Kithsiri Jayasekera. A renowned singer, reciter, musician, vocal trainer, career commenced in the early decade of 1990.After 15 years tenure in Canada the duo are back in Sri Lanka – By Sunil Thenabadu
Image Source : Kithsiri Jayasekara linkedin Profile
Kithsiri Jayasekera third sibling among seven was born to parents, father a prominent businessman J.P. Vincent Jayasekera and mother a W.D Siriyawathie a teacher in a small town Hettipola located within Paduwasnuwara in the Kurunegala district in year 1967 had attended three schools Hettipola Junior school and later at Mayurapada Madya Maha Vidyalaya Narammala, later studied for advanced level at Kuliyapitiya Madhya Maha Vidyalaya. .In all schools Kithsiri had taken part in singing and concerts with keen fascination . In year 1977 Kithsiri had been adjudicated as the winner in all island schools singing competition at which he had received the award from Visharada Neela Wickremasinghe.
He recollects it was his father who taught him to sing on stage sans stage freight. After leaving school Kithsiri had entered the hotel field as a trainee hotelier while he also had been a member of a musical band in Kelaniya along with some friends. In year 1994 he was compelled to take a gigantic pronouncement whether to remain in the hotel trade or to commence a career in music which was in his blood with hereditary affiliations to his parental duo. When Kithsiri had tendered his resignation to the CEO Bobby Adams of the Adams hotel school. He had reluctantly accepted his resignation saying his decision is not appropriately taken with your personality but had conveyed to him that he is welcome back if his wish to become a musician flops. At his dwelling there had been a huge music environment as it was a place where many used to gather as father was a well-known businessman, who himself and mother could sing well. This is how Kithsiri had developed his initial musical instincts.
Kithsiri’s major triumph in his musical journey began when he sang his maiden song in year 1995 decade titled “Ginimalak” to the lyrics jointly penned by Keerthi Ariyadasa and Dhamma Dissanayaka based on an incident the duo had faced in the university. The music composition was also by a relatively novice musician Lalith Wickremaratne. This song was instantly accepted by many music factions Kithsiri recollects Senesh Dassanayake of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation had played this song in the program ‘Yathra’ which boosted his image .Kithsiri was oozing with talent hence continued in the same vein in making new songs on diverse topics with lyrics from a variety of lyricists. All songs this composed and sung became instant hits. Kithsiri made his initial guest appearance as a solo singer on several television and radio shows in Sri Lanka beginning with his song “Ginimalak” subsequently with hits such as “Cinderella”, “Meepani Rahasak”, “Ameesha”, and “Ketima Keti Kathawak” building him a large fan base in the country. His first album comprised of all the above songs. Thereafter for popular Hindi tunes vibrant lyricist Kelum Srimal had made appropriate lyrics for many songs .Kithsiri had released his next album with these songs which became a sell-out lifting his popularity to an unprecedented tall heights.
