PEOPLE

Dharmaratne Brothers:

50 years in the music scene

The Dharmaratne Brothers have chalked up 50 years as a musical group. They were the first Family group to start singing, forming their group in 1965. Christy, Maxwell, Ronald and Melroy, owe their success as a musical group to their late mother, Mrs. Stella Dharmaratne.

All four of them are Old Boys of St. Benedict's College.

Music runs in the family, and mention must be made of Shiromi Fernando, the niece of Dharmaratne Brothers, who thrilled audiences with her very popular songs, Konda Namagena and Pembara Amma.

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) recognised their talent, and gave them a break through the 'Elasto Program', and also through the 'Zellers Sundown Show', which was compeered by Vijaya Corea. The Dharmaratne Brothers shot to fame with their rendition of Wessa Wahinawa and Kalaketa Pera - the Sinhala version of 'Long time ago in Bethlehem'.

The Brothers stormed the music scene with their lilting music and fine harmonising. A striking feature of the Dharmaratne Brothers is that all four of them are teetotallers and non-smokers.

Melroy Dharmaratne, the youngest, is the most talented. He is a music director and lyricist of no mean repute. The third of the Brothers, Ronald, was called to eternal rest in 1987. Since then the 3-member group sang and continued to enthral audiences.

Many of their songs are so popular that they are sung at various functions like Christmas carols, parties, and get-togethers. It will be recalled that on December 1, every year, their very popular song Kalaketa Pera is broadcast over the SLBC.

The Dharmaratne Brothers have their own inimitable style of music and singing. They will no doubt continue to grow in popularity for many more years, as music is in their blood. They loved their music, and if 'Music is the food of love, then play on.'

- Russel Fernando