MANURANGA WIJESEKERA SOUGHT AFTER BROADCASTER, LYRICIST, PLAYWRITTER WITH RIGID FOUNDATION FOR INDELIBLE IMPRINT TO CLIMB TO SUMMIT OF FAME – By Sunil Thenabadu
In native Sri Lanka it is natural for a lyricist to become broadcaster. Like so many, Manuranga too dominates in both fields clearly dominates, capturing audiences combining several pieces of information using logic to determine the depths of the artistes. As a lyricist Manuranga has qualities of openness, individuality ,curiousness, artistic, innovative, imaginative, value, variety , social responsibility having a general concern for all in abundance.
Wijesekera Mudiyanselage Sugeeswara Manuranga Wijesekera acknowledged as Manuranga Wijesekera is renowned predominantly for his triumphs as a lyricist having won an award initially for the song ‘ RAMBARI ’ sung by his close friend Lahiru Perera while he was sharing the same room with him in Singapore. His father Sarath Wijesekera hailed from Boralanda,Welimada studied in S.Thomas’ Gurutalawa and Mt Lavinia is a graduate of the Peradeniya University hence loves art, perhaps Manuranga may have inherited via hereditary affiliations for been interested in this field.He had been employed at prestigious Bank of Ceylon for nearly four decades had retired after an illustrious banking career as a Senior Manager.His Mother had been a housewife a native of Mawanella having connections extending to Kandy too, had lived in Malabe area in his teenage days.At home to Manuranga had been a peaceful and happy location having autonomy to watch television till late nights sans much red tape bureaucratic restrictions. His younger brother after his post graduate qualifications is living in his preferred overseas location Sweden with his family doing a lucrative profession.
Manuranga has had his early education initially at Asoka Vidyalaya Borella and then at Ananda College,Colombo where his had not excelled in any field has had only a basic education .Manuranga had not participated in any sports but follows cricket playing in streets , his favourite cricketers had been Roshan Mahanama ,Aravinda, Chaminda Vaas. Malinga ,Nuwan Kulasekera while in today’s players likes Pathum Nissanka ,Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Manuranga has had his higher studies in hotel management and tourism undergone in reputed hotel school in Singapore ‘Nanyang Institute of Management’ (NIM) . On completing the course had worked as a Management Trainee in Hilton Singapore.It had been during this era Manuranga had met Lahiru Perera who had come to Singapore and requested to share his room, having come to enhance his knowledge in Music.It was initially contributed lyrics to the music melodies of Lahiru Perera like ‘Rambari’, Lambendiye. Sudu Gawme Eyi Mada thevarune. and Desinpe. In a television dialogue Manuranga who had penned all the lyrics added how the words for ‘Rambari’ had emerged when another room mate Mahinda from Matale area wanted a few lines to be sent to a girl who had not given him consent. The first few lines that had come to Manuranga instantly and logically were’ Kannadi Demmoth Ne Heda Wade, Kawda Meka Benddoth Ne Huta Pate, Lorry Bage Dunnoth Ne huta Pate,Mehema Katak Dekketh Nehe Me Rate’. Having heard these lyrics Lahiru had said these lines are good for a 6/8 time music song. Manuranga believes that from someone above in nature gives him strength to make lyrics as they come to him instantly and naturally. After Lahiru returned to Sri Lanka Manuranga had simultaneously come home on a holiday, during which time the ‘Rambari’, song was released to which had many accolades ,criticisms with an equal amount of brick bats. This had prompted Manuranga to pursue a career a lyricist as requested by Lahiru, Gyan and band boys of ‘Daddy’. Manuranga believes he may have inherited art from lineage. Manuranga in his career to date as a lyricist confesses, he is predominantly offered opportunity mostly to add words to the music composition as he did initially for the four melodies of songs of Lahiru Perera.
Manuranga had disclosed that it was Lahiru Perera and Gyan Perera who had been in the forefront of this exercise in advising him to be in this field as he had abundant of talent instead of returning to Singapore to pursue his higher education in hotel management which he had commenced. Having consented to their request had afforded Manuranga to live in the residence of legendary Sunil Perera for about four years to learn music and build a reputation for himself. Manuranga has in a number of media discussions had praised legend Sunil Perera for his teachings in the music field to unprecedented tall elevations . During this tenure Manuranga had said learnt a lot, not only in the field of music but many lessons on life which even to date he is greatly indebted to him. Manuranga attributed that it was like a functional university to him this tenure also with the members of the ‘Daddy’ band.Manuranga had enjoyed the company of Gyan Perera assisting in his booming initial music videos.