It should be reminisced that an invitation was extended to Kithsiri by legendary Jackson Anthony to reproduce old Sinhala hits duetting with his beloved wife Kumari Munasinghe.These songs sung in many television channel programs and musical concerts became popular accepted by all audiences which added by leaps and bounds to Kithsiri’s already rank as a vocalist boosting and propelling his popularity . The listeners were elated listening to the old hits backed by a skilled oriental orchestra. The renowned musician and adjudicator of reality competitions Nadeeka Guruge had informed Kithsiri that many contestants who wanted to sing difficult creations were used to select Kithsiri’s songs to propel them upwards. After year 2004 Kithsiri had been concentrating on new creations as he always wished to make songs with diverse music genres to give viewers and fans a healthier deal. Kithsiri had been chosen to be an adjudicator for many music reality and other musical competitions as his music knowledge was at a high standard . After initial rounds in a reality competition in Sri Lanka Kithsiri had adjudicated the reality contest ‘London Star’ in the United Kingdom. The Some other song albums of Kithsiri were ’Meepeni Rahasak’, “Cinderella Geetha Ekathuwa’, ‘Ketima Keti Kathawak’ which included our traditional songs ,the albums were released before the family left Sri Lankan shores having got permanent residence status in Canada in year 2012 under senior lecturer category for the experience of Upekha. Some other songs that were released in CD’s earlier were ‘Nil Ahasa Kelaware’, ‘Rangadaraya’, ‘Nawith Ahasata’,’Bindu Bindu’,’Pem Kawak’,Gini Malak’,Meepani Rahasak’,’Kemeliya’,’Kaha Kirilli’,’Gangulak Wage Avidin’,’Pem Kawak Liyanawa’,”Oya Es Piyana’, ‘Kemaliya Mal’,’Oba Giyath’,’Sanda Re Sihine’,’Nelume Arune’, ‘Sandakomaliya Sina Salana’,”Veenawa Ko Obe’,’Sihiniga Pana Nage’,”Sanda Re Sihine’. Also ‘Malpara’ CD with sons Savindu and Chavindu.The lyricists of these songs were by famous lyricists Upul Shantha Sanasgala,Kavindya Jayasekera, Saman Chandranath Weerasinghe, Upali Ariyaratne,Preethi Randeniya,Bandula Nanayakkarawasam,Ratna Sri Wijesinghe.John de Silva,Dhamma Dissanayake, Kumara Liyanage etc while the music compositions were by stalwarts Ananda Perera,Rohana Weerasinghe,Samantha Perera, Rohana Beddage,Mahinda Bandara,Sangeeth Wickremasinhe,Ajith Kumarasiri,Priyantha Direx,Arnie Peuris all well-documented proficient musicians. It should be reminisced that with his own songs and old Sinhala songs Kithsiri had performed his solo concert ‘Kithsara’ which was in hugely demand. Kithsiri had sung in many overseas music concerts in Australia, England, France, Middle East, and many other European countries.
Kithsiri been an adjudicator in many music reality contests and other musical competitions in national and international music competitions. Had made his initial guest appearance as a solo singer on several stages in television and radio channels. His first song was ‘Ginimalak” which was an instant hit. while the second song ‘’ Cinderella”,’ also a sensation, thereafter, were the songs titled ‘Meepani Rahasak’ ”Ameesha’,”Ketima Keti Kathawak, all of which were instant conquers by which the name of Kithsiri Jayasekera became domestic accustomed term
Eldest brother Nandasiri Pushpakumara Jayasekera deceased when he was 60 years old, was a businessman. Other siblings are Rupa Kumara Jayasekera is another brother a deputy commissioner general at the Inland revenue. One other brother was Keerthi Kumara Jayasekera worked in Oman. Another brother was Dinasiri Sisira Kumara Jayasekera who is an executive at the Sri Lanka Investment Board , Dayasiri Jayasekera the famous politicians was his younger brother Only Sister was the second among the siblings a teacher in a Kurunegala school – Sriyani Kumari Jayasekera
Upekha had watched Kithsiri’s song “Ginimalak” in the television in the SLRC program “Yathra” when she was a third year university student had been overwhelmed by his singing had told her brother’s wife this guy possesses a deep ‘pirimi’ voice but is pity he has long hair tied, should undoubtedly have a prodigious future . Upekha had seen Kithsiri after about three years at Savusiripaya Studio performing a recording with Ananda Perera’s ‘Siha Shakthi’ band when Upeka had arrived also for a recording was in the control room while Kithsiri was in the opposite recording side. Of course Kithsiri was distracted seen her wearing a saree the very pleasant pleasing looking Upekha having a ‘Kerala’ beautiful girl. The eyes of the duo had been focussed, after Kithsiri strode to the control room area Jayantha Ratnayake had introduced to him as Upekha Gandogawila.Upekha had reminisced it was that guy who sang ‘Ginimalak’ song with long hair tied. From then Kithsiri had commenced searching who this Upekha was.Kithsiri had found that it was she who acted for ‘Selalihiniya’ at the SLRC as the dancing prodigy. This opportunity she had received via Lucian Bulathsinghala