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Ajantha Ranasinghe

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Ajantha Ranasinghe
ආචාර්ය අජන්තා රණසිංහ
Born
Senanayake Mudianselage Ranasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe

(1940-05-30)30 May 1940
Thalammahara, Kurunegala, Ceylon
Died27 February 2016(2016-02-27) (aged 74)
Colombo National Hospital, Sri Lanka
NationalitySri Lankan
EducationSt. John's College, Nugegoda
Occupation(s)Broadcaster, lyricist, poet, novelist
Years active1976–2015
Notable workLyrics
Spouse
  • Sarojini Weeratunga
Children2

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]

Personal life

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Ajantha 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

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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.[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

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After 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

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  • 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

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Ranasinghe 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

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  • Landuni Mata Varam Natha (1975)[2]
  • Vinkal Bass (1978)[2]
  • Kristhuni Karunakara Manawa (1995)[2]
  • Sihina Kumara Saha Othamo (2009)[19]
  • Thunpath Rata[20]
  • Thiwanka Rekha[21]
  • Janakanthayinge Manakantha Katha[2]

Filmography

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Dr. 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

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Ajantha 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

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