In the subsequent year for the song ‘Rambari’ song had received the award for the years ‘best’ song. Likewise at intervals Manuranga had received not many but a few awards to give the much needed impetus for the future. Manuranga has had some more innate talents like announcing which he had done extensively while in school even was named ‘mike tyson’ as he was never willing to hand over the mike once in his possession. This innate talent prompted the Sirasa authorities to appoint him to the exclusive position of the ’announcer’ in the Sirasa Super Star season seven in the gruelling reality singing competition which he triumphed , truly a prestigious mission to explore. This was mainly a dream come true having been for a short period appointed as a trainee announcer at SLBC but unfortunately not given sufficient exposure. This Maduranga claims was the reason which made him to go abroad earlier was that he was unfortunately denied of the opportunity which prompted him to pursue a career in hotel management. After his triumph in Sirasa Super Star, Manuranga received the opportunity to present the program ‘Sulag Kurullo’ also in the Sirasa Television channel .During this period Manuranga got an exclusive opportunity in linking and teaming with Lambogini Motor Racing Ace and Legend Dilantha Malagamuwa joining and accompanying him in a number of his motor races events worldwide. This was for a purpose to televise his races, edit and to telecast in a program at the Independent Television Network with distinction on ‘racing life with Dilantha Malagamuwa’ .This was a unique opportunity to Manuranga to explore the world travelling extensively. This program Manuranga claims has been recognized by viewers as a accepted package. Apart from this television program where Manuranga contributed in a supporting role in year 2016 having acted in the short film ‘Withered Leaf’ also in year 2016 which won international awards playing a supporting role to Sampath Jayaweera and Ruwi Lakmali.
Manuranga possesses his own U tube channel titled ‘MANU’ which consists of many interesting programs like ‘Not Out With Manu”, ‘Plain Tee and Sindu Dekai’. In ‘Not Out With Manu’ program an artiste is invited to whom Manuranga poses questions, if he or she answers correctly the invitee is deemed ‘not out’.For the “Not Out With Manu’ in his U tube channel many vocalists have taken part. Presently Manuranga presents the Sunday evening two hour program at 9.30 PM in the state channel SLRC ‘Dawasak Da Hendewaka’ where he speaks to three or four artistes invited by him to educate the masses of their beginnings in cordial conversations singing songs too. In this prolonged series of programs he had invited acclaimed stars in the calibre of Rookantha.Athula, Natasha,Ridma. Pradeep, Bathiya,Kaizer, Tehan Perera, Nadimal, Sanuka,Kanchana Anuradi of ‘Udurawee’ fame, Jaya Sri, Chemistry Teacher Sanjeewa and a number of others in many episodes. Presently Manuranga is mostly involved in announcing of vivid programs mainly indoor and outdoor music concerts. Lately he had been involved with the unique musical concert ‘Naada Gama’ which is been held in all parts pf the island and overseas countries particularly in many states in Australia. Manuranga had acknowledged at many television dialogues that he loves announcing to lyrics writing.
Manuranga when questioned in media confrontations about his position in the trade of lyrics writing he has very humbly added he cannot be compared to the stalwarts who had been dominating in the field for decades, as he had written a fewer number of songs when compared to them and it would take around another fifteen years to be recognised as a competent lyricist, as he still a novice in comparison is still in the learning curve. There are many of the songs he had written which had been hits, still he places his first song ‘Rambari’ on top may be as it became a hit instantly overnight. To date in most instances Manuranga had been given tasks to insert lyrics to music melodies which he does not prefer as he cannot express his correct stance to do justice to the song. However, Manuranga is often requested to insert lyrics for the musician to compose the melody which he adds is the usual practice in the current epoch. He also loves and prefers to write ‘baila’ lyrics which he adds is cumbersome and consumes time.Manuranga had added that there are times that he had been criticised for his lyrics in ‘bailas’.In either way he has no option but to oblige as any other lyricist when requests are made. Manuranga says he is often inconsistent when writing lyrics as he is stubborn in penning. There have been times when his lyrics writing been criticised as he is a not hesitant to be bold as some harsh words not appropriate words in his vernacular are incorporated. Then he had been queried why the songs like ‘Gune Aiyyage Bajaw Dana Kamare’, ‘Linda Langa Sangamya’, ‘Arichchi Borichchi’ songs of yesteryear existed ,accepted and tolerated by masses in preceding regimes. Manuranga has quipped that when he commences to write lyrics words simply flow to him which he sans any fear are added to his composition notwithstanding the meaning of words, which to him is irrelevant even to date. He also emphasises that specific songs become hits and popular irrespective they are sung to listeners legs or ears. Manuranga in a television dialog had said so called ‘mal songs’ which were hits like Romesh Sugathapala’s ‘Digu Desa’ and ‘Nodekainna Behe’ of Ruwan Hettiarachchi and similar songs do not emerge, not much existent in the present era to listen which is a misfortune to the music industry. .Manuranga is of the strong opinion that each individual has his own opinion and concept on love, politics, music ,beauty ,sport and other topics hence it is useless in arguing on these topics which are senseless.
