SHEHAN GALAHITIYAWA RENOWNED LEGENDARY LYRICS WRITER IN THE DECADES OF 2000 IN AN EFFERVERSCENT VOYAGE OWNS THIRTY THOUSAND COMPOSITIONS – By Sunil Thenabadu
Writing song lyrics is a profoundly personal artistic and a creative progression that mergers emotion with a storytelling sequence. It’s about expressing one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions in a way that resonates with others. There are as many ways to approach lyric writing as there are stories to tell. Shehan Galahitiyawa is now a well-known and proven song lyricist who had penned approximately three thousand songs to a wide cross section of vocalists. Shehan having learnt the craft in a refined manner having an understanding the fundamentals of how to write song lyrics has taken his perceptions from simple tunes to impressive musical representations in connivance with composers of song melodies The songwriting process often begins with a spark – a line, a theme, or a melody that tugs at your creativity. Transforming this initial inspiration into a full set of lyrics involves moulding one’s ideas into a structure that listeners can follow and connect with ease. It’s important to write in a way that’s authentic to self, using language that feels natural and sincere, keeping in mind that the most impactful lyrics are those that are relatable and convey the genuine emotion.
Shehan had commenced his journey which spans two and a half decades as lyricist by contributing lyrics to cassettes ,stage plays and bands, Tele dramas.His profession had been entirely revolved as a song lyricist, He confesses that he had not missed many artistes in an unblemished voyage. He has today curtailed the speed at which he commenced his illustrious journey. Shehan is in the habit of often posting his new ideas on the wall of his Facebook page for which constantly receive positive comments. Shehan was born in Wattegedera, Kandy to humble parents, father had been the sole owner of a motor car garage was well known famously as Sunil Aiya’s garage, mother had been a typical housewife has had two siblings a younger sister and a brother, his ambition had been from young age to enter the music ring. There had been a massive music environment at his dwelling as his mother was a huge HR Jothipala fan, many cassettes were brought and continuously played at his dwelling .Also in close vicinity to their dwelling Sunil Siriwardena father of Madumadawa Aravinda had lived. When he attended to SLBC programs the family of Shehan was informed hence they had closely monitored his programs as he was used to inform the scheduled times. Shehan had initially attended St.Josephs Balika Vidyalaya, Gampola which was near his father’s dwelling having attended to the Kindergarten class, thereafter up to the advanced level Commerce class had studied at St Anthony’s College. Katugastota where music stalwarts like TM Jayaratne, Stanley Peiris, Rookantha Gunatilleke too had studied. The school was in a amazing environment overlooking the Mahaweli river , Hantane, Hunnasgiriya and Baranagala mountains which was a unique site Shehan had been a close associate of Michael Aiya the canteen owner with whose help he had been allowed to creep into the hall to view concerts sans a fee. At a television dialog did mention that he was not interested in studies been irregular in attendance, disinterested in academics, hence he could not recollect much in activities while in school. Shehan had stormed into all musical concerts at venues in and around Kandy like Gatembe, Menikhinna to watch musical concerts very enthusiastically and impatiently of Galaxy’s, Marians, Sunflower , Gypsies, Friend’s band of Chitral etc. had also patronised many films while still a schoolboy. In this scenario it had got etched in his mind the music flavour ,the audiences adored which was very supportive later when he commenced his profession as a lyrics playwright when he knew well the feel of the audiences. Shehan in the fifth form the Sinhala class teacher Samarakoon Sir had requested the students to commence a hobby like collecting stamps, raring ornamental fish or whatever other hobbies. Shehan recollects that he commenced a hobby of collecting lyrics of the then English hits of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Virgin, Material Girl etc, which he preserved in his own handwriting which after a decade had been a mammoth collection of over five hundred songs, Shehan recollected that he used to refer a dictionary to know the meanings of English many words. This exercise had become useful to Shehan later when mostly he was to write lyrics to musical tracks as he had gathered immense knowledge from listening to English songs and penning lyrics..
