Fitting tribute to Narada Disasekera

By Ananda KANNAGARA

The popular singer of yesteryear Narada Disasekera who is no more in the music world will be commemorated at a ceremony at the Battaramulla Janakala Kendraya Auditorium on August 28 at 6 pm. Water Supply and Drainage Minister, Dinesh Gunawardane will be the chief guest. Prof. Carlo Fonseka will deliver the keynote address.

Inoka Perera Bandara

Narada Disasekera

A biography titled Mudu Hadawathaka Tathu, written by journalist Inoka Perera Bandara will also be released on this day.

Narada Disasekera, popularly known as 'Disa' is a household name.

Narada began his musical career in 1962 by singing his ever popular Galana Gangaki Jeevithe with Nanda Malani.

Among the large number of songs he sang are, Chandana Anga Gala, Adara Nil Dase, Gamana Nonimei Jeewithe, Thilova Thilaka Budu Piya and Pushpa Maka Randaya Mage. They are still popular songs in Sri Lanka.

Until his untimely death on May 19, 2010 Narada sang over 800 songs for Sinhala films such as Ran muthu duwa, Sikuru Tharuwa, Saradiyelge putha, Sudo Sudu, Para valalu, Hatara kendare, Hatara peraliya and Adarayai karunawai.

Born on June 7, 1933, Narada Lalinaga Disasekera had his education at St. Thomas' College, Kotte and Kalutara Vidyalaya.

He was the son of Thomas Disasekera and Mrs. Thamarasa Wageeshwara who was a teacher at Hillwood College, Kandy.

Narada joined the then Radio Ceylon in 1955 and later he directed several programs.

He also won several awards during his musical career, including the first Sarasaviya Award in 1964.

He also won felicitation awards , presented by Colombo University, Moratuwa University and also the Kalutara District felicitation award. He also won the 'Kala Bhushana' award in 1999.

The commemoration is organised by his wife Neelangani Disasekera.

A tomb has been made at the Colombo General Cemetery in memory of the singer.

Nanda Malani, Rohana Weerasinghe, Dayaratna Ranatunga, Amara Ranatunga, T.M. Jayaratna, Bandula Wijeweera, Janaka Wickremesinghe, Ronnie Leech, Deepika Ranatunga and Ranjan Saliya will entertain the audience at the commenoration ceremony.