who was her class mate Indrachapa’s father. But this invitation was after Upekha had performed a dance act under Budawatta academy at SLRC’s seventh anniversary in year 1988 for a documentary as the SLRC’s ‘Selalihiniya”. When this was telecast many had asked Lucian Bulathsinghala whether she was his daughter when he had replied no my daughter’s classmate at Anula Vidyalaya. On searching vigorously Upekha, Kithsiri had been overwhelmed by viewing her cover pages. For a SLRC program the producer had invited Kithsiri to find a girl as it was a program involving couples. Kithsiri had immediately thought of Upekha although another girl was suggested to him.Kithsiri was reluctant to ask Upekha as she was a university lecturer. When he asked her she had told over the phone ‘ Mr Jayasekera I will think of it.’ The next day been over enthusiastic had called again.She had kept the receiver and stayed for long. Kithsiri knowing the reply was negative had kept the receiver had informed the Rupavahini authorities his inability to participate. Thereafter for a ‘Ranaviru’ Sevana’program Kamini had invited Kithsiri for which Upekha too was invited. Kithsiri had attended with a guy in the boarding in Kelaniya a very fair guy who looked a foreigner who was introduced to Upekha’s clan as a German national.When Kithsiri was singing he had shouted ‘Niyamai Machang’, ‘thawa ekak’ which was a puzzle to Upekha’s fraternity present Thereafter for a project in Kekirawa Kithsiri had made Upekha to be invited for which she had attended with her brother. With these regular meetings Upekha had become a close friend of Kithsiri. After a cassette releasing program of Senanayake Weraliyadde Upekha with her troupe had made the dance items for which Kithsiri also had been present. At the end as a close friend Upekha had offered a lift to Kithsiri to his boarding dwelling in Kelaniya.This was time that Upekha was receiving many proposals which were made known to Kithsiri. When they were travelling Upekha was relating about a proposal that was not acceptable as it did not agree to her family .At that time the vehicle was approaching Kelaniya boarding dwelling of Kithsiri, he had confessed his love and willingness by holding her hands in front of her friend and got off the vehicle. It was revealed that Kithsiri had fallen ill after his proclamation of love. After a few days over the phone Upekha had spoken at length with Kithsiri posing many questions as she was one who did not like to break the marriage at any cost. Upekha who had attained this position after a huge toil and sacrifice hence needed to continue in the same disposition did not like to curtail her journey. For this Upekha needed Kithsiri’s consent which was foremost for her in marriage. Both Kithsiri and Upekha believed in true astrology one hundred percent hence it was essential that the two horoscopes too agreed .Upekha confessed that Kithsiri had expected a negative answer from Upekha on marriage. Kithsiri tied the nuptial knot with Upekha Gangodawila the reputed dancing exponent and educator whom he had described Upekha as his ‘perfect match’ after several years watching him sing “Ginimalak’.
Upekha had been a had been a native of Nugegoda, while her mother a native of Ratnapura had lived in Airforce quarters in the beginning as her father was an Airforce officer later domiciled in Battaramulla Pelawatta when the family had built a house later on a plot of land purchased. Upekha is the third sibling having two elder brothers. Her mother having been employed at the Tower Hall Foundation has had adequate knowledge and value of art having seen the triumphs of many artistes. Upekha had admitted that it was her mother who had wanted Upekha to excel in this field knowing its merit and repercussions , hence it was her mother who wanted Upekha to become an artiste as she possessed an innate talent for dancing. Upekha had revealed that it was her mother who was her first teacher in dancing. The second brother with whom she has had close rapport had expired when he was sixteen years old. Upekha had added in a television dialog that she had grown under many restrictions because she was fair and a very good looking girl too. She was educated at the Lindsay Balika Vidyalaya in Bambalapitiya up to ordinary level later for her higher studies at Anula Vidyalaya where she had excelled in many types of dancing styles, from where she had entered the Kelaniya University for advanced education. Upekha’s first exposure she recollects had been when she was around five years old. Her mother had been staunch member of the welfare society at the Royal Ceylon Air Force at which she had taken the responsibility in organizing a stage play ‘Diththa Mangalika’ at which one item was a ‘paddy dance’ for which her mother had selected her to portray for the song “Ranwan Karalin Pesila” along with some girls of her age. At Anula Vidyalaya Upekha had involved in dancing learning the basics but at her age of thirteen her mother knowing