He then has had the habit of writing Sinhala song lyrics and collecting them thinking of the legends Karunaratne Abeysekera and Premakeethi De Alwis not at all to be in par with them but somehow with the intention of establishing a name for himself as a lyricist. Also he was pressed by his parents to find employment to support them as they were financially in dire straits when the parental duo insisted Shehan to find a job.. Shehan had to come to Colombo a very unfamiliar surrounding had got the opportunity to dwell as a boarder at the Fort Station Masters quarters along with friends Sampath Abeyratne and Chaminda Randeniya. Shehan had observed a school girl Madubashini Deldeniya from Gampaha who visited the quarters to join with the Station Master’s daughter to go to school. Shehan that era had found his first job to market cell phones then termed ‘gadol bage’ type had to be clad well with tie has looked impressive though possessing a slim figure. Shehan had tried many tactics to get friendly with this girl.After some time she had consented. But unfortunately, he had lost his job by which had seen noon stars. .
After Shehan lost his job, he had returned to Wattegedera dwelling had commenced his lyric writing hobby but was sans money in his pocket. With the assistance from friends, he had found a small job as a trainee cutter in a garment factory in the vicinity to his dwelling . Not only cutting Shehan had learned other areas in the garment factory. After one year he was awarded a certificate with which he could apply to any garment factory. Having seen an advertisement, he had applied to a garment factory in Seeduwa where for his aptitude in garment factory fluency he was offered a production assistant position for rupees fifteen thousand monthly salary. He was able to assist his parents and also buy personal clothes .At this time he had continued the love affair as it was given the green light from both his parents and girl’s parents. The wife to be fiancé’ had wanted the entire salary to be given to her. Shehan was given only rupees two thousand for a month to manage. This had helped the duo to save over a lakh within a certain period. As the work was very tedious with only a Sunday was given as a leave Shehan had decided to quit. Shehan after his tenure at the mobile phone employment had come to know well all streets in entire Colombo which was an advantage while in boardings with his friends Sujeewa Attygalle and Madhawa Hewawasam. He had confessed that on some days had to be contented with one meal a day.After leaving the job Shehan had with friend with a knowledge of musical instruments Madhawa had joined the music studio of Roshan De Silva. Though Madhawa knew to play the rhythm guitar , Shehan has had no competency in music studio work but he attended to minor jobs which he could handle. The idea was still etched in his mind to become a lyricist was haunting within him. He had found contact numbers ,addresses of lyricists like Vernon Perera, Sunil Perera and Hemasiri Halpita and visited them with the dire intention to enter the lyricist field. Shehan had in his possession several songs already written.He had asked Halpita how much can he sell one song, As Halpita at the helm in the field had charged rupees five thousand had wanted Shehan to quote rupees two thousand five hundred to be fair as a novice.
When Shehan was getting established in delivering lyrics his fiancé after following a Japanese course had left on a three year scholarship to Japan.She had insisted Shehan too to learn the Japanese language wanting him to be brought to Japan as she was having a fear that Shehan might let her down.He then had attended to Japanese classes at the NYSC to gratify her sent her photos of lessons. However the Japanese classes had to be curtailed as Shehan got interested in the Music group of Athula Adikari in the NYSC.
At a time Shehan was in the studio of Galaxy band Dushan Jayatilleke had told that Bathiya Jayakody wanted to meet him at his studios in Kirimandala Mawatha. Shehan recollects that he somehow arrived at the time he was asked to be present on his motor bike having not met Bathiya before. There he writes lyrics for the song ‘Sri Lanka Matha Pe Wiskam Boma, “Oya Mage Nam., ‘Baila Gamuda Remix Karala”. With them Shehan got acquainted with Bathiya and Santhish.Then it was “ Himi Peththakatama Jaya”. Shehan had said also in a television dialog added that he never make lyrics in the same array to a single vocalist also he has no fundamental similar standard for his lyrics always he mixes up the meanings adding new words which are hardly used by many song lyricists. By his association with Bathiya ,Santhosh duo Shehan had got the opportunity to make lyrics for advertisements which was another feather to Shehan’s cap. There was no such concept the lyrics had to be made for the track already made.Shehan when he became close to Bathiya he had whispered that many former artistes do not hail and appreciate them though the duo highly respect them they drift up along with the present trend of young blood..When an advertisement was made Shehan had included the names of famous singers like Milton Perera, Milton Mallawarachchi, HR Jothipala, Freddie,into one verse and to the other verse had entered the names of Ravindra, Malini Fonseka, Nadeeka ,Sriyani etc as all names could not be included. For the middle the concept of the advertisement was included, which was the manner that advertisement was completed in a successful spectacle.
