Ajantha Ranasinghe

Ajantha Ranasinghe (30 May 1940 – 27 February 2016), was an award winning Sri Lankan journalist, lyricist, poet, and novelist.[1] Considered as one of the most iconic[2] and prolific lyricists ever produced in the country, over the course of a 40 year career he contributed to nearly 60 films and more than 400 songs.[3]

Ajantha Ranasinghe
අජන්තා රණසිංහ
Born(1940-05-30)30 May 1940
Thalammahara, Kurunegala, Ceylon
Died27 February 2016(2016-02-27) (aged 74)
Colombo National Hospital, Sri Lanka
NationalitySri Lanka
CitizenshipSri Lankan
EducationSt. John's College, Nugegoda
OccupationBroadcaster, lyricist, poet, novelist
Years active1976–2015
Notable work
Lyrics
Spouse(s)
  • Sarojini Weeratunga
ChildrenSaranga Ranasinghe
Devalochana Ranasinghe

Personal life

Ajantha Ranasinghe was born on 30 May 1940[4] in Thalammahara, a small village in the Kurunegala district. After obtaining his primary education at the Pannala Government School, he moved to Colombo and resumed his studies at St. John's College, Nugegoda.[5] He left after completing the GCE Ordinary Level Exams.[6]

Ranasinghe was married to daughter of late singer Kokiladevi Weeratunga, Sarojini Weeratunge.

Journalist career

Ranasinghe'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. At a very young age, Ranasinghe wrote Buddhist songs to the Lama Mandapaya, a program on Radio Ceylon hosted by Karunaratne Abeysekera.[3] 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.[7]

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.[8] Eventually he was selected as a staff reporter at Dinamina. 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.[9]

Career as a lyricist

After three decades in journalism, Ranasinghe began writing lyrics for popular singers.[3] His verses became highly popular among the public.[8] Award after award followed, from the Sarasaviya, OCIC, State Literary, Raigam, Sumathi, and Kumaratunga Munidasa ceremonies.[5] In addition to being a lyricist, Ranasinghe was also a B Grade Radio Ceylon singer.[8]

Landmarks
  • 25 years as an Editor at Lake House[10]
  • Provincial News Editor and Local News Editor at Dinamina[10]
  • Features Editor of Janatha
  • Editor in Chief of Nawayugaya
  • Consultant at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)[3]
  • President's Award for Best Song Writer of the Year on three occasions[5]
  • 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[11]
  • A collection of his songs released in 2002 in a new cassette and CD titled Kalpana Vijithaya[12]
  • A second CD collection released in 2013 titled Ran Kenden[13]

Death

Ranasinghe died at the Colombo National Hospital on 27 February 2016[14][15] after a minor accident right opposite his house three days earlier.[16] His remains were kept at No. 11/4, Ranasinghe Mawatha, Hiripitiya, Pannipitiya at his son's residence.[8] The funeral was held on 29 February, 2016 at the Borella Cemetery.[17]

Author work
  • Landuni Mata Varam Natha (1975)
  • Vinkal Bass (1978)
  • Kristhuni Karunakara Manawa (1995)
  • Sihina Kumara Saha Othamo (2009)[18]
  • Thunpath Rata[19]
  • Thiwanka Rekha[20]
  • Janakanthayinge Manakantha Katha

Filmography

Dr. Ranasinghe contributed over 300 lyrics to Sinhala films since 1976 with his debut, Wasana.[1]

