eLanka

Thursday, 23 Oct 2025
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • Weekly Events and Advertisements
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Newsletter
  • eLanka Weddings
  • Property
  • eLanka Shop
  • Business Directory
eLankaeLanka
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • Weekly Events and Advertisements
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Follow US
© 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Blog » Articles » Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane
ArticlesSunil Thenabadu

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane

eLanka admin
Last updated: October 28, 2021 8:56 am
By
eLanka admin
ByeLanka admin
Follow:
Share
8 Min Read
SHARE

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane 

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane 

Ever green veteran oldest Sri Lanka’s living vocalist Adihettige Christopher Emmanuel Paul was born on 10th April 1936 as the eldest son of SA Paul who was an ex-serviceman and an employee of Registrar General’s Office from Moratumulla, Moratuwa. Christo as he is fondly called has had his education at St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa. In his senior classes there had been famous Roy de Silva and Freddie Silva. The trio had been famous in wearing wedding attires to ‘gate crash’ wedding parties to eat and drink, then to vanish from the reception halls before getting apprehended. 

His close associates then were renowned musician Patrick Denipitiya, vocalists CD Fonseka, Maurice Dahanayake who were all senior. It was his music teacher in class Francis Perera who had identified his singing talents had advised him to go for Sunil Shantha’s music classes in 1956. Christo had been thrilled as Sunil Shantha had been his favourite singer. The class was held on the first floor of Newton Studio in Maradana.In the meantime Christo had followed a course in motor mechanism at German Technical College in Katubedda which helped him to secure a job at Dias motor garage in Negombo. After the UNP government came into power in the year 1977 he had worked as the Transport Manager of Building Materials Corporation up to year 1994. 

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane 

More Read

Kaleidoscope with Savithri Rodrigo
Nature Betrayed, Checkpoint Charlie & Market News on Kaleidoscope 285 + Escaped Nuns, Diyas Alight
Gotu Kola: Sri Lanka’s Ancient Herb of Healing and Rejuvenation – By Jayadeva de Silva
Most of the prisons we live in are invisible – By Vincentius Liong/Leong

His father SA Paul had loved theatre was a member of Indo Lanka club in Maradana where he had acted for women roles in dramas as those days ladies do not come to theatre. His father’s ambition was to make Christo a singer at the then Radio Ceylon Commercial Service. After successfully passing as a ‘A’ grade singer, his first song recorded was a duet with his younger sister Bernadette who is married to famous Ariyasena Millavithanachchi of the Radio Ceylon. The song was “Veena Vile Meda Olu Male” lyrics by Sarath Wimalaweera while the musical score was by Vernon Perera.It is learned that after which seven or eight songs were sung which had never got popular. 

His Father had insisted he learned motor mechanism. After following a motor mechanism at the German Tech  in Katubedde.Then His Father had got him to work at Tuckers Autodrome  Company. Thereafter had worked at Dias Garage as a supervisor.With his experience he was offered the post of ‘Transport Manager” at the Building Materials Corporation during the RM Premadasa regime. 

In year 1978 ‘Muthu Bello’ in thousands had been washed ashore around Sri Lanka.For the lyrics suggested by Basil M Fernando and music of Vernon Perera the song “Bello Muthu Bellow” was sung which became an instant hit. This was an original tune. Christo had been a lover of western songs.Basil M Fernando had written a song “Pem Loke Pura” to the tune of “Wooden Heart”to the music composition of Patrick Denipitiya. In year 1959 to a restricted ‘Italian tune’ Karunaratne Abeysekera had written lyrics for the song “Ha Mal Pipenne” to the music of PLA Somapala which too became an instant hit even to date. After which a spate of songs were recorded which were instant hits even to date. Bandara K Wijetunga had written lyrics for the popular song “Ruwan Thoran Thana’ sung to the musical score of Shelton Premaratne. For the lyrics of Bandara K Wijethunga and music of Patrick Denipitiya the song “Ude Gedera Punchi Uddayak” which song is requested by many in overseas concerts. A few other songs among many are “Ela Dola Ganga”, ”Katuroda Gammane”, ”Wathura Nala”, ”Rosa Malak Dutuwama”, ”Menika Menika” etc.All these songs are requested by fans during overseas stage shows. 

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane 

During the beginning of the 1960 decade Christo had been called by many as “Gingle Paul” as his voice had been dubbed for Radio Commercials like “Glucorasa Mame”, “Gunasiri Bulto”, ”Cinderella shoes” etc.. 

Despite been such a popular singer Christo had failed to find a girl to marry. To seek God’s help in this regard he had gone to ‘Madhu Church’ sixteen times. Only on the seventeenth visit  in year 1967 after lighting a candle and praying to God he had coincidentally met his future partner ‘fiancé’ inside the ‘Madu Church a girl known to him.’ The lucky lady was beautiful Lilani Gunasekera an old girl of Holy Family Convent Bambalapiya.They had tied the nuptial knot sans any delay on January 6th 1968. They are blessed with a son Sampath and two daughters Sharmila and Harshini. Son Sampath, an executive at Insurance Corporation has inherited father’s vocal talents who could sing father’s songs, is well conversant in lyrics. It is pertinent to mention that Christo at eighty-five years old is in his twilight years presently semi paralysed after a fall with an undissolved blood clot two years ago.She is looked after by her elder daughter Shamila Paul at No 9, Pragathi Mawatha ,Veyangoda 

It needs to be emphasized that Christo was the first singer who had started to sing on political stages for UNP stalwarts under Hon JR Jayewardena and Hon R Premadasa during 1976 -1977 era. Also Christo was the pioneer to record songs in cassettes. The other artistes followed suite afterwards. 

