Chitrananda Abeysekera

Chitrananda Abeysekera (1930–1992) was a veteran broadcaster, poet, writer and an administrator. He joined Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, then Radio Ceylon as a radio announcer and retired as the Director of Sinhala Services in 1989.[1] He was also the President of Aganuwara Tharuna Kavi Samajaya (Athakasa)[1] 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.

Chitrananda Abeysekera
Born7 March 1930
Kosgoda, Sri Lanka
Died1992
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationNalanda College Colombo
OccupationBroadcaster
Websitewww.chitranandaabeysekera.org

Early life

Agampodi Harindranath Chitrananda Mendis Abeysekera was born on 7 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 6 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 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 Broadcasters Conference in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He participated in several Poetry and Cultural events in Yugoslavia and China.

  • Govi Jaya Handa Awards Given for Farmers-1968
    Chitrananda (1st left) was also the MC
    Hon. Dudley Senanayake was presenting the awards. Mr Neville Jayaweera also in the picture
  • Chitrananda at the Non-aligned Broadcasters Conference, Freetown, Sierra Leone
  • Chitrananda (in the middle) at Australia Broadcasting Commission (ABC) in 1959 as a Radio & television Scholar
  • Chitrananda (in the middle) with Hindhi actor, Dilip Kumar
    and Ceylon Theatres' CEO, Mr Sellamutthu
  • Opening of the Rural Service of Radio Ceylon, (from left) George Leslie Ranasinghe, W.R.B. Rajakaruna, Chitrananda Abeysekera, Thevis Guruge, Neville Jayaweera, Stewart Wewel and Prof. Thilak Rathnakara

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 and Story Books

  • 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
  • Samanala Mahima - Poetry, 1986
  • Ran Sannasa - Poetry, 1985

Popular radio songs

  • 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 – Mohideen Baig
  • Kiri Ithirewa Nawa Wasare: Singer – H.R. Jothipala
  • Alokaya Deka Yanna: Singer – Latha Walpola
  • 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, Music – Sarath Dassanayake
  • Keewemi Oba Hata: Singer – H.R. Jothipala
  • Man Podikale Dekkata Passe – H.R. Jothipala

Movie Songs

  • 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[2]
    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

  • 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
  • Latha Walpola – Nightingale of Sri Lanka | Asian Tribune
  • English girl of Lankan parents for Karate World Cup
  • Remembering Sri Lanka's Nightingale: 30th Death Anniversary of Rukmani Devi
  • Nalanda Old Boys

References
  1. "Sixty six years of Sinhala poetry". Daily News (Sri Lanka). 12 January 2002. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2009.
  2. Cowie, Peter (1977). World filmography, 1967. Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-498-01565-6.
  • Lyrics of the Sinhala Cinema from 1957–1961, by Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne – ISBN 978-955-30-0459-8
  • Library of Congress Onlone Catalog
  • Open Library.org
  • www.chitranandaabeysekera.org
  • Chitrananda Abeysekera
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