her aptitude for dancing had enrolled her at the Kulasiri Budawatta dance academy to learn ‘Udarata Narthanaya” from the Budawatta duo. and low country ‘Narthanaya she had learnt under another dance academy, while in the Kelani University she had learnt scientific dancing deeply from senior lecturers. With periodic learning is how Upekha was able to be a dance celebrity by which she had been appointed a ‘dance lecturer’ in the same university thereafter to be the head of Sri Palee Campus in the Colombo University until her migration with permanent residence status to Canada. Upekka had applied for PR status to Canada while she was on study leave for her PhD.Upekha was not in agreement with the changes that were happening at Universities with politics coming into play. The reason was as the free education system was becoming politicised thinking of the future of their sons Savindu and Chavinduj who were attending International schools were 12 and 8 years old.then.Upekha did not want the sons to study further in an environment that was not conducive to her thoughtful
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Upekha is mentally very strong had added a mother is like the EARTH should be able to sacrifice, any two to marry should be able to match the features that do not agree to make a marriage successful identifying these limitations. She had quipped that she was tyring to identify the qualities that did not match.Now she admits the duo cannot live without each other. Kithsiri had said Upeka is his ‘Perfect Match’ been a mother , sister and mate.
Upekha is a strict disciplinarian who owned a dancing troupe.All parents of the girls in the troupe very willingly allowed them to participate as there was strict discipline , had allowed the girls to participate sans any hassle as they were very safe with Upekha. Once she had been requested by a television channel to perform on stage with all girls to sport attires exposing their physiques for which Upekha had refused instantly and told to invite another group saying to that producer ‘would you like your sister, mother or wife exposing their physiques and moving around.’
The family with Permanent Residency status with a job in the same field for Upekha migrated to Canada when the two sons were 12 and 8 years old.The sons did not realise that the duo could find difficult to cope with their studies as the were educated in International schools conversant in the English vernacular. Upekha knew it would be not an easy task for Kithsiri to get adopted as he would be drastically devoid of his fan fraternity .But the duo had planned their future life had sent via a container all costumes, drums , related books and other equipment required for her proposed dance troupe to be formed in Canada after settling down. Also for expecting Kithsiri to conduct poruwa ceremonies in weddings equipment like ‘Sesaths” were also shipped. As time progressed the ‘poruwa ceremony’ invention became very popular as this facility was very welcome for weddings of Sinhalese families living abundantly in Canada. While Upekha was away day time involved with her university responsibilities it was Kithsiri who had looked after the home chaos and studies of sons. At the beginning it was Kithsiri who walked to school with the sons.Kithsiri had soon commenced classes to teach the ;guitar’ and voice training and classes on ‘Janasangeethaya’ which gathered momentum instantaneously .Along with Upekha the duo commenced an academy for music and dancing which was instantaneously patronised by young girls and boys.
In Canada the family lived like typical Sri Lankans consuming rice and curry speaking in the Sinhala linguistic.The sons were brought up with Buddhist traditions had even memorised the three ‘Suthras’ had even understood the meanings and learnt meditation. The foursome followed Buddhist precepts and teachings of Lord Buddha to highest elevations. The sons were never given electronic devices until they were over twenty years old after which they were supplied with i pads At present when the parental duo returned to Sri Lanka after fifteen years the elder son Savindu had passed out from the university as an Engineer is in the late twenties while the second son Chavindu is twenty three years old following also a university degree course. Both sons have been brought with high Sinhalese Buddhist values who could chant all three ‘Suthras’ by heart for which the parental duo is very pleased and highly contented . At a television dialog it was revealed that the sons had translated the meanings of the ‘Suthras’ to English, in a successful endeavour to fulfill a request of the parental duo.
Kithsiri and Upekha duo have returned to motherland after fifteen years intend continuing the professions they had established themselves by the time they migrated as the desire to educate the sons was fulfilled. All fans would wish Kithsiri and Upekha good health and longevity to continue in their respective established vocations in same vein.
