A multitude of triumphs of multifaceted Deshabandu Srimath Indarajith Liyanage – By Sunil Thenabadu
Srimath Indarajit Liyanage carries on the gigantic legacy of his father late veteran Gunadasa Liyanage’s triumphs leaft behind his terrific legacy.Father a native of Bulathsinhala while mother Chandralatha a native of Horana as had been editor of the newspapers and journals Riviresa, Lankadeepa, Davasa, Sathdina, Sinha Kodiya, Kalpana, Dashaka and Sivdesa,was forced to dwell in Mirihana. Mother Chandralatha Liyanage who too was a scholar , an educationist, lecturer, and author who published many books for children. She was the author of the Grade 5 Government Sinhala textbook and part of the educationists cum panel who compiled other Government Sinhala textbooks. It was a emotional moment of Gu-li as he was fondly christened was also the author of many biographies, novels, children’s books, collections of poetry, critiques and translations. Some of his most memorable works are Dona kamalawathi, Mulu hadin mama eyata pem kota, Theveni sil padaya nokadami, Sith santhosin guwanedi bendi hada and Ko mage daruwo. Three of the siblings have evidently grasped Father’s affiliated legacy. The eldest daughter a paediatrician, Upeksha, Srimath ,Vajira and Chethana.All barring the eldest sibling are following the legendary father’s footsteps. Although Chethana with her photogenic charm was a news anchor at Sirasa for two decades the memories of legendary scribe were continued to an extremely larger magnitude by Srimath which need to be unfolded having performed overwhelmingly well over the past two decades in a multitude of unbelievable accomplishments
Srimath has had his primary education at Ananda Sastralaya Kotte, having triumphed in the fifth standard scholarship examination had entered to Nalanda College Colombo 10 where Srimath had concentrated more on sport than academics been a prominent soccer player However had entered Sri Jayewardenepura University to follow a degree in media and mass communication. Thereafter had followed many diploma courses also related to Mass Media as his intention was to be involved in media He reminisces the Professors Sunil Ariyaratne, AV Suraweera and Tissa Kariyawasam who had guided him learning the media discipline to who he is truly indebted Srimath had confessed to the media that from younger days he has had the ‘UNA’ ( fever) to become a prominent media personnel for which he had made endeavours in searching them with utmost enthusiasm Following father’s footsteps Srimath had commenced a career as a novice announcer at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation to be trained under stalwart heavy weights HM Gunasekera, Cyril Rajapakse,Lalith S Maithripala and Palitha Perera. Later Srimath had successfully presented as a novice numerous programmes such as Wasantha Sandella, Saraswathie Mandapaya etc. at the SLBC Soon after Srimath had proceeded to dominate in Television.Theatre,Cinema, Journalism, Dubbing, Announcing, Vocals and as a colossal Literary giant authoring nearly fifty books in different genera well recognized by Sri Lankans
Srimath has been a renowned television presenter for many programmes such as ‘Ayubowan’, ‘Subha Udesanak’, ‘Eheta Kanata’ and ‘Gee Hatha’ at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and Kalarasanga, ‘Komala Reka’,’Vini Wida’ and ‘Suraksha Sandella’ on International Television network programmes as ‘Sawanata Geemadu ‘,on TNL television ‘Sawanata Gee Madu’, concurrently on MTV channel ‘Alakamandawa’ via the help of Harold Wijesinghe.Then Srimath had got invitation to join FM(Frequency Modulation) radios like ‘Isura’.’Max’.’Derana’, ‘Swarnavahini’.As a free lance media personnel Srimath had worked in so many TV channels, FM radio channels Srimath says if one possess talent in abundance need not be afraid of the job.Srimath in a television dialog had reminisced his association with legendary Premakerthi de Alwis to whom Srimath had been introduced as he had left Nalanda College introduced him to SLBC Old Nalandian renowned Karunaratne Abeysekera Soorin had introduced to Premakeerthi who like ’Ratnasabapathi Mandalaya’ had given small roles in his programs. However Srimath quipped also in a television dialog Premakeerthi had been subjected to political victimization been transferred to Ruhunu Sevaya, Rajarata Sevaya disturbing his equilibrium. Srimath reminisced a saying of Premakeerthi, ‘Putha you may call a dog ‘Mahattaya’ but do not call a ‘Mahattya a ‘dog’.Srimath had recollected many such interesting stories of Premakeerthi. The ability of Premakeerthi to pen lyrics to a song instantly on cover of cigarette pact was unbleivable.Like ‘Taru Aththka Pan Hindakin Adaraya. Liya Liya”,,’Aluth Kalawak’, Paan Kiriththa etc.
Dubbing for popular TV programmes, however, is at the bottom of the long line of activities in the life of Srimath Indrajith Liyanage. Far more important are his roles as an announcer, actor, writer and artist – artist? Yes. He paints too held an exhibition of paintings too. Where does he find the time for all this, especially while working as the Media Executive for the Tsunami Housing Reconstruction Unit?. For once, he is lost for words. Could all this be possible due to the blessings and support of a loving partner and family? Of course definitely.
