Senanayake Mudianselage Ranasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe (30 May 1940 – 27 February 2016), popularly as Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe, was a Sri Lankan journalist, lyricist, poet, and novelist.[1][2] Considered one of the most iconic[3] and prolific lyricists in the country, over the course of a 40 year career he contributed to nearly 60 films and more than 400 songs.[4]
Ajantha Ranasinghe | |
|---|---|
| ආචාර්ය අජන්තා රණසිංහ | |
| Born | Senanayake Mudianselage Ranasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe 30 May 1940 Thalammahara, Kurunegala, Ceylon |
| Died | 27 February 2016 (aged 74) Colombo National Hospital, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Education | St. John's College, Nugegoda |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcaster, lyricist, poet, novelist |
| Years active | 1976–2015 |
| Notable work | Lyrics |
| Spouse |
|
| Children | 2 |
Personal life
editAjantha Ranasinghe was born on 30 May 1940[5] in Thalammahara, a small village in the Kurunegala district as the second of the family with five siblings. His father was a doctor and mother was a teacher as well as a postmaster. He had one elder sister, two younger sisters and a younger brother. After obtaining his primary education at the Pannala Government School, he moved to Colombo and resumed his studies at St. John's College, Nugegoda.[6] He left after completing the GCE Ordinary Level Exams.[7]
Ranasinghe was married to Sarojini Weeratunge, the daughter of late singer Kokiladevi Weeratunga.[2] The couple had two children: Saranga and Devalochana.
Journalist career
editRanasinghe's uncle Asoka Pieris was a well known dramatist, and he came under his influence and through that got to showcase his talent over the airwaves.[2] At a very young age, Ranasinghe wrote Buddhist songs to the Lama Mandapaya, a program on Radio Ceylon hosted by Karunaratne Abeysekera.[4] He participated in another program, Radio Magazine, organised by the filmmaker K. A. W. Perera. His first published work, Thivanka Rekha, a poetry collection, came out in 1964.[8]
He wrote poetry and short stories for the children's pages of Silumina and Peramuna. His poetry was frequently published in Silumina, Vanitha Viththi, and Lankadeepa.[9] Eventually he was selected as a staff reporter at Dinamina.[2] He would graduate from and to the posts of Sub Editor, Local News Editor, Additional Chief Sub Editor, Chief Sub Editor, Features Editor, and Chief Editor of Navayugaya.[10]
Career as a lyricist
editAfter three decades in journalism, Ranasinghe began writing lyrics for popular singers.[4] His verses became highly popular among the public.[9] Award after award followed, from the Sarasaviya, OCIC, State Literary, Raigam, Sumathi, and Kumaratunga Munidasa ceremonies.[6] In addition to being a lyricist, Ranasinghe was also a B Grade Radio Ceylon singer.[9][2]
Landmarks
edit- Awarded a doctorate degree by the International Open University, New Delhi in 1995.[2]
- 25 years as an Editor at Lake House[11]
- Provincial News Editor and Local News Editor at Dinamina[11]
- Features Editor of Janatha
- Editor in Chief of Nawayugaya
- Consultant at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)[4]
