Ranasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe (30 May 1940 – 27 February 2016), popularly as Ajantha Ranasinghe, was an award winning Sri Lankan journalist, lyricist, poet, and novelist.[1] Considered 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 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]
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]
ajantha, ranasinghe, ranasinghe, arachchilage, ajantha, sarath, kumara, ranasinghe, 1940, february, 2016, popularly, award, winning, lankan, journalist, lyricist, poet, novelist, considered, most, iconic, prolific, lyricists, ever, produced, country, over, cou. Ranasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe 30 May 1940 27 February 2016 popularly as Ajantha Ranasinghe was an award winning Sri Lankan journalist lyricist poet and novelist 1 Considered 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 Ranasingheඅජන ත රණස හBornRanasinghe Arachchilage Ajantha Sarath Kumara Ranasinghe 1940 05 30 30 May 1940Thalammahara Kurunegala CeylonDied27 February 2016 2016 02 27 aged 74 Colombo National Hospital Sri LankaNationalitySri LankanCitizenshipSri LankanEducationSt John s College NugegodaOccupation s Broadcaster lyricist poet novelistYears active1976 2015Notable workLyricsSpouseSarojini WeeratungaChildrenSaranga RanasingheDevalochana Ranasinghe Contents 1 Personal life 2 Journalist career 3 Career as a lyricist 4 Landmarks 5 Death 6 Author work 7 Filmography 8 Notable lyrics 9 References 10 External linksPersonal life EditAjantha 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 EditRanasinghe 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 EditAfter 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 Edit25 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 EditRanasinghe 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 EditLanduni 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 KathaFilmography EditDr Ranasinghe contributed over 300 lyrics to Sinhala films since 1976 with his debut Wasana 1 Year Film1976 Wasana1976 Walmath Wuwo1976 Duhul Malak1976 Aasha1976 Hariyata Hari1976 Nedeyo1977 Pembara Madu1977 Agey Adara Kathawa1978 Janaka Saha Manju1978 Saara1978 Deepanjali1978 Sasara1979 Geheniyak1979 Amal Biso1979 Muwan Pelessa1979 Wasanthaye Dawasak1979 Rosa Mal Thunak1979 Chuda Manikya1979 Anusha1979 Sawudan Sema1979 Nuwan Renu1980 Kanchana1980 Silva1980 Ektam Ge1980 Adara Rathne1980 Muwan Palessa 21980 Sankapali1980 Para Dige1981 Ran Ethana1981 Sathweni Dawasa1981 Walampuri1981 Bamba Ketu Hati1981 Sooriyakantha1981 Jeewanthi1981 Samawenna1981 Chanchala Rekha1981 Saaranga1982 Ra Manamali1982 Yasa Isuru1982 Anuradha1982 Chathu Madura1982 Rail Para1983 Chandira1983 Sandamali1983 Sumithuro1983 Siv Ranga Sena1983 Niliyakara Pem Kalemi1983 Chandi Siriya1983 Athin Athata1983 Senehasaka Kandulu1983 Sister Mary1983 Muwan Palessa 31983 Monarathenna 21983 Muhudu Lihini1984 Shirani1984 Walle Thanu Maliga1984 Kiri Kawadi1984 Thaththai Puthai1984 Binari Saha Sudubanda1984 Podi Ralahami1984 Rana Derana1984 Himikathara1984 Batti1984 Sahodariyakage Kathawa1984 Sathi Pooja1985 Araliya Mal1985 Channai Kello Dennai1985 Obata Diwura Kiyannam1985 Doo Daruwo1985 Kirimaduwal1986 Mal Warusa1986 Gimhane Gee Nade1986 Jaya Apatai1987 Yugayen Yugayata1987 Kawuluwa1987 Raja Wadakarayo1987 Ahinsa1988 Chandingeth Chandiya1988 Sandakada Pahana1988 Amme Oba Nisa1988 Angulimala1988 Satana1989 Mamai Raja1989 Nommara 171989 Obata Rahasak Kiyannam1989 Shakthiya Obai Amme1989 Sinasenna Raththaran1990 Dase Mal Pipila1990 Yukthiyata Wada1990 Dedunnen Samanaliyak1990 Walawwe Hamu1990 Pem Rajadahana1990 Madu Sihina1990 Chandi Raja1991 Paaradise1991 Sihina Ahase Wasanthe1991 Raja Kello1991 Raja Sellan1991 Esala Sanda1991 Salambak Hadai1991 Ran Hadawatha1991 Dhanaya1992 Sakwithi Raja1992 Sakkara Suththara1992 Sinha Raja1992 Roomathiyay Neethiyay1992 Suranimala1992 Sathya1992 Muwan Palesse Kadira1992 Sinhayangeth Sinhaya1993 Chaaya1993 