Unsung Hero in Oriental and Aesthetic Music- Maestro Visharada Nandasena Katuwawala is reminisced – By Sunil Thenabadu
Nandasena Katuwawala is an unsung hero in the music fraternity. He has had no hereditary affiliations only innate talent A musician, if simply labelled, he is an individual who creates and performs music. This captivating art form requires dedication, skill, and a deep passion for a melody. The words used to illustrate a musician encompass a vast range of characteristics and talents. From “melodic” and “expressive” to “innovative” and “captivating,” these words capture the essence of their craft. Each word provides a glimpse into the musician’s ability to weave emotions, tell stories, and transport listeners to a space where notes and rhythms resonate with their very souls.
Katuwawalage Nandasena. of Honnanthara South Gramaya Kesbewa Born on 27th September 1961,Predominantly known as Nandasena Katuwawala has had his Primary education at Kesbewa Madhya Maha Vidyalaya, secondary education at Piliyandala Madya Maha Vidyalaya.His music education was at Gayathri Kala Ayathanaya Kesbewa.Teachers who taught music at school were Wimalasiri Rodrigo , Ms Neetha Mangalika ,Visharada Ananda Jayasinghe , Dr B .Victor Perera, Shastrapathi Shanthi Geethadeva, Sangeeth Nipun Jayantha Aravinda, Dr Shelton Premaratne all renowned musicians.
Others who had assisted Nandasena Katuwawela in his music journey initially were Dramatists Premakumar Karunaratne, Nalini Gunasekera and Suneetha Satharasinghe,From schooldays Nandasena had participated actively in many music programs with utmost interest, dedication and enthusiasm.Initially in adjudicating music in schools, temples at village level while providing music and in judging musical competitions.
Under the guidance and under study to Jayantha Aravinda had assisted in the background music in the stage plays of Dr Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s wife’s as ‘Maname’, “Singhabahu’, ‘Mahasara’, ‘Lomahansa’, ;’Bawa Kadathurawa’ to which he had contributed to background music and in singing. This experience contributed hugely for Nandasena Katuwawala’s music evolution and development from the commencement of his illustrious music profession.
During the period 1986 to 1989 had been a member of the State music group as a producer and conductor of music for various functions. Successfully concluded in year 1988 the final government examination to become a ‘Sangeetha Visharada’.In year 1989 received his first assistant teacher appointment to Thurstan College, simultaneously was successful in completing auditions in ‘Sarala Gee’, ‘Nurthi Gee’, ‘Jana Gee’, ‘Nadagam Gee’at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation which was a huge boost to his music career. Nandasena Katuwawala was even entrusted to conduct programs while still a novice musician knowing well his aptitude and competency.
Nandasena Katuwawala had also triumphed in ‘Sarala Gee’, ‘Jana Gayana also at the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation where he had also been entrusted to be an observer and adjudicator for dramas.
During years 1999 to 2002 was appointed once again to Giragama Aesthetic school of art as the music lecturer which paved the way to make many music compositions to benefit the pupils in addition to teaching basics in music. During this era Katuwawala was also entrusted with a post in the Sri Lanka education administrative service. All these positions were entrusted to Katuwawala when the educational authorities had learnt his enthusiasm and the enhanced music teaching abilities he possessed to tall elevations. These factors were responsible for the authorities to elect him in year 2002 as the assistant education director in aesthetic arts.in the Kalutara district.Katuwawala had contributed immensely to budding musicians and students during his tenure in his elevated position.
During the 2002-2003 Katuwawala contributed immensely been the music director to the sought after “ Alupata Hendewa’ compact disc with around one thousand songs, first of its kind been the most valuable song collection involving many artistes. This successful endeavour made Nandasena Katuwawela’s name to be recognized as a maestro in music. This entire exercise was undertaken by the Rupavahini Corporation under the able direction of Suramya Mapitiya .
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Nandasena Katuwawala’s intention as always was purely to educate pupils in music .This was made possible again when he was appointed as the Assistant Education Director ( Music) at the Piliyandala area educational office during the years 2005 to 2013.During this tenure Katuwawala was concentrating on teacher training in addition to willingly imparting his vast music knowledge to many interested budding students. He reminisces this period in his life as the most contented and satisfied phase in his musical career as he could use his own discretion knowing well the needs of the pupils…
During the period 2013 to end September 2021 after been elevated to the position at the Department of Education to be appointed as the Director of Education in Aesthetic arts, drama division in which period Nandasena Katuwawala believes as the most memorable phase in his professional life been able to teach music with utmost dedication particularly as there were several teachers and students under his purview needed his able guidance having under him eleven separate institutions to teach vivid areas such as oriental music , dancing and Art.
Also entrusted to him was training , preparation of question papers, development of teachers, arranging music competitions at school level, also it was delightful feeling when many appreciations were received from several quarters.To all these responsibilities Nandasena Katuwawala was fully dedicated toiled very hard with optimal dedication and sacrifice.
During his entire career Nandasena Katuwawala he was dedicated to uplift the standard of music of thousands of pupils which everyone knows with supreme sacrifice which all his superiors and subordinates are all aware.On reaching the age of sixty in year 2021on 27th September Nandasena Katuwawala retired from government service on reaching the age of sixty.He had received accolades from the authorities of the Education department, visual and performing arts university .Mahaweli Authority and several government institutions for services rendered while in service.
Since retirement Nandasena Katuwawala has been involved in composing several popular Sinhala songs with videos too to many popular and novice artistes. In addition is fully involved in many vivid aesthetic work as a external lecturer particularly in the areas of oriental music and in aesthetic zones, education department, examination department , national education institutions etc. . He presently holds the position of ‘Secretary’ in the Society of Music Directors in Sri Lanka attending to the work of the society.He also contribute to the university of visual and performing arts and other similar government institutions when invited to obtain enhanced advice on development of musical issues. Nandasena Katuwawala has established his own music art academy “ Geethanjali Shilpashramaya” where he teaches the music subject , singing, playing of music instruments. He also visit the areas holding workshops under the Mahaweli region to teach oriental and aesthetic music .Also in his village he teaches music and to develop singing skills to senior citizens.
Nandasena Katuwawala is well known for composing delightful melodies for Sinhala songs.Some of his well known works include songs from the albums “Ethivi Pewathi’, featuring songs sung by Nilmini Wayomi and Dayan Witharana. ‘Oba Avidin’,sung by Suneera Sumanga and “Yanena Thuru Me Sansara Gamane’. Sung by Maya Damayanthi Perera.The lyrics of these songs were written by Nilmini Wayomi. He also recomposed the music for the song “Kondura Rahas Kiyan”,He had composed recently two beautiful melodies for two songs to legendary singer Dayaratne Perera titled 1. Maa Sitha Handunaadhoo and 2 Senehasa Sasarehi Hamuwekiee
Among the song videos are ‘Pinsara Sansara’ sung by Oshadha Jayasundara,The video ‘Kohida Giya Ma’ was sung by Arunawanna katuwawala,”Pardawe Maima’ sung by Samantha Perera, ‘Ethiwi Pewathi’ sung by Dayan Witharana, “Athara Ya Uthu Thanakadi sung by Krishantha Eranda,” Kondura Rahas kiyan’ sung by Arunawanna Katuwawala etc.
The above feats have been achieved after Nandasena Katuwawala’s retirement from government service in year 2021.He is music hungry having genes of music in his blood is on course to more creations of melodies to enthral all music fanatics in Sri Lanka. All music lovers,counterparts and his students would wish him good health and longevity