- President's Award for Best Song Writer of the Year on three occasions[6]
- Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism Awards for Excellence Programme, organised by the Editor's Guild of Sri Lanka – 2014
- A song festival Ajantha Geethavalokana was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute at Independent Square on 9 May 2002[12]
- A collection of his songs released in 2002 in a new cassette and CD titled Kalpana Vijithaya[13]
- A second CD collection released in 2013 titled Ran Kenden[14]
Death
editRanasinghe died at the Colombo National Hospital on 27 February 2016[15][16] after a minor accident right opposite his house three days earlier.[17] His remains were kept at No. 11/4, Ranasinghe Mawatha, Hiripitiya, Pannipitiya at his son's residence.[9] The funeral was held on 29 February 2016 at the Borella Cemetery.[18]
Author work
editFilmography
editDr. Ranasinghe contributed over 300 lyrics to Sinhala films since 1976 with his debut, Wasana.[1][2]
| Year | Film |
|---|---|
| 1976 | Wasana |
| 1976 | Walmath Wuwo |
| 1976 | Duhul Malak |
| 1976 | Aasha |
| 1976 | Hariyata Hari |
| 1976 | Nedeyo |
| 1977 | Pembara Madu |
| 1977 | Agey Adara Kathawa |
| 1978 | Janaka Saha Manju |
| 1978 | Saara |
| 1978 | Deepanjali |
| 1978 | Sasara |
| 1979 | Geheniyak |
| 1979 | Amal Biso |
| 1979 | Muwan Pelessa |
| 1979 | Wasanthaye Dawasak |
| 1979 | Rosa Mal Thunak |
| 1979 | Chuda Manikya |
| 1979 | Anusha |
| 1979 | Sawudan Sema |
| 1979 | Nuwan Renu |
| 1980 | Kanchana |
| 1980 | Silva |
| 1980 | Ektam Ge |
| 1980 | Adara Rathne |
| 1980 | Muwan Palessa 2 |
| 1980 | Sankapali |
| 1980 | Para Dige |
| 1981 | Ran Ethana |
| 1981 | Sathweni Dawasa |
| 1981 | Walampuri |
| 1981 | Bamba Ketu Hati |
| 1981 | Sooriyakantha |
| 1981 | Jeewanthi |
| 1981 | Samawenna |
| 1981 | Chanchala Rekha |
| 1981 | Saaranga |
| 1982 | Ra Manamali |
| 1982 | Yasa Isuru |
| 1982 | Anuradha |
| 1982 | Chathu Madura |
| 1982 | Rail Para |
| 1983 | Chandira |
| 1983 | Sandamali |
| 1983 | Sumithuro |
| 1983 | Siv Ranga Sena |
| 1983 | Niliyakara Pem Kalemi |
| 1983 | Chandi Siriya |
| 1983 | Athin Athata |
| 1983 | Senehasaka Kandulu |
| 1983 | Sister Mary |
| 1983 | Muwan Palessa 3 |
| 1983 | Monarathenna 2 |
| 1983 | Muhudu Lihini |
| 1984 | Shirani |
| 1984 | Walle Thanu Maliga |
| 1984 | Kiri Kawadi |
| 1984 | Thaththai Puthai |
| 1984 | Binari Saha Sudubanda |
| 1984 | Podi Ralahami |
| 1984 | Rana Derana |
| 1984 | Himikathara |
| 1984 | Batti |
| 1984 | Sahodariyakage Kathawa |
| 1984 | Sathi Pooja |
| 1985 | Araliya Mal |
| 1985 | Channai Kello Dennai |
| 1985 | Obata Diwura Kiyannam |
| 1985 | Doo Daruwo |
| 1985 | Kirimaduwal |
| 1986 | Mal Warusa |
| 1986 | Gimhane Gee Nade |
| 1986 | Jaya Apatai |
| 1987 | Yugayen Yugayata |
| 1987 | Kawuluwa |
| 1987 | Raja Wadakarayo |
| 1987 | Ahinsa |
| 1988 | Chandingeth Chandiya |
| 1988 | Sandakada Pahana |
| 1988 | Amme Oba Nisa |
| 1988 | Angulimala |
| 1988 | Satana |
| 1989 | Mamai Raja |
| 1989 | Nommara 17 |
| 1989 | Obata Rahasak Kiyannam |
| 1989 | Shakthiya Obai Amme |
| 1989 | Sinasenna Raththaran |
| 1990 | Dase Mal Pipila |
| 1990 | Yukthiyata Wada |
| 1990 | Dedunnen Samanaliyak |
| 1990 | Walawwe Hamu |