When given the opportunity to pen lyrics to an individual he studies what are the songs he or she had previously sung. Thereafter he chooses a set of words completely differently choosing a topic which is foreign to the artiste which is Shehan’ technique as such if one scrutinizes closely one song is quite different to the other.In other words to a single artiste if three songs are made the topics and lyrics will have no resemblance. After completing his lyric work Shehan wholly forgets until he watches on television the related video deriving a huge satisfaction. This is his hall mark to his resounding success.
The popular song titled ‘Prathihari’ was also written by Shehan in year 2021 composed and produced by Saranga Dissanayake of Wayo sung by Supun Perera. The video had been viewed by well over 11 million viewers The meaning of the lyrics Shehan has explained is the feeling of happiness a lover receives upon meeting his partner. In this particular song Shehan had inserted his words to the music track as done in ninety five percent of his song lyrics.This is a love song which type of songs Shehan adds are much lesser than loathe songs he had made lyrics to.After this song Shehan had penned songs titled as ‘Kailasani’, ‘Sandanami’ etc.Shehan did admit that he is a person who receives love in large magnitudes. It is Shehan’s opinion that to those who have ruptured love affairs to pen appropriate lyrics to console them to some degree.
The lyrics of the popular song ‘Tharu Mini Ochcham Pawi sung as a duet by Raini Gunatilleke and Chinthy was penned by Shehan was also a hit but is in a vivid style the track was made by Chinthy at his studio in Negombo by playing his piano.While the melody was made as in his inimitable style Shehan had added simultaneously appropriate lyrics to coincide with the parts of the melody in a sequence.
The lyrics of the song ‘GimhaneKale’ sung by Shashika Nissanasla was also of Shehan.The music score was by Romesh Sugathapala.After the track is made Shehan usually needs to know what the theme is all about whether it is a love song or tilting towards loathe or otherwise In this instance the story was of two lovers, where the female party loses interest when the male party says to be separated for a period and then come together as previously.
Shehan had written lyrics for several cassettes of Charmara Weerasinghe.One song titled ‘ Thawa Tika Kalakin Miyadevi” was one of the early songs made to Charmara. This song Shehan had written to hint at sons and daughters who have come from villages living in comfortable upstairs houses in the city and suburbs to reserve a room for the aged parents to occupy when they visit children while in twilight years
There are so many other popular songs for which Shehan had compiled lyrics. Some of these songs that come to writers mind are ‘Kiri Weherata’, ‘Mage Adare Tharam’,’Nidi Nena’, ‘Rosa Kalpana”, ‘Rosa Pethi Athurala”.’Mahaweli Hantane’,’Sanda Yame”, ‘Hiri Paththatama Jaya”, “Baila Handamu Remixkarala”.”Hantaneta Pini Wessak’.,”Sadak Wela”,’Rampeta”,’Ahasata Sonduruda Sanda Ketharam”,’Rampeta”,’
Shehan is an exceptional lyrics writer who had composed an unbelievable amount of nine hundred and forty six “Gale Ketu Kavi’ which comprise of ‘Karaththa Kavi’ also known as ‘Gel Kavi’, ‘Jana Gee’ ‘ and ‘Folk Songs’ which is an exceptional exercise not to forget these old concepts from which the current generation have transformed into.
Shehan had in a television interview had stated one should never give a false promise to a girl as he would not like his father doing something not ethical and moral to his mother, a boy doing it to his daughter which was very appropriate advice to all to abide strictly. During this dialog he selected the song sung by Deepika Priyadashini Pieris’ “ Rathriya We” for penning these lyrics Shehan complimented Sunil R Gamage which coincides with his advice the appropriate manner to treat women.