Prathingya1993 Weli Sulanga1993 Chaya Maya1993 Yasasa1993 Bambasara Bisawi1993 Sandarekha1993 Lassanai Balanna1993 Lagin Giyoth Ehek Na1993 Madara Parasathu1994 Nohadan Kumariye1994 Abhiyogaya1994 Ambu Samiyo1994 Sujaatha1994 Sandamadala1995 Inspector Geetha1995 Wasana Wewa1995 Ira Handa Illa1995 Pudumai Eth Aththai1995 Chandiyage Putha1995 Chaandani1996 Sihina Wimane Kumariya1996 Sebe Mithura1996 Hitha Honda Geheniyak1996 Hiru Saduta Mediwee1996 Amanthaya1996 Madhuri1997 Yasoma1997 Puthuni Mata Wasana1997 Punaruthpaththiya1997 Ramba Saha Madhu1997 Vijayagrahanaya1997 Ragaye Unusuma1998 Eya Obata Barai1998 Yudha Gini Meda1998 Julietge Bhumikawa1998 Mohothin Mohotha1999 Anduru Sewaneli1999 Seetha Samire1999 Nagaran2000 Ginigath Madhusamaya2000 Anuragaye Ananthaya2000 Pem Kekula2001 Oba Koheda Priye2001 Wasanthaye Kunatuwak2001 Kumari Bambasara Handu Daa2002 Seethala Ginikandu2002 Magul Sakwala2003 Vala in London2003 Sudu Salu2004 Sumedhaa2004 Left Right Sir2004 Premawanthayo2005 Sanduni2005 Alu Yata Gini2006 Eka Malaka Pethi2006 Nilambare2006 Rana Hansi2007 Ran Kevita2007 First Love Pooja2008 Wada Bari Tarzan Mathisabayata2008 Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai2008 Ai Oba Thaniwela2009 Ali Surathal2009 Juliya2009 Kanyavi2012 Wassanaye Senehasa2014 Raassa Kale2015 Sanjana2015 Aathma WarushaNotable lyrics EditAjantha 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 AwiReferences Edit a b Artist Details Ajantha Ranasinghe National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka Retrieved 15 February 2018 Dr Ajantha Ranasingha Mahathmaya Sign In journalism amp Sinhala Song colombotelegraph Retrieved 15 February 2018 a b c d Death of Ajantha Ranasinghe Daily News Retrieved 15 February 2018 In retrospect of late Ajantha Ranasinghe Sarasaviya Archived from the original on 24 February 2018 Retrieved 15 February 2018 a b c Veteran lyricist Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away Ada Derana Retrieved 15 February 2018 The late and lamented Daily Mirror Retrieved 15 February 2018 Ajantha s timeless legacy Sunday Observer Retrieved 15 February 2018 a b c d Ajantha Ranasinghe tribute Daily Mirror Archived from the original on 28 August 2018 Retrieved 15 February 2018 Veteran journalist lyricist Ajantha passes away Sunday Times Retrieved 15 February 2018 a b Biography of Ajantha Ranasinghe Sooriya Retrieved 15 February 2018 Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe s festival of songs The Island Retrieved 15 February 2018 Ajantha breaks new ground with cassette The Sunday Times Retrieved 15 February 2018 Songs that peep through ears and access heart Daily News Retrieved 15 February 2018 Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away Daily Mirror Retrieved 15 February 2018 Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away he Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka Retrieved 15 February 2018 Veteran Musician Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe passes away Hiru News Retrieved 15 February 2018 Ajantha Ranasinghe s Funeral To Be Held Tomorrow asianmirror Retrieved 15 February 2018 New book from Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe Daily News Retrieved 15 February 2018 Thunpath Rata Sarasavi Bookshop Retrieved 15 February 2018 Thiwanka Rekha Sarasavi Bookshop Retrieved 15 February 2018 Written by Ajantha Ranasinghe sinhalasongbook com Retrieved 15 February 2018 Lyrics of අජන ත රණස හ lklyrics Retrieved 15 February 2018 External links EditAjantha Ranasinghe at IMDb Funeral of Late Ajantha Ranasinghe Filmography as a lyricist President Wishes Songwriter Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe Popular Lyrics Ajantha Ranasinghe shows For Ajantha Ranasinghe අජන ත ග න තවත න ක කත වසර 56කට ප ර කව යට න ඟ ණ අජන ත ග අප රක ශ ත ප රමය Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ajantha Ranasinghe amp oldid 1106314864, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