Moving on to describe the programme ‘Patikiriya’, conducted by him for the Commercial Service of the SLBC Indrajith in this live programme had interviewed a wide variety of prominent personalities in the country, ranging from religious figures to politicians, to artists, singers and composers.
The programme is like Larry King’s interviews and Indrajith reveals that a lot of hard work goes into each programme because intense research is done as “behind the screen” researches. He calls the programs “open conversations” where those who are summoned to sit on the “hot seat” do not know what questions were to be fired at them.
The book, launched on December 12,2004 with the same name as the title, will feature these interviews, and provide interesting reading for those who would like to recall what they listened to, on SLBC and for those who missed listening to it, when the program was aired on Sundays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Srimath is well renowned for announcing and presenting many programs of vivid genres, musical shows, temples, felicitation or whatever Srimath is a rare person who never forgets the gratefulness and appreciations to legends Srimath has presented all commemorative ceremonies of legendary Gamini Fonseka from year one today on 30th March. He had stated that most people are time servers who forget the manner they came up to stardom which according to Srimath is a catastrophe. Srimath is one who observes the Buddhist precept ‘Mudita” who is thrilled and happy to hear and view the good deeds of all, a quality which all human beings should possess. But Srimath had quipped most of us unfortunately do not retain such gratitude mainly the artistes…
Srimath had also acted in many movies such as ‘Rajya Sevaya Pinisai’, ‘Kiri Kadulu’, ‘Sonduru Dadabima,’ ‘Ma Go Di Go Di’, ‘Paya Enna Hiru Se’, ‘Hadawatha Mal Yayai’, ‘’Piyabanna Asai’, ‘Asal Wesiyo’, ‘Panchayudha’ and ‘Senehebara Dolly’. Few of his teledrama castings were with ‘Hima Keta Malaya’ and ‘Rakawaranaya’.Been a ‘Jack of Many Trades’ he had excelled as a dubbing artiste in Praveena, (Rishab Balaji) Harry Potter, The Lord of the Ring, Spirit and Bay Watch programmes.
Srimath’s ambition from his childhood was to be an actor. But the fate directed him somewhere, keeping him unblemished in the field of media. He persevered never to let his yearning die in his heart.He had acted in many films such as Rajya Sevaya Pinisai, Le Kiri Kandulu and Sonduru Dadabima. Ma Go Di Go Di is his latest contribution.
“When we entered the field of media, we had a huge responsibility as announcers towards the society which he did his best to set forth the mission. Unfortunately, we must admit that today’s announcers do not know what their legitimate responsibility is”.
They just talk without much care about the too, they speak of and they take little consideration and attention of what they are speaking about. It’s very rare to find a qualified announcer in the field today, most of the younger generation announcers are like chatter boxes and talking like parrots not impressive at all.
Srimath’s sheer intention was to produce a competent set of announcers through high quality training before they enter the field. He tried his best to do that through his ‘Katahanda’ announcers training programme. The veteran media personality he is now a gigantic figure in the field having nearly thirty years of experience who has been properly trained under many qualified media personnel initially.
He is delighted to produce a book on announcing for the first time in Sri Lanka. Apart from Muhunata Muhuna, he has also written about fifty books v.i.z.,Peeli Panina Naharawel a collection of lyrics and poems, ‘Tsunami Sapaya’, ‘Patikiriya’, ‘Panhindaka’ ‘Sanhinda’ and a story book for children titled ‘Raththaran Amma’.
He had set another landmark in his aesthetic life in February a few years back at Lumbini theatre. The launching of his latest book ‘Arumasi Katahanda’ on announcing, also giving away of certificates to his students who studied at his Katahanda announcers training centre. It was a delightful occasion filled with music and dances by veteran musicians and dancers.
His latest book Arumasi Katahanda illustrates on the expertise in the field such as Karunaratne Abeysekera, Ariyadasa Peiris, H. M. Gunasekera, Lalith S. Maithreepala, Cyril Rajapakse, Hudson Samarasinghe, Palitha Perera, Berty Galahitiyawa, Nanda Jayamanna, Gemunu Wijesuriya, Newton Gunaratne and Sumana Nellampitiy, Wijaya Corea,Titus Thotawatta,Newton Gunaratne having presented to them copies at the same occasion Malini Fonseka, Hasantha Hettiarchchi, Harendra Jayalal, Jackson Anthony JH Jayawardena, Prabha Ranasinghe Kingsley Ratnayake and many others were given awards. This is a very rare gesture by an individual which really should have been done by the state.