Gammane’, the latest song to rock the Sri Lankan music industry, was released in early January and is currently hit the top in most of the music charts. ‘Gammane’ is a creation of team of musicians, singers, lyric writers and music producers. Aaryan Dinesh Kanagarathnam popularly known as ADK, Sahan Hasthi and young singing sensation Hirushi Jayasena had rendered their voices to the song ‘Gammane’ penned by Shehan Galahitiyawa, Krish Manoj, ADK.
It is mixture of Sinhala and Tamil lyrics under Classical Pop, Rap, Tamil Rap, Sinhala pop, and Indian Pop genres. The original Composition is by ADK, Deyo and the song is produced by Chamel It is the first of its kind.
ADK, Sahan Hasthi, Shehan, Chamel, Krish Manoj and Hirushi
‘It’s derived from an older track called ‘Cross Culture’ which was a massive hit in the early 2000s, now revamped to reminisce the beauty and the nostalgia of the song’ ‘‘Gammane’ appreciates the beauty and the cultural value system of the rural village, but in the newer version we pushed the sentiment of peace, reconciliation and the value of harmonious friendships among Sri Lankan people’ he added.
Aaryan Dinesh Kanagarathnam (ADK) is the only Sri Lankan Artist/Rapper to perform with the Oscar winning Indian composer A.R Rahman. His music travels the world, fills stadiums including the Phenomenal O2 in England. He was also a recent recipient of 6 awards at Derana Music Video awards 2023.
Currently based in Australia, Hasthi is an artist loved by many, and is also the co-artist of the original version of this song. Along with his musical passions, he also pursues interest in Music copyright management and journalism., Shehan Galahitiyawa embarked on a journey as a renowned lyricist for decades, writing over a 1000 songs.
Shehan had been in the field of lyrics writing for about two and half decades could be classified as the most admired popular artiste in this vital area in music.Shehan is one humble individual who possess a wonderful quality in appreciating the work of even novices which he comments via the FaceBook. Until recently Shehan was not known as an individual as he was a bit reluctant to come to the television media.But recently he had participated in many television programs and is active on social media networks Face Book, Instagram and Tik Tok could be contacted..
Shehan Galahitiyawa could be said a gigantic music professional. Lyric writer had functioned on various musical projects and television series having functioned on several genres of music including Sinhala pop,Tamil Rap and many more having worked with folks like Sahan Hasthi,Krish Manoj,Ariyan Dinesh Kanagaratnam with “Gammane” a creation of a team of musicians ,songs, lyric works and music producers. released in year 2021 having gained a tremendous admiration across the country.Shehan had worked on his lyrics that reflected on many cultural values. His songs could be heard on Gaana,Wynk and you tube .
Hirushi Jayasena is a multilingual singer, who has sing in Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi and English languages and performed in Classical, Pop and Rap genres. She has done over 12 singles, four television and film playback songs and has gained features on BBC Radio Asian Network in London.
Although she made her debut only in 2018, Hirushi has been a musical enthusiast since she was six years old. Hirushi is the only daughter of Dr. Ranil Jayasena and Madani Jayasena. Her father, despite a busy professional life as a consultant surgeon has also been a lyric writer for almost all veterans of the industry back in the day and her mother, even though she didn’t sing professionally owns a sharp voice. Quite naturally, music has been in Hirushi’s genes.
For Shehan’s journey his wife Madushani Deldeniya from Gampaha whom he had met while she was a school girl lends her fullest support.She had received a scholarship to Japan to receive higher education in languages is presently the senior lecturer at National Education Institute for Foreign languages unit Maharagama.The duo has two daughters both attending Anula Vidyalaya.The elder is Mihili Samalka Galahitiyawa in the Advanced level while the younger is Binali Anasha Galahitiyawa in the ordinary level class. All fans and well wishers of Shehan Galahitiyawa would wish him good health and wish him strength and dynamism to carry on his lyricist endeavours in the same disposition.
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane
e mail sthenabadu@hotmail.com
