercolour artist G.S. Fernando introduced him to D. B. Danapala the newspaper mogul who was editor of the 'Lankadeepa' editorial. Seeing his work Danapala was highly impressed. The following day he was asked to join the editorial staff as an illustrator.

During this time a picture story called 'Neela' illustrated by G. S. Fernando appeared in the 'Sunday Lankadeepa' which became very popular especially among children. 'Neela' was the first picture story published in Sri Lanka. It opened the door for Susil Premaratne to start a series of picture stories in 'Sunday Lankadeepa.'

Vickrama, Thanikadaya, Ridikumari, Landesihatana, Randupatha and Bilipoojawa were very popular among readers. These picture stories were published in book form and Randupatha became the first picture story book published. For fifty years he wielded his brush, to the delight of his own generation, and to the enrichment of the generations to come. He began with picture stories dealing with manifold activities of the people - bright, vibrating, bullfights, bandits, courtships, seductions and historic events, in short the entire panorama of Sri Lankan life.

His illustrations were flawless. Even the human figures are drawn with anatomical proportions. They are calculated to produce a definite dramatic effect. For Susil was a pictorial rather than a photographic painter, He was a realist with an imagination. His art is so alive, so spirited, so impetuous, that it kindles a sympathetic spark of imagination in the most sluggish of his readers.

I was so fortunate to become his next door neighbour, my first art teacher and his trustworthy pupil. The cinema sakwithi Gamini Fonseka was his first pupil. Gamini and I were from the same school, by the sea S.T.C. Mt. Lavinia. We mostly met on Sunday mornings at Susil Master's house in Mt. Lavinia for art classes.

Susil Premaratne not only excelled in art but music too. It was in the picturesque hill country with a beautiful view of paddy fields rested in the valley and its scenic splendour paved the way to become a singer. At Dharmarajah College he made his first appearance on stage by singing the favourite number 'Sri Buddhagaya Vihare.'

Leaving school, he came to Colombo, where he met U.A.S. Perera (Siri Aiya) who was in charge of the Lama Pitiya (a popular children's programme) conducted by the then Radio Ceylon. In 1944 he sang his first song over the radio through Lama Pitiya. In 1948 he got through a voice test done by Professor Ratna Jankar of India and became an 'A' grade singer at Radio Ceylon, now SLBC. He was given half and hour every month to have a musical item. He picked up a pretty looking, dark complexioned beauty. Hardly eighteen, for his programmes. She had sharp features, her ample black tresses fell around her oval face. Her name was Rita Jenive Fernando. Since her voice resembled evergreen melody queen of India Lata Mangeshkar, Susil Premaratne baptised her as Lata. With perfection and sweetness in her voice she left all her listeners spellbound. 'Kalu Kalani Nadi', 'Rurase Adinalesey' 'Ridiwalawe' are some favourite numbers she sang with Susil Master.

Susil Premaratne also sang with Mallika Khawita, Indrani Wijebandara, Rupa Indumathi to name a few. In 1952 he made his debut as a playback singer with Rukmani Devi the nightingale of the silver screen. In 1953 November 9, he got married to Vimala Weerasinghe and had three sons Jayawanth, Nayanjith and Manode. Gradually his health began to give away. He passed away on February 10 at the ripe old age of 85. His contribution to the world of art and music has been unique.