ASHAN FERNANDO A DOYEN IN MUSIC ARENA BORN TO COMPOSE MUSIC MELODIES WITH HEREDITARY AFFILATIONS- IN AN EFFERVERSCENT UNBLEMISHED VOYAGE – By Sunil Thenabadu
Ashan Fernado currently a household name in the music arena in Sri Lanka could be named a legend in the field at such a young age. However his younger days had been spent in agony having extremely modest beginnings , survived in a tiny one bedroomed dwelling on three and a half perch land in Rawatawatta where parents Ananda Fernando and Shiromani Mendis had dwelled with their three sons.Father the sole breadwinner had been employed in a furniture shop in Moratuwa as a wooden craftsman. He had evoked that he was paid daily for the work performed which was given to his wife who had spent carefully for domestic needs.
During his younger days the manner Ashan had lived he was reluctant to recap as it was very sorrowfulness past battling many obstacles. Ashan when young had been thinking how to escape from the misery and agony the family was going through. Owing to many constraints faced Ashan and his two brothers were not afforded the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations and objectives. Ashan has added that his family is one that developed from grassroot level. Father Ananda had observed that Ashan had loved music had been striking tins with sticks,,had been very keen to listen to songs in the radio., Father despite financial constraints had bought a mini computer which Ashan had learnt to manipulate making small melodies. Father had thought to tell Ashan how a studio functions had bought a huge piece of glass and a plank to make a small studio in the side of the solitary room. His mother thinking when there was no room to move about in the room had broken the glass without knowing what father was planning to do.
Ashan had attended to Weera Puran Appu Model school up to ordinary level.The first advanced key board had been presented by his Aunt working abroad when he was very young. While in school Ashan recollects when in the fifth standard when the option was made to choose subjects Ashan had selected unanimously music as it was in his blood. Ashan had quipped that at his young age he had dreamt of becoming a music composer and beyond it to be a music director. At the same time Ashan had thought to himself that it is via music he would get out of the woods the family was deeply in. Ashan reminisced that it was his father who had taught him the music codes at the inception .Ashan nevertheless has had doubts as to how he could become a star with his family background living in dire poverty stricken state .Ashan had In the sixth standard he had discussed about composing a song ‘ Nuwan” with four other contemporaries in his class as he was a bit competent in composing with the aid of his computer. His colleagues too were very interested , this song was sung and recorded and presented in the school .teachers’ day which had been the beginning of Ashan’s successful music pathway at the tender age of eleven years while only in the sixth standard. Ashan in a television confrontation reminisced his music teacher Chandani for her able guidance. This Ashan had attributed about this ability to hereditary affiliations to the aptitudes in music his father and grandfather had possessed. Ashan’s father has had the belief of becoming a popular star, as he was not successful he was adamant to make Ashan a star instead Ashan when young had seen him play drums at the church who had been a musician too. Ashan had emulated Father by playing a home made drum after coming from school which had annoyed mother who had even beaten him for making noises while she was resting. The neighbours had enjoyed his music had even come to near the fence to listen. Ashan while attending to scholarly studies had continued his enthusiasm in enhancing and educating himself in music.Ashan had recollected also at a television dialog that while in school he had participated in all island music competitions in vocals and instrumentals and often had triumphed for which Ashan is grateful to his mother for her assistance rendered with her encouragement. Ashan had sung old songs like “Muhudu Pathula Yata Indagena “ and also verses It was Ashan’s mother who always advised Ashan to concentrate of academic studies too.Despite her advise Ashan had been seated at the rear of the class, at the GCE ordinary level had obtained simple passes in all subjects but had obtained a A+ for music.For advanced level had entered Prince of Wales College Moratuwa to study in the commerce stream but had focussed on his music which was in his blood.
Ashan has had the habit of composing music tracks ,had met a lyricist Dilan Gamage who had made lyrics for the song ‘Mata Aithiwela “ for reputed Roshan Fernado .Ashan’s preliminary break was when he was selected by late Sydney Chandrasekera whom Ashan considers as his second father when he was selected to compose the melody for the popular teledrama ‘Prema Dadayama’ produced by the Sirasa Television.This was after he had heard the many beautiful melodies Ashan had made which were accepted by the masses. Ashan had been told to send a melody, the first melody had been accepted by him to Ashan’s delight .The song was sung by Pradeep Rangana.After which Ashan had made many melodies at the request of Sydney Chadrasekera initially for ‘Prema Dadayama 2’.when he was asked to sing in addition to composing melodies also many other programs at Sirasa including children’s programs and teledramas like “Me Adare’, ‘Swapna ’.etc,These Ashan had attributed turned him to a huge turning point in his music career with such a boost for which Ashan is immensely thankful to Sydney Chandrasekera who really groomed Ashan to tall elevations Also in channel TV1 for the drama Saraswathi Chandra the theme song the melody was also of Ashan. When Ashan was young when he requested a toy car valued at Rs 1500/ father had given Rs 1300/ all he had to please Ashan. When Ashan was invited for many concerts possessing a car was essential was conveyed to father..Father without Ashan’s knowledge had sold the small house on three and a half purchase land to buy him his first car.Ashan recollects when he was earning money from concerts particularly singing the song ‘Man Pathanawa’ song they had initially stayed in rented out dwellings while a new house with a studio was erected Ashan reminisces that he had travelled in buses had even taken his first song to media stations by bus. Ashan recollected that his first love was lost owing to his financial status. For her he had compiled a song with lyrics “ Hamuwee Wenwuye Deviyange Theeranayak.