Srimath Liyanage popular television, music and literary personality in year 2008 was appointed Media Director of the Sirilaka Praja Shanthi Foundation which has organized a series of projects with international assistance. Several social projects have been launched in several countries under the guidance of the Foundation’s Founder Director General Ven. Olukande Revatha Thera.Srimath has been at the helm of the ‘Katahanda Kedare’ for twenty five years remains unchallenged
Founder and owner of ‘Katahanda Media Foundation’ Srimath trains media personalities, as at date he had trained over thousands some are occupying high positions in media institutions. Veteran media personality Srimath has effectively interviewed Dr Pandit Amaradeva on various occasions over television and radio. These conversations are now available on DVD format free of charge. For more information visit www.srimathliyanage.com.
Srimath is also hugely engaged in community welfare to celebrate his birthday on December 11 yearly. In a previous year about 100 financially unstable families were offered dry rations and stationery at Katahanda Media Centre, Buvanekaba Mawatha, Mirihana. Had freed 100 birds while, three cows destined to death were freed. For every birthday celebration he lavishly spends money provide cakes and short eats to the invitees and makes it a point to invite a minister of the parliament to grace the occasion as the chief guest On other birthday celebrations Srimath conducts ‘Savanata Gee Madu at “Sanhinda Sihina Paradeshiya’ close to the Jubilee post where a variety entertainment is presented starring popular vocalists and dances, while his book launches are too made where valuable books are distributed free.
Srimath has outshone in dubbing
Srimath Indrajith Liyanage has earned audience acclaim for his dubbing roles in ‘Mayavarunge Lokaya’. He also lent his voice for ‘Praveena’ telefilm. He dubbed the voice for Rishab Balagi for more than five years. Liyanage has also dubbed for several other teledramas such as Brave, Spy Kids, Lord of the Rings, Bay watch, Spirit, Oshin and Shanthi.
Srimath has won awards for his dubbing in ‘Hariyatama’ Re 12 , ‘Makarage Dadayama’, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Maruthe Nivahana’ broadcast over the radio. The Sinhala films he worked as a dubbing artiste include ‘Aba’, ‘Mago Digo Die, Hadawatha’ Mal Yayai, ‘Sonduru Dadabima’ and ‘Pujaneeyai Adare’ acting role in Lekiri Kandula’
The Katahanda Media Centre, headed by veteran announcer Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, has taken steps to distribute a DVD documentary on Dr Lester James Peries free of charge in year 2018
The DVD contains the television programmes of Dr Peries. The programmes include MTV Alakamandava, TNL Savanata Gee Madhu and Jathika Rupavahini ‘Ayubowan’ Programmes. Anyone interested in obtaining the DVD may write to Deshabandu Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, Katahanda Founder, 55, Buwanekaba Mawatha, Mirihana, Nugegoda or ring 0773749767.The Katahanda Media Centre, headed by veteran announcer Deshabandu Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, has taken steps to distribute a DVD documentary on Dr Lester James Peries free of charge.
The DVD contains the television programmes of Dr Peries. The programmes include MTV Alakamandava, TNL Savanata Gee Madhu and Jathika Rupavahini Ayubowan Programme.The ‘Katahanda Media Centre’, headed and led by veteran announcer Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, has taken steps to distribute a DVD documentary on Dr Lester James Peries free of charge.
Anyone interested in obtaining the DVD may write to Deshabandu Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, Katahanda Founder, 55, Buwanekaba Mawatha, Mirihana, Nugegoda or ring 0773749767.The Katahanda Media Centre, headed by veteran announcer Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, has taken steps to distribute a DVD documentary on Dr Lester James Peries free of charge.The DVD’s contains the television programmes of Dr Peries. The programmes include MTV Alakamandava, TNL Savanata Gee Madhu and Jathika Rupavahini Ayubowan Programme. Sri Lanka’s first announcing course founded by Srimath Indrajith Liyanage completed 20 years on August 1 2024. The course has introduced a cream of announcers to the country.
A special blessing ritual to coincide with the 20th anniversary was held at the Dalada Maligawa on August 1 at 10 am. A host of popular artistes and the Katahanda alumni took part in this event. The workshop to enhance the oratorical skills also be held at the Mirihana branch of Katahanda on August 4 and 5 2024.
The latest collection of romantic poetry, authored by Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, titled as Akasmika Adaraya was launched at the Shangri-la Hotel on February 14 2025.The English translation as well as the DVD version of the collection was also launched at the event.
The collection contains 50 poems flanked by erotic illustrations. Srimath Indrajith Liyanage, Damayanthi Weerawardena and Stephni will perform romantic dances.
Srimath had made many impressive speeches at many television programs. What comes to the author of this article the manner Srimath described the masterpieces of Professor Dayaratna Ranathunga where words just floored from his lips which stunned the audience and the viewers. This is another feather to the already decorated cap of Deshabandu Srimath Indrajith Liyanage a sort of individual is hard to find.Srimath in a television dialog added if “Jeewithaya Malak Nam ehi Upatha ADARE”
