my-server
← Wiki

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. 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 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.

Photo gallery

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.<br /> 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<br />Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Sakwala Dunna – Poetry<br />Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Suduta Lilu Kavi – Poetry, 1974<br />Publisher:Samayawardana Printers, Maligakanda Rd, Maradana, Sri Lanka
  • Awatharaya – Short Strory<br />Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Satan Bima Kandulu – Short Story<br />Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Savi Nethi Ath – Novel<br />Publisher: M.D. Gunasena & Co. Colombo, Sri Lanka
  • Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi – Songs, 1982 – Collection of Popular Songs written by Chitrananda<br />Publisher:Lassana Printers, Wellampitiya, Sri Lanka
  • Kavya Manjari – Poetry, 1983<br />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<br />Publisher:Samayawardana Printers, Maligakanda Rd, Maradana, Sri Lanka
  • Swarana Mali – Poetry, 1984<br />Publisher:Captain Printers, Maradana 1st, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
  • Ran Sannasa – Poetry, 1985<br />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<br />Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka
  • Sewana Ruwana – Poetry, 1987<br />Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka
  • Susata Kala – Poetry, 1989 – Collection of Poems by Prominent Poets<br />Publisher:Dulmini Printers, "Kamkarupura" Flats, Colombo 14, Sri Lanka

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<br /> by Robin Thampoe in 1959<br />Produced by P.L. Buddhadasa & Meena Thampoe<br />Music by V. Krishnamurthi (Indian national)

Song – Karunawe Yukath Dharma: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Aakase Aawase: Singer – Latha and Dharmadasa Walpola<br /> Song – Aay Wade Mey: Singer – Christy Leonard Perera and K. Rani<br /> Song – Rani Karalini: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Pem Hada Moray: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Pun Chandra Paaya: Singer – Indrani Wijebandara and Sidney Attygalle<br /> Song – Sinasewi Wando: Singer – Latha Walpola

  • Movie – Nalangana <br> by L.S. Ramachandran in 1960<br />Produced by S. M. Nayagam<br />Music by R. Muththusami

Song – Ho Surathal: Singer – Rukmani Devi<br /> Song – Me Aawaa Mung Awaa: Singer – Rukmani Devi

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

Song – Agata Kadun: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Suwandathi Pipunu Kusum: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Dutu Da Wagema Lasanayi: Singer – Dharmadasa and Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Meda Poti Athata Mitata: Singer – Mohideen Baig, Srimathi Rasodari and chorus

  • Movie – Suvineetha Lalini<br /> by Robin Thampoe in 1961<br />Produced by Robin Thampoe<br />Music by R. Muththusami

Song – Pem Ganine: Singer – Angeline de Lanerolle (Gunatillake) and H. R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Doy Doya Puthe: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Loku Podi Katath: Singer – Chandra de Silva and L. M. Perera<br /> Song – Amme Badagini Wenawa: Singer – Angeline de Lanerolle, Indrani Wijebandara and chorus<br /> Song – Maha Polowe Upan: Singer – Mohideen Baig<br /> Song – Sapawath Pawuluk Paramarithe: Singer – Mohideen Baig<br /> Song – Thani We Mey Loke: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Lipe Mule: Singer – Sidney Attygalle and Angeline de Lanerolle<br /> Song – Nihaday Gamanaya: Singer – H. R. Jothipala, Angeline de Lanerolle and chorus<br /> Song – Suhada Madura Preme: Singer – H. R. Jothipala and Angeline de Lanerolle

  • Movie – Mage Putha<br /> by Devendra Goyel in 1961<br />Dubbing Direction by Thewis Guruge<br />Music by P.L.A. Somapala<br />Original Hindi Movie:Chirag Kahan Roshni Kahan

Song – Assaya Gone Tik Tik Tik I: Singer – Latha Walpola & Geetha <br /> Song – Assaya Gone Tik Tik Tik II: Singer – Latha Walpola & Geetha <br /> Song – Nivi Nivi Dilihe Tharuwe I: Singer – Indrani Wijayabandara<br /> Song – Nivi Nivi Dilihe Tharuwe II: Singer – Latha Walpola

  • Movie – Samiya Birindage Deviyaya<br /> by Robin Thampoe

Song – Kothanaka Sitiyath Oba Melowe: Singer – H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Lassana Rattharan Babo: Singer – Rukmani Devi<br /> Song – Kiyanna Ran Kanda: Singer – Rukmani Devi<br /> Song – Monawa Hithagena: Singer – Rukmani Devi<br /> Song – Oba Dekumen Ma Sith: Singer – H.R. Jothipala

  • Movie – Sudo Sudu<br />by Robin Thampoe in 1965<br />Music – Somadasa Elvitigala

Song – Savibala Yakada Wagei: Singer – W.D. Amaradewa<br /> Song – Prema Sebawii: Singer – Latha & Dharmadasa Walpola<br /> Song – Heenmenike Mage: Singer – W.D. Amaradewa

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

Asoka Pieris has also written few songs for this movie

  • Movie – Sudu Sande Kalu Wala<br />by Robin Thampoe in 1963

Song – Denna Eka Sirurey: Singer – H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Maa Langa Hinehee: Singer – H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Wanasanna Jeewe: Singer – H.R. Jothipala

  • Movie – Kolankarayo<br /> by Thissa Nagodawithana
  • Movie – Sigiri Kashyapa<br />by Bindu Gunasekera in 1966<br />Music – M.K. Rocksami

Song – Narapathiya Wetha Yanne: Singer – H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Pape Galee Lowa: Singer – A.J. Kareem

  • Movie – SRI 296<br />Premnath Morayas in 1959<br />Produced by Premnath Morayas<br />Music by P.L.A. Somapala<br />Original Hindi Movie: C.I.D.

Song – Wediya Honda Narakaine: Singer – Mohideen Baig<br /> Song – Man Awa Hirabath Kala: Singer – H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Me Enna Sanasannam: Singer – Latha Walpola<br /> Song – Doyya Gan Ma Kiri Ketiya: Singer – Indrani Wijayabandara<br /> Song – Pami Loke Rengum: Singer – Indrani Wijayabandara & H.R. Jothipala<br /> Song – Sasi Piye: Singer – G.S.B. Rani Perera<br /> Song – Duk Gini Godaka: Singer – G.S.B. Rani Perera<br /> Song – Ma Soya Aa Nisa: Singer – Indrani Wijayabandara

  • Movie – Suhada Divi Piduma<br /> in 1962
  • Movie – Sulalitha Sobani<br /> in 1964

Movie Related

  • Movie – Sepali<br />by W.M.S. Thampoe in 1958<br />Produced by Robin Thampoe<br />Film Script: Chitrananda Abeysekera & Suriya Kumar

Story from the Hindi movie Dulari – 1949

  • Movie – Daruwa Kageda?<br />by Herbi Seneviratne in 1961<br />Produced by W.M.S. Thampoe<br />Screen Play: Chitrananda Abeysekera

Story from the Hindi movie Dulari – 1949

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

Other Links

References