Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe

rohana

The name “Rohana Weerasinghe” hardly needs introduction in the Sri Lankan music sphere. His unparalleled contribution both in quality and quantity over a span of more than 30 years has left an everlasting imprint that will be remembered by generations to come.

Having shown a keen aptitude towards music since early childhood, young Rohana Weerasinghe took up formal studies in music at the Government Music School of Sri Lanka. He excelled as a Sitar and Santoor player. He later started his career as a school teacher.

But his talents soon found him busy as a much sought after musician , composer and occasionally , a reluctant singer. This led him to take up a full time career as a music director, giving up his job as a school teacher. He reached his zenith in the late eighties and early nineties having composed melodies for almost all the veteran singers as well as for novices.  His memorable music scores for the sinhala films like  “Aradhana”, “Adara Hasuna”, and “Saptha Kanya” and teledramas like “Du Daruvo”, “Rekha” and “Giraya” have formed the destiny of contemporary Sri Lamkan music and also won him an array of national awards among which are several presidential awards and Sarasawiya awards.

Dr. Weerasinghe has traveled widely and performed at several world renowned venues which includes the Millenium Dome in London, The Sydney Opera House, and the Melbourne Arts Center. Almost all the renowned artists of Sri Lanka have opted to have Dr. Weerasinghe accompany them as their music director in their overseas tours.

In 2009, Dr. Weerasinghe published his auto biography titled "ගමන් මගක් (Along a Winding Path)" which contains interesting accounts of his illustrious career as a musician as well as his personal life.

Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe was appointed as presidential adviser on cultural and aesthetic affairs in 2005.  In 2011, the University of Visual and Performing Arts conferred upon him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

Dr. Weerasinghe is a founder director of “Kalabhumi" and remains its visionary, constantly channeling his wisdom and experience to guide it.



        

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