TM JAYARATNE ASTOUNDING VOCALIST DICTATES IN A PEAK LOCATION IN CELEBRITY – by Sunil Thenabadu

photo source:freemusicarchive.org

TM Jayaratne ( Tennakoon Mudiyanselage) the legendary vocalist occupying a pinnacle position in celebrity commenced his journey as a musician as many as an instrumentalist playing the violin, who as a renowned tutor shared his expertise to many scholars TM born in year 1944 is a septuagenarian is still  a sought after vocalist particularly in the decades of 1970 and 1980 when he was rewarded profusely been adjudicated as the best male singer at the Presidential awards festivals in 1978,1979,1980, and 1987.However TM once more arbitrated in year 2006 as the best singer at the Raigam Tele awards ceremony. However his popularity as at date remains at the same unprecedented high ebb, as such his name would be etched in the reminiscences of all music lovers in Sri Lanka and in overseas countries.

Following all the songs and music that we hear, there are some untold stories. Stories of those musicians who dedicated their lives to music. Stories of each of their career paths are identified by only them, in a competitive and inundated trade like music, one requires a lot of luck to flourish. TM is one who had thrived in this industry for well over five decades. 

Was educated at prestigious school St Anthony’s Kandy and Maliyadewa College in Kurunegala.TM with innate talent sans any hereditary affiliations path. TM has had the passion but to transform passion into a career is a path of a struggle.  To come to the peak dedication and hard work is the only way to stardom and to be successful. The foremost characteristics needed to be successful are confidence, practice, modesty ,perseverance, not giving up which are vital characteristics possessed by TM.. 

TM after school education was drawn into singing by the head of the Folk and research unit at the SLBC CJS Kulathilaka who had requested TM to vocalize several Sinhala folk songs which entailed of “Gana Thel Sadun” which was broadcast over our air waves recorded in year 1970,.Very soon TM debuted  as a playback singer possessing an ideal screen voice in “Lahiru Dahasak” lyrics by Sunil Ariyaratne to the music composition of legendary Premasiri Khemadasa.With his competency in singing increasing by leaps and bounds produced his first cassette in 1978 “Tharanga Volume 1”.Since them TM has contributed his voice to 79 Sinhala films the popular once that could be recollected are “Bambaru Ewith” of Dharmasena Pathirana and ”Hansa Vilak” by Dharmasiri Bandaranayake.These film go does in the annals of history of Sinhala films as ‘Blockbuster’ releases engraved in minds of people purely because of the songs. The song by the duo TM and Sunila Abeysekera  “Hemin Sere Piya Vida” for the film “Hansa Vilak” in 1980 is very popular to date sung by many even in reality competitions.is an everlasting hit. Apart from many solo songs the duets sung with Neela Wickremasinghe stands tall above many songs, have been favorites of contemporary generations too.These songs in particular sung four decades ago still strongly lingers and etched rigidly in the minds of listeners could be termed as “evergreens”, The lyrics of the song” Amma Sandeki” was by his wife a popular lyricist Malini Jayaratne.TM as a composer of songs had done yeoman service to many apart from himself been a reputed vocalist…  

photo source:fragmenteyes.blogspot.com

The songs TM had sung are uncountable so many that come to minds of his abundant of fans.To recollect a few  are “Sithin Ma Nosali”,”Siyak Ayu Leba”, “Anduru kutiya Thula,”
“ Kurahan Yaye”, “Piyum neela Vila” Kadira Suridune”, “Me Punchi rate”,Raththaran Neth”,” Eka Sitha dethenka”,”Me Ayurin Api”, “Sanasusuman”, “Ko Ma Pathu”, “Sanda Wathurak Se”,”Chandi kamata” etc the list will go on and on. 

TM’s contribution to the Sinhalese arts philosophy is colossal. His songs would no doubt be etched rigidly in the minds of all his fans in Sri Lanka and abroad.During his tenure had visited all countries in the world where the Sri Lankan fraternity is domiciled. It would be the fervent hope of all his lovers to wish him good health and longevity. 

Sunil Thenabadu In Brisbane

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