| 1990 | Pem Rajadahana |
| 1990 | Madu Sihina |
| 1990 | Chandi Raja |
| 1991 | Paaradise |
| 1991 | Sihina Ahase Wasanthe |
| 1991 | Raja Kello |
| 1991 | Raja Sellan |
| 1991 | Esala Sanda |
| 1991 | Salambak Hadai |
| 1991 | Ran Hadawatha |
| 1991 | Dhanaya |
| 1992 | Sakwithi Raja |
| 1992 | Sakkara Suththara |
| 1992 | Sinha Raja |
| 1992 | Roomathiyay Neethiyay |
| 1992 | Suranimala |
| 1992 | Sathya |
| 1992 | Muwan Palesse Kadira |
| 1992 | Sinhayangeth Sinhaya |
| 1993 | Chaaya |
| 1993 | Prathingya |
| 1993 | Weli Sulanga |
| 1993 | Chaya Maya |
| 1993 | Yasasa |
| 1993 | Bambasara Bisawi |
| 1993 | Sandarekha |
| 1993 | Lassanai Balanna |
| 1993 | Lagin Giyoth Ehek Na |
| 1993 | Madara Parasathu |
| 1994 | Nohadan Kumariye |
| 1994 | Abhiyogaya |
| 1994 | Ambu Samiyo |
| 1994 | Sujaatha |
| 1994 | Sandamadala |
| 1995 | Inspector Geetha |
| 1995 | Wasana Wewa |
| 1995 | Ira Handa Illa |
| 1995 | Pudumai Eth Aththai |
| 1995 | Chandiyage Putha |
| 1995 | Chaandani |
| 1996 | Sihina Wimane Kumariya |
| 1996 | Sebe Mithura |
| 1996 | Hitha Honda Geheniyak |
| 1996 | Hiru Saduta Mediwee |
| 1996 | Amanthaya |
| 1996 | Madhuri |
| 1997 | Yasoma |
| 1997 | Puthuni Mata Wasana |
| 1997 | Punaruthpaththiya |
| 1997 | Ramba Saha Madhu |
| 1997 | Vijayagrahanaya |
| 1997 | Ragaye Unusuma |
| 1998 | Eya Obata Barai |
| 1998 | Yudha Gini Meda |
| 1998 | Julietge Bhumikawa |
| 1998 | Mohothin Mohotha |
| 1999 | Anduru Sewaneli |
| 1999 | Seetha Samire |
| 1999 | Nagaran |
| 2000 | Ginigath Madhusamaya |
| 2000 | Anuragaye Ananthaya |
| 2000 | Pem Kekula |
| 2001 | Oba Koheda Priye |
| 2001 | Wasanthaye Kunatuwak |
| 2001 | Kumari Bambasara Handu Daa |
| 2002 | Seethala Ginikandu |
| 2002 | Magul Sakwala |
| 2003 | Vala in London |
| 2003 | Sudu Salu |
| 2004 | Sumedhaa |
| 2004 | Left Right Sir |
| 2004 | Premawanthayo |
| 2005 | Sanduni |
| 2005 | Alu Yata Gini |
| 2006 | Eka Malaka Pethi |
| 2006 | Nilambare |
| 2006 | Rana Hansi |
| 2007 | Ran Kevita |
| 2007 | First Love Pooja |
| 2008 | Wada Bari Tarzan Mathisabayata |
| 2008 | Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai |
| 2008 | Ai Oba Thaniwela |
| 2009 | Ali Surathal |
| 2009 | Juliya |
| 2009 | Kanyavi |
| 2012 | Wassanaye Senehasa |
| 2014 | Raassa Kale |
| 2015 | Sanjana |
| 2015 | Aathma Warusha |
Notable lyrics
editAjantha Ranasinghe wrote more than 400 lyrics for singers across several generations.[22][23]
- Adara Samarum Ketiwu
- Adaraneeya Wasanthe
- Api Ayeth Hamu
- Asha Nirasha Mawu
- Bodhiye Viharaye'
- Bol Vee Ahuru
- Bonda Meedum Kadurelle
- Budun Methun Lowa Uththama
- Daesama Riddana
- Dawasak Thiyewi
- Degoda Thala Ganga Gala
- Dineka Mathuda
- Duhul Meedume Sihil Maruthe
- Duras Wannata Me Lesin
- Duwa Maa Wage
- Game Kopi Kade
- Ganga Jale
- Gela Wata Banda Wu
- Hanga Gallene
- Hindi Vadan
- Hiru Nonegeewa
- Igillila Yanna Yan
- Indunil Gangulal
- Irata Udin Sakwalata Udin
- Ira Udin
- Ira Wata Yana Girawun
- Ithin Ane
- Kalpana Lowa Mal Wane
- Kanden Eha
- Keena Dam Mitak
- Kiri Kawadi Sina
- Kiri Sudu Sele
- Koho Koho Kohe Idan
- Kurullo Nube Thalen
- Mage Dinapothehi
- Mage Kadulin Nimawu
- Mage Lowata Oba
- Malanika Mathakayen
- Mal Parawena Loke
- Mal Pokuru Pokuru
- Mala Giraa Gela