The captions christened by Manuranga for his songs are peculiar and crazy mainly on factual situations in lives of others not necessarily his, for example after the song ‘Manda Pama’ and of the lyrics penned to a younger old Anandian Hesara Bandara titled “Akkata Dan thes Namayai’ which was elaborated in discussed on ‘Music Pickle’ program. The theme had come to the mind of Manuranga via his mother having ancient policies of parents in Kandy area when marriages are agreed upon .After the music video was completed the song video was acclaimed by many with the participation of popular artistes like Wilson Gunaratne, Hansini and others.Manuranga also mentioned that the programs he did with Dushyanth Weeraman and Anushka Udana stands out over to others.Manuranga after his ‘Rambari’ conquest it is this song that always his domesticated song but he love the song ’Saragaye’ by Sanuka Wickremasinghe. ‘Manda Pama’ by Umariya Sinhawansa are in front, lately the hit “Shashika’s recent favourite ‘Chandra Payanna’ in year 2021 , to the music composition of Dinesh Gamage.This song too had come to the pinnacle of fame after completion of the music video by the efforts of the video director. Manuranga had also contributed lyrics to the song ‘Ciao Malli’ sung by Shanuka where it was Manuranga who was prominent in the video. It is pertinent to state that Manuranga had been mainly instrumental in bringing to fame Dinesh via many disciplines. The lyrics composed by Dinesh are made more prolific via Manuranga’s skill. Apart from the lyrics of songs of Manuranga mentioned above some others are Adara Wedilla,Adare Agin,Alu Pamanak,Amma,Ape Anarkali,Aradhana, Awasan Satana,Chewing Gum Wage Kolla, China Town-La Singnore, Ellung Gaha,Dum Dum La Signore, Ellung Gaha,Gayala Wayala, Hadakari Nari, Hamana Me Sulanga,Handawe,Hawasaka Ma,Kandulu Gas,Kavikarakan,Kukula, Mata Rawana,Me Ivure,Mrs Perera, Nidahase Inna,Rathu Eli,Rocket Walata,Sare Pote,Senkadagala Nuwarata,Tikirimali, Weraduna Thena,Weralu Mal etc.
Manuranga’s meeting his wife Dilthara Shalini Jayalath was initially via Facebook. Dilthara by profession is a ‘merchandiser’ cum a freelance designer and competent artist. It is learnt that Dilthara is a very independent individual from her childhood had looked after all her activities by her self a quality which was adored by Manuranga on hearing which had made him get attached to Dithara.It is Dilthara who does the driving too allowing Manuranga to relax while travelling. Initially they had been just friends.Later when Manuranga was used to send sentimental songs Dilthara had smelt and come to know of his interest in her .One such song was ‘Senasennam Ma’ sung by Senaka Batagoda which explains that though a duo before marriage possess all vital needs staying happy together after marriage in unity is most crucial.The duo strictly apply this to their married life. Dilthara had quipped that it is initially through her close friend Anupa who is in the same field Manuranga had come to know her.Also Dilthara via her competence in the logo designing had made a logo to Manuranga’s close friend Lahiru Perera for his ‘audio engineering’ institute. Dilthara professes that to meet her Manuranga had deployed a ploy to meet her constantly by requesting her to make a logo for a band he intended to form, which of course had never existed.It is learnt as there was a obvious noticeable age difference between the two there had been some speculation among Dilthara’s parents before consenting , which Dilthara adds that they may have thought his maturity would come in beneficial to the family life.The duo remain very simple do not celebrate birthdays it had been send they do not remember the wedding anniversary dates until Dilthara’s mother calls to remind.As a routine practice Dilthara accompanies Manuranga wherever he travels, even overseas. Both take life easily do not have huge future plans insist to have meals mostly from outside not bothering to cook regularly. All song dummies Manuranga as a directive are shown to Dilthara . The wedding was a spectacle attended by family ,relations and a galaxy of artistes which was well patronised. The exclusive video of the wedding held in year 2018 by Suren Video excellently clicked is on you tube . About two years after their marriage the duo unexpectedly was blessed with a daughter. After which the attention to each other had diminished which is natural to any married couple. It has been said that the little daughter dislikes the parental duo staying close to each other so that even on their anniversary day or on birthdays to hug each other the daughter dislikes. To date the duo has lived together for around five years are hoping to live in the same vein as a role model to many other couples to emulate.
Manuranga possess exceptional talent in many fields.In addition to announcing and as a lyrist he is playwright , author contributing his innate skills to many other fields of art. He is well acclaimed as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry having an online presence engage with his followers through social media platforms, Twitter where he shares updates on upcoming events ,behind the scene glimpses via Instagram too. Though Manuranga had contributed lyrics to so many popular songs immensely in the recent past he remains humble says to gauge his contributions, one will have to stay for a decade or more as he is a novice still. All his followers would no doubt wish him enormous success in his family life and in his present livelihood with excellent health.
Sunil Thenabadu
email sthenabadu@hotmail.com
WhatsApp 0061444533242