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years – by Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane Christo was a sought-after singer for over five decades, often invited to sing in outdoor and indoor concerts. He has toured to all overseas countries for concerts. 

For his contribution to music the department Cultural Affairs had deservedly with success organized a solo concert “Christo 82” at the Bishops Auditorium where he had to sing twenty-five songs three years ago as his only solo concert. 

Christo in his twilight years since had been hospitalized several times for ageing ailments is currently semi paralysed now confined to wheel chair bed looked after by his elder daughter. His wife Lilani expired about one and half years owing to a chronic heart decease. It should be added that most artistes and his fans do not know about his whereabouts and his current health condition could be reached on his daughter’s mobile 00119470113600.,. 

May God Bless him for a speedy recovery. 

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

More Read

Anselm Perera , , Anselm Perera milestone celebration, 50 years in Oman tribute, Anselm Perera 2025 anniversary, RecoCard for Anselm Perera, Anselm Perera Oman journey, celebrating Anselm Perera, 50 years of dedication in Oman, Anselm Perera achievements,
Anselm Perera Completes Fifty Years in Oman on October 25 2025
KINDER CHRISTIANITY – By Lakshman Navaratne
Brilliant Chamari leads from the front in stunning Sri Lanka comeback win over Bangladesh.  Domino effect leaves Bangladeshis red faced.- BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor).

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years Ever Green legendary Vocalist Christopher Paul is Paralysed , living in his twilight years

Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane 

NB the writer could be contacted via e mail sthenabadu@hotmail.com and on WhatsApp 0061444533242 who had been a very close friend of Christo for about a decade prior to migration. Christo was and is a very genuine humble human being. Presently he is in dire strait financially. Anyone who volunteers’ to help him could contact me on  my e mail or WhatsApp number…Thank you 

TAGGED:Christo 82Christopher Emmanuel PaulChristopher PaulFreddie SilvaJR JayewardenaMoratumullaR PremadasaRoy de Silva
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Trillium Hotels & VIP Residencies transforms the ‘Sunset Years’ Trillium Hotels & VIP Residencies transforms the ‘Sunset Years’
Next Article Randeer reminisces Uncle Maxwell’s ‘ever greens’ - By Sunil Thenabadu  Randeer reminisces Uncle Maxwell’s ‘ever greens’ – By Sunil Thenabadu
FacebookLike
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow
Most Read
10 Pictures With Fascinating Stories Behind Them!

“A PICTURE SPEAKS A 1000 WORDS” – By Des Kelly

Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment

A Life Hack for when we’re Burnt Out & Broken Down – By Uma Panch

Narration of the History of our Proud Ancestral (Orang Jawa) Heritage. by Noor R. Rahim

eLanka Weddings

eLanka Marriage Proposals

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News- By Noel Whittaker

EILEEN MARY SIBELLE DE SILVA (nee DISSANAYAKE) – 29 September 1922 – 6 April 2018 – A Woman of Value an Appreciation written by Mohini Gunasekera

K.K.S. Cement Factory

Dr.Harold Gunatillake’s 90th Birthday party

Sri Lanka's women's cricket squad in Melbourne

Cricket: Sri Lanka’s women’s squad in Melbourne

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Related News
Sri Lanka Sevens rugby soars to number three in Asia.  Hong Kong China and Japan go one-two in Asia after thrilling tournament in Colombo.  - BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor).
Articles Trevine Rodrigo

Sri Lanka Sevens rugby soars to number three in Asia.  Hong Kong China and Japan go one-two in Asia after thrilling tournament in Colombo.  – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE.  (eLanka Sports Editor).

Sri Lanka economic recovery 2025
Articles Dr Harold Gunatillake

The current government is working hard to build a bright future for everyone. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake

Sri Lanka Malays
Articles

A Brief History of the Sri Lanka Malays. – By Noor Rahim

University of West London
Articles

University of West London opens firs UK branch Campus in Sri Lanka

Festival of Lights , Celebrating Diwali
Articles

US Joins Canada, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka in Celebrating Diwali as a Global Indian Festival of Lights Uniting Cultures Worldwide

  • Quick Links:
  • Articles
  • DESMOND KELLY
  • Dr Harold Gunatillake
  • English Videos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sinhala Videos
  • eLanka Newsletters
  • Obituaries
  • Tamil Videos
  • Dr. Harold Gunatillake
  • Sunil Thenabadu
  • Sinhala Movies
  • Trevine Rodrigo
  • Michael Roberts
  • Tamil Movies

eLanka

Your Trusted Source for News & Community Stories: Stay connected with reliable updates, inspiring features, and breaking news. From politics and technology to culture, lifestyle, and events, eLanka brings you stories that matter — keeping you informed, engaged, and connected 24/7.
Kerrie road, Oatlands , NSW 2117 , Australia.
Email : info@eLanka.com.au / rasangivjes@gmail.com.
WhatsApp : +61402905275 / +94775882546

(c) 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.