Chitrananda Abeysekerahttp://www.chitranandaabeysekera.org (1930–1992) was a veteran broadcaster, poet, writer and an administrator. He joined Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation

Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation

The Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation came into existence on January 5, 1967 when Radio Ceylon became a public corporation. Dudley Senanayake who was the Prime Minister of Ceylon in 1967 ceremonially opened the newly established Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation along with Minister Ranasinghe...

, then Radio Ceylon

Radio Ceylon

Radio Ceylon is the oldest radio station in Asia. Broadcasting was started on an experimental basis in Ceylon by the Telegraph Department in 1923, just three years after the inauguration of broadcasting in Europe.- Edward Harper :...

 as a radio announcer and retired as the Director of Sinhala Services in 1989. He was also the President of Aganuwara Tharuna Kavi Samajaya (ATHAKASA) for more than a decade and initiated a lot of programs that benefited poets and the public alike. He restarted Kavi Suwanda, the poetry newspaper for poets. Chitrananda dedicated his whole life to Sinhala poetry and literature, not forgetting Radio Journalism.

Early life

Agampodi Harindranath Chitrananda Mendis Abeysekera was born on the 7th of March 1930 in Kosgoda. He was the only child of Mr. Agampodi Louis Mendis Abeysekera and Mrs. Degiri Roslin Henry de Zoysa. He started his primary education at Kosgoda Sinhala School in Galle district but when he was nine, Chitrananda entered Nalanda College Colombo. He was a prominent member of the College Debating Team and also of the College Culture Club. He published his first book of poetry (Sarasavi Gitaya) as a student at Nalanda with the help of mentor and teacher U. A. S. Perera. Young Chitrananda was a corporal of Nalanda College Colombo Senior Cadet Corps.

Chitrananda began work as an English assistant teacher in a village school in the rural town of Menikkadavara in the Dedigama electorate in 1949. He left this post soon after to lend his hand to the Registrar General's department, Official Languages Commission and the Official Languages Bureau.

As a Radio Journalist

On the 6th of August, 1956 he found his long journey at Radio Ceylon as a guest producer of poetry, drama and features. He would subsequently advance to the top position of Director of Sinhala Services which he would hold till his retirement till 1989. In his position, Abeysekera would attempt to advance new talent through programs like 'Nava Mihira'. During this period, he served as the head of the Rural Services and Publication divisions. Chitrananda headed the “Govi Jaya Handa” program project during Hon. Dudley Senanayake

Dudley Senanayake

Dudley Shelton Senanayake was a Ceylonese politician, who became the second Prime Minister of Ceylon and went on to become prime minister on 2 more times during the 1950s and 1960s.-Early life:Dudley was born on 19 June, 1911 as the eldest son to Molly Dunuwila and Don Stephen Senanayake, who...

 era and was very popular among rural Ceylon. He was a very talented and well-known broadcaster and administrator. He was also very popular as a Live Radio commentator.

He got the opportunity to train on different mass media fields at ABC - Australia, BBC, AIBD - Malaysia, Pakistan and in 1980 he represented Sri Lanka at Non-aligned

Non-Aligned Movement

The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states considering themselves not aligned formally with or against any major power bloc. As of 2011, the movement had 120 members and 17 observer countries...

 Broadcasters Conference in Freetown, Sierra Leon. He participated in several Poetry and Cultural events in Yugoslavia and China.

As a Poet, Writer, Lyricist

Chitrananda became the President of Young Poets' Association of Colombo (ATHAKASA) in 1979 and held this position till his death.

In addition to his initial school publication, Sarasavi Gitaya, Abeysekera published several other poetry collections and story books:

Poetry & Story Books written by Chitrananda Abeysekera

• Suli Sulang - Poetry, 1961
  Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Sakwala Dunna - Poetry
  Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Suduta Lilu Kavi - Poetry, 1974
  Publisher:Samayawardana Printers, Maligakanda Rd, Maradana, Sri Lanka
• Awatharaya - Short Strory
  Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Satan Bima Kandulu - Short Story
  Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Savi Nethi Ath - Novel
  Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi - Songs,1982 - Collection of Popular Songs written by Chitrananda
  Publisher:Lassana Printers, Wellampitiya, Sri Lanka
• Kavya Manjari - Poetry, 1983
  Publisher:Samayawardana Printers, Maligakanda Rd, Maradana, Sri Lanka
• Kavya Pushpanjali - Poetry, 1983 - Awarded The Best Poetry Book at The State Literary Awards Festival by The Ministry of Cultural Affairs
  Publisher:Samayawardana Printers, Maligakanda Rd, Maradana, Sri Lanka
• Swarana Mali - Poetry, 1984
  Publisher:Captain Printers, Maradana 1st, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
• Ran Sannasa - Poetry, 1985
  Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka
• Samanala Mahima - Poetry, 1986 - Awarded The Best Poetry Book at The State Literary Awards Festival by The Ministry of Cultural Affairs
  Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka
• Sewana Ruwana - Poetry,1987
  Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka
• Susata Kala - Poetry, 1989 - Collection of Poems by Prominent Poets
  Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka

Popular Radio Songs written by Chitrananda Abeysekera

• Jayasiri Ma Bodhi: Singer - Dayaratne Ranatunge, Music - Rohitha Wijesuriya
• Vilwala Mal Pokuru Pokuru: Singer - Neela Wickramasinghe & T.M. Jayaratne
• Ma Ipaduna Mage Ratata Sewaya Karala: Singer - Edward Jayakody
• Nidahasa Gena Kavi Liyanna: Singer - Edward Jayakody
• Wediya Honda Narakai Me Loke: Singer -
• Kiri Ithirewa Nawa Wasare: Singer - H.R. Jothipala
• Alokaya Deka Yanna: Singer - G.S.B. Rani
• Swarnamali Se Kirane: Singer - Amara Ranatunge
• Ran Diya Bindu Mahaweli: Singer -
• Oba Yana Maga Nathara Novi: Singer -
• Ramya Bhumi Saru Bhumi: Singer -
• Jathiye Udara Sithum: Singer - Edward Jayakodi
• Oba Dan Keewath Kandulu Sala: Singer - Milton Mallawarachchi, Music - Sarath Dassanayake
• Sinarella Sisi Kirane: Singer - Milton Mallawarachchi
  Milton Mallawarachchi
  Milton Mallawarachchi was a popular Sri Lankan musician.Mallawarachchi has sung songs by Karunaratne Abeysekera, K. D. K. Dharmawardena, Premakirthi de Alwis, Clarence Wijewardena, Upali Danawalawithana, Dharmasiri Gamage, Ajantha Ransinghe, Shelton Weeraratne, Kularatne Ariyawansa, Ananda...
  
  , Music - Sarath Dassanayake
• Keewemi Oba Hata: Singer - H.R. Jothipala
• Man Podikale Dekkata Passe - H.R. Jothipala

Movie Songs: written by Chitrananda Abeysekera

• Movie - Sirimali
  by Robin Thampoe in 1959
  Produced by P.L. Buddhadasa & Meena Thampoe
  Music by V. Krishnamurthi (Indian national)

Song - Karunawe Yukath Dharma: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Aakase Aawase: Singer - Latha and Dharmadasa Walpola

Song - Aay Wade Mey: Singer - Christy Leonard Perera and K. Rani

Song - Rani Karalini: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Pem Hada Moray: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Pun Chandra Paaya: Singer - Indrani Wijebandara and Sidney Attygalle

Song - Sinasewi Wando: Singer - Latha Walpola

• Movie - Nalangana
  by L.S. Ramachandran in 1960
  Produced by S.M. Nayagam
  Music by R. Muththusami

Song - Ho Surathal: Singer - Rukmani Devi

Song - Me Aawaa Mung Awaa: Singer - Rukmani Devi

• Movie - Pirimiyek Nisa
  by T. Somasekaran & K.A.W. Perera in 1960
  Produced by Premalal Edirisinghe (E.A.P. Edirisinghe)
  Music by R. Muththusami

Song - Agata Kadun: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Suwandathi Pipunu Kusum: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Dutu Da Wagema Lasanayi: Singer - Dharmadasa and Latha Walpola

Song - Meda Poti Athata Mitata: Singer - Mohideen Baig, Srimathi Rasodari and chorus

• Movie - Suvineetha Lalini
  by Robin Thampoe in 1961
  Produced by Robin Thampoe
  Music by R. Muththusami

Song - Pem Ganine: Singer - Angeline de Lanerolle (Gunatillake) and H. R. Jothipala

Song - Doy Doya Puthe: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Loku Podi Katath: Singer - Chandra de Silva and L. M. Perera

Song - Amme Badagini Wenawa: Singer - Angeline de Lanerolle, Indrani Wijebandara and chorus

Song - Maha Polowe Upan: Singer - Mohideen Baig

Song - Sapawath Pawuluk Paramarithe: Singer - Mohideen Baig

Song - Thani We Mey Loke: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Lipe Mule: Singer - Sidney Attygalle and Angeline de Lanerolle