YearFilm
1976Wasana
1976Walmath Wuwo
1976Duhul Malak
1976Aasha
1976Hariyata Hari
1976Nedeyo
1977Pembara Madu
1977Agey Adara Kathawa
1978Janaka Saha Manju
1978Saara
1978Deepanjali
1978Sasara
1979Geheniyak
1979Amal Biso
1979Muwan Pelessa
1979Wasanthaye Dawasak
1979Rosa Mal Thunak
1979Chuda Manikya
1979Anusha
1979Sawudan Sema
1979Nuwan Renu
1980Kanchana
1980Silva
1980Ektam Ge
1980Adara Rathne
1980Muwan Palessa 2
1980Sankapali
1980Para Dige
1981Ran Ethana
1981Sathweni Dawasa
1981Walampuri
1981Bamba Ketu Hati
1981Sooriyakantha
1981Jeewanthi
1981Samawenna
1981Chanchala Rekha
1981Saaranga
1982Ra Manamali
1982Yasa Isuru
1982Anuradha
1982Chathu Madura
1982Rail Para
1983Chandira
1983Sandamali
1983Sumithuro
1983Siv Ranga Sena
1983Niliyakara Pem Kalemi
1983Chandi Siriya
1983Athin Athata
1983Senehasaka Kandulu
1983Sister Mary
1983Muwan Palessa 3
1983Monarathenna 2
1983Muhudu Lihini
1984Shirani
1984Walle Thanu Maliga
1984Kiri Kawadi
1984Thaththai Puthai
1984Binari Saha Sudubanda
1984Podi Ralahami
1984Rana Derana
1984Himikathara
1984Batti
1984Sahodariyakage Kathawa
1984Sathi Pooja
1985Araliya Mal
1985Channai Kello Dennai
1985Obata Diwura Kiyannam
1985Doo Daruwo
1985Kirimaduwal
1986Mal Warusa
1986Gimhane Gee Nade
1986Jaya Apatai
1987Yugayen Yugayata
1987Kawuluwa
1987Raja Wadakarayo
1987Ahinsa
1988Chandingeth Chandiya
1988Sandakada Pahana
1988Amme Oba Nisa
1988Angulimala
1988Satana
1989Mamai Raja
1989Nommara 17
1989Obata Rahasak Kiyannam
1989Shakthiya Obai Amme
1989Sinasenna Raththaran
1990Dase Mal Pipila
1990Yukthiyata Wada
1990Dedunnen Samanaliyak
1990Walawwe Hamu
1990Pem Rajadahana
1990Madu Sihina
1990Chandi Raja
1991Paaradise
1991Sihina Ahase Wasanthe
1991Raja Kello
1991Raja Sellan
1991Esala Sanda
1991Salambak Hadai
1991Ran Hadawatha
1991Dhanaya
1992Sakwithi Raja
1992Sakkara Suththara
1992Sinha Raja
1992Roomathiyay Neethiyay
1992Suranimala
1992Sathya
1992Muwan Palesse Kadira
1992Sinhayangeth Sinhaya
1993Chaaya
1993Prathingya
1993Weli Sulanga
1993Chaya Maya
1993Yasasa
1993Bambasara Bisawi
1993Sandarekha
1993Lassanai Balanna
1993Lagin Giyoth Ehek Na
1993Madara Parasathu
1994Nohadan Kumariye
1994Abhiyogaya
1994Ambu Samiyo
1994Sujaatha
1994Sandamadala
1995Inspector Geetha
1995Wasana Wewa
1995Ira Handa Illa
1995Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995Chandiyage Putha
1995Chaandani
1996Sihina Wimane Kumariya
1996Sebe Mithura
1996Hitha Honda Geheniyak
1996Hiru Saduta Mediwee
1996Amanthaya
1996Madhuri
1997Yasoma
1997Puthuni Mata Wasana
1997Punaruthpaththiya
1997Ramba Saha Madhu
1997Vijayagrahanaya
1997Ragaye Unusuma
1998Eya Obata Barai
1998Yudha Gini Meda
1998Julietge Bhumikawa
1998Mohothin Mohotha
1999Anduru Sewaneli
1999Seetha Samire
1999Nagaran
2000Ginigath Madhusamaya
2000Anuragaye Ananthaya
2000Pem Kekula
2001Oba Koheda Priye
2001Wasanthaye Kunatuwak
2001Kumari Bambasara Handu Daa
2002Seethala Ginikandu
2002Magul Sakwala
2003Vala in London
2003Sudu Salu
2004Sumedhaa
2004Left Right Sir
2004Premawanthayo
2005Sanduni
2005Alu Yata Gini
2006Eka Malaka Pethi
2006Nilambare
2006Rana Hansi
2007Ran Kevita
2007First Love Pooja
2008Wada Bari Tarzan Mathisabayata
2008Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai
2008Ai Oba Thaniwela
2009Ali Surathal
2009Juliya
2009Kanyavi
2012Wassanaye Senehasa
2014Raassa Kale
2015Sanjana
2015Aathma Warusha

Notable lyrics

Ajantha Ranasinghe wrote more than 400 lyrics for singers across several generations.[21][22]

  • 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
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References
  1. "Artist Details – Ajantha Ranasinghe". National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  2. "Dr Ajantha Ranasingha: Mahathmaya Sign In journalism & Sinhala Song". colombotelegraph. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  3. "Death of Ajantha Ranasinghe". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  4. "In retrospect of late Ajantha Ranasinghe". Sarasaviya. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  5. "Veteran lyricist Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Ada Derana. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  6. "The late and lamented". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  7. "Ajantha's timeless legacy". Sunday Observer. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  8. "Ajantha Ranasinghe tribute". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  9. "Veteran journalist, lyricist Ajantha passes away". Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  10. "Biography of Ajantha Ranasinghe". Sooriya. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  11. "Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe's festival of songs". The Island. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  12. "Ajantha breaks new ground with cassette". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  13. "Songs that peep through ears and access heart". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  14. "Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  15. "Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". he Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  16. "Veteran Musician Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away". Hiru News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  17. "Ajantha Ranasinghe's Funeral To Be Held Tomorrow". asianmirror. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  18. "New book from Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe". Daily News. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  19. "Thunpath Rata". Sarasavi Bookshop. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  20. "Thiwanka Rekha". Sarasavi Bookshop. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  21. "Written by Ajantha Ranasinghe". sinhalasongbook.com. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
  22. "Lyrics of අජන්තා රණසිංහ". lklyrics. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
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