A special ceremony titled “Subhawita Githaye Situvarayano… Abhinandabhishekaya of Dr. Victor Rathnayake” was held on February 24 in Colombo to honour the outstanding contribution of Victor Rathnayake to Sri Lanka’s music industry. The event was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the programme was organized to recognize Dr. Rathnayake’s invaluable service to Sri Lankan music spanning more than six decades.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Amarasuriya said she has long been an admirer of Dr. Rathnayake and described the occasion as a deeply joyful and historic moment for her. She noted that his music had played a major role in nurturing her love for the Sinhala language and appreciation of artistic expression.
She recalled that the first musical concert she attended as a child was Dr. Rathnayake’s famous solo concert “Sa”, which remains one of the most frequently staged solo musical performances in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister said songs such as “Kurullanta Gee Gayanna Obe Kata Handa Denna” and “Sangava Ganu Mena Sonduriya” reflected love with rare beauty and subtlety, while his musical creations demonstrated the power of music and language to transport listeners into a different world.
She also highlighted the message of harmony conveyed through his music, noting that songs created for films such as “Sarungale” introduced audiences to the beauty of cultural diversity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya said that many important moments in the lives of Sri Lankans are closely connected with the songs of Dr. Rathnayake, describing him as a priceless treasure to the nation.
She also extended her best wishes for good health and long life to Dr. Rathnayake, who celebrated his 84th birthday on February 18.