Song - Nihaday Gamanaya: Singer - H. R. Jothipala, Angeline de Lanerolle and chorus

Song - Suhada Madura Preme: Singer - H. R. Jothipala and Angeline de Lanerolle

• Movie - Mage Putha
  by Devendra Goyel in 1961
  Dubbing Direction by Thewis Guruge
  Music by P.L.A. Somapala
  Original Hindhi Movie:Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan

Song - Assaya Gone Tik Tik Tik I: Singer - Latha Walpola & Geetha

Song - Assaya Gone Tik Tik Tik II: Singer - Latha Walpola & Geetha

Song - Nivi Nivi Dilihe Tharuwe I: Singer - Indrani Wijayabandara

Song - Nivi Nivi Dilihe Tharuwe II: Singer - Latha Walpola

• Movie - Samiya Birindage Deviyaya
  by Robin Thampoe

Song - Kothanaka Sitiyath Oba Melowe: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

Song - Lassana Rattharan Babo: Singer - Rukmani Devi

Song - Kiyanna Ran Kanda: Singer - Rukmani Devi

Song - Monawa Hithagena: Singer - Rukmani Devi

Song - Oba Dekumen Ma Sith: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

• Movie - Sudo Sudu
  by Robin Thampoe in 1965
  Music - Somadasa Elvitigala

Song - Savibala Yakada Wagei: Singer - W.D. Amaradewa

Song - Prema Sebawii: Singer - Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola

Song - Heenmenike Mage: Singer - W.D. Amaradewa

• Movie - Sarana
  by Asoka Pieris
  Music - Mohamed Sali & P.L.A. Somapala
  Singers - Sujatha Perera, Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola, Manel Upasena

Asoka Pieris has also written few songs for this movie

• Movie - Sudu Sande Kalu Wala
  by Robin Thampoe in 1963

Song - Denna Eka Sirurey: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

Song - Maa Langa Hinehee: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

Song - Wanasanna Jeewe: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

• Movie - Kolankarayo
  by Thissa Nagodawithana

• Movie - Sigiri Kashyapa
  by Bindu Gunasekera in 1966
  Music - M.K. Rocksami

Song - Narapathiya Wetha Yanne: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

Song - Pape Galee Lowa: Singer - A.J. Kareem

• Movie - SRI 296
  Premnath Morayas in 1959
  Produced by Premnath Morayas
  Music by P.L.A. Somapala
  Original Hindi Movie: C.I.D.

Song - Wediya Honda Narakaine: Singer - Mohideen Baig

Song - Man Awa Hirabath Kala: Singer - H.R. Jothipala

Song - Me Enna Sanasannam: Singer - Latha Walpola

Song - Doyya Gan Ma Kiri Ketiya: Singer - Indrani Wijayabandara

Song - Pami Loke Rengum: Singer - Indrani Wijayabandara & H.R. Jothipala

Song - Sasi Piye: Singer - G.S.B. Rani Perera

Song - Duk Gini Godaka: Singer - G.S.B. Rani Perera

Song - Ma Soya Aa Nisa: Singer - Indrani Wijayabandara

• Movie - Suhada Divi Piduma
  in 1962

• Movie - Sulalitha Sobani
  in 1964

Movie Related: other work by Chitrananda Abeysekera

• Movie - Sepali
  by W.M.S. Thampoe in 1958
  Produced by Robin Thampoe
  Film Script: Chitrananda Abeysekera & Suriya Kumar

Story from the Hindi movie Dulari - 1949

• Movie - Daruwa Kageda?
  by Herbi Seneviratne in 1961
  Produced by W.M.S. Thampoe
  Screen Play: Chitrananda Abeysekera

Story from the Hindi movie Dulari - 1949

• Movie - Sirimali
  by Robin Thampoe in 1959
  Produced by P.L. Buddhadasa & Meena Thampoe
  Dialogues: Chitrananda Abeysekera
• Movie - Sudo Sudu
  by Robin Thampoe in 1965
  Dialogues & Screen Play: Chitrananda Abeysekera

Other Links

• Features | Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/03/10/fea20.asp
• Latha Walpola – Nightingale of Sri Lanka | Asian Tribune http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/8413
• English girl of Lankan parents for Karate World Cup http://www.sundaytimes.lk/040905/sports/8.html
• Remembering Sri Lanka’s Nightingale: 30th Death Anniversary of Rukmani Devi http://transcurrents.com/tc/2008/10/remembering_sri_lankas_nightin.html
• Nalanda Old Boys