Ashan Fernando had met Kumudi Liyanage his wife when he was only just Ashan had not made a name as a musician. Ashan had seen her face on FaceBook had endeavoured to locate her for many months, later had found she is from Rajagiriya area employed at National Savings Bank Rajagiriya. How Ashan met his present wife Kumudi is very interesting. The duo had initially met at a selected place convenient when they did not known whether the two even matched in height, luckily Ashan was taller. Kumudi was of the belief that Ashan was huge but on viewing found to be matching to her in physique She had even not known Ashan was involved in the music arena. To Ashan, Kumudi was an Anjel then even today she is his Anjel. Ashan was not earning like now but Kumudi was drawing a monthly salary always seemed to help him financially too .But Kumudi had supported him as her wish possessing a rare quality to help anyone. During this era Ashan was determined to find avenues to make melodies which were accepted by media and singers to make this his profession which had become a resounding success.Ashan had recollected that on certain days he had composed music for a dozen songs.Ashan had worked tirelessly making melodies mostly at nights, there had been many days when he was broken rest the entire night.
Ashan had made music melodies for many teledrama theme songs .In one long mega teledrama ‘Sihina Genena Kumariyo’ Ashan had composed about seven hundred songs which is still been telecast on week ends. Kumudi had quipped that while making melodies he could answer his mobile which is a rare talent of his. Kumudi had confirmed that despite his busy daily schedules she was never neglected. There have been instances when Ashan used to talk on music in his dreams which had puzzled Kumudi. Kumudi jokingly added in a television dialog she was not told about that before but Ashan’s mother too had said before marriage too Ashan used to talk in his dreams
Kumudi once had quipped that she would have been happy if she had met Ashan long before.Kumudi possess very inimitable qualities as she loves to assist anyone in numerous ways including financially. There have been instances when Kumudi had seen girls wishing Ashan at concerts for which she has had no jealousy. At concerts many girls stay near Kumudi as they were sure Ashan would come near Kumudi after singing.Unlike many ladies Kumudi whenever girls come to learn music or to record a song she pesters Ashan to oblige, even had given meals with accommodation . In this sense Kumudi is a very rare human being. They had moved very closely for seven long years before marriage trying to understand each other well though there were disparities which were sorted out amicably through tolerance.
Ashan recollects his life in Melbourne when he had been for six months all alone awaiting Kumudi s arrival owing to her visa.Kumudi had lost her job also at the NSB during her process of the application for leave. During his first six months Ashan had felt horrible and lonely.The duo had returned home before completion of their courses. As they were both sick sans living with parents. Ashan had been frightened whether his popularity be post by event organisers and fans .But it was not to be as Ashan had been invited for many concerts almost daily has had moments not to be able to cope with the demand. In year 2019 Ashan had sung a song dedicated to ‘mother’ to the lyrics of Kelum Srimal who had penned them for his mother.While in Australia both Ashan and Kumudi had discussed seriously about composing and singing a song for fathers of the duo titled ‘Thaththa” the lyrics was composed in simple words by his pal Duminda titled Heenaya Thaththa” which was made into video starring both parents which became a huge hit accepted my many. Kumudi also could sing but is shy to sing in front of Ashan.But she endeavour to sing with Ashan’s father.It should be added that Kumudi is loved hugely by Ashan’s parents .she is called duwa not daughter in law as the family consists of three boys only. Ashan had added that without learning his elder younger brother Sheron is a competent musician cleverer than himself should be a popular music composer very soon.The other younger brother is Shehan who is a still a novice photographer still.It is Ashan who now looks after the parents brothers in every aspect.
Ashan is today the most sought after music melody composer and vocalist in the summit of fame.Among the songs Ashan had sung with videos are as follows:
Heenayakkda Me, Man Pathanawa, Daiwe Theeranayak, Lassana Hithak, Saththai, Ammaa, Mama Nathidaka, Me Nihanda Bhawaye,Ahas Maliga, Athharala, Thaththage Aale,Koniththaa, Wen Wenna,Sandawathiye, Heena Kandana Adare, Nura Pem Dase,Thankadi Thama Man, Sihine, Inna Thanaka, Salli, Lassana Lokaye,Mage Es Deka, Ratakin Eha.All these and many other songs could be heard on Ashan Fernando you tube channel, Apple Music with singles & EP’s
Ashan is perhaps the most popular artiste who sings and compose melodies for many individuals, films and teledramas is definitely a household name for all music lovers but remains so simple ,unassuming and very humble. All would wish him to compose and sing many more songs to delight fans.