- Mangala Mal Dama
- Mata Mani Wage
- Mata Wasana
- Me Ayurin Api
- Me Mai Gaha Yata
- Me Pasal Meda Midulai
- Me Seetha Nille
- Midule Athana Nango
- Muthumenike Ude Rayin
- Ninda Nena Rathriye
- Niranjala Katado
- Nirwana Swarna Dwarayen
- Paalu Susaane
- Paloswaka Sanda Payanu
- Parami Dam Puramu
- Pata Podak Thilakala
- Pem Rajadahane
- Pemathura Hengum
- Pokuru Pokuru Mal Senakili
- Punchi Dawas Wala
- Ra Dolos Paye
- Ra Duru Rata Me
- Ra Pal Rakina
- Ra Vee La Ai Me Ude
- Rali Palama Sudu Patata
- Rallen Rallata Pawena Oruwe
- Rana Hansa Yuwala
- Ran Kenden Beda
- Raththaran Pem Purane
- Ruwan Wala Wimane
- Salalihiniyo
- Sanda Sangi (Praveena teledrama song)
- Sath Ruwan Wassa
- Seegiri Landune
- Sihala Kalakaruwaneni
- Sihina Nelum Mal
- Sili Sili Seethala Alle
- Siri Bo Meda
- Sithata Danena Me Lathawul
- Sudu Sesathak Wan
- Suwanda Dani Danenawa
- Suwanda Dena Malwane
- Tharu Arundati
- Ukulata Nawath
- Veedi Kone Mawatha Addara
- Wala Theerayen Eha
- Wanka Giriya
- Werale Muhuru Walle
- Villuda Punchi Depa
- Yaluwe Sithin Hadannepa
- Yadha Bime Awi
References
edit- ^ a b "Artist Details – Ajantha Ranasinghe". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "අට වසරකට පෙර සමුගත් අමරණීය අජන්තා: මනහර ගීත රැසක් ලියූ ප්රවීණ මාධ්යවේදී ආචාර්ය අජන්තා රණසිංහ". Sarasaviya. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
- ^ "Dr Ajantha Ranasingha: Mahathmaya Sign In journalism & Sinhala Song". colombotelegraph. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Death of Ajantha Ranasinghe". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "In retrospect of late Ajantha Ranasinghe". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b c "Veteran lyricist Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Ada Derana. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "The late and lamented". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Ajantha's timeless legacy". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Ajantha Ranasinghe tribute". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Veteran journalist, lyricist Ajantha passes away". Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ a b "Biography of Ajantha Ranasinghe". Sooriya. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe's festival of songs". The Island. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Ajantha breaks new ground with cassette". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Songs that peep through ears and access heart". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". he Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Veteran Musician Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Hiru News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Ajantha Ranasinghe's Funeral To Be Held Tomorrow". asianmirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "New book from Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Thunpath Rata". Sarasavi Bookshop. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Thiwanka Rekha". Sarasavi Bookshop. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Written by Ajantha Ranasinghe". sinhalasongbook.com. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ "Lyrics of අජන්තා රණසිංහ". lklyrics. Retrieved 15 February 2018.