National Award For C.L. Fonseka
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Veteran Singer, song writer, music director stage and tele drama actor C.L. Fonseka better known as ‘Sonny’ to his close friends was recognized with ‘The Kala Bhushana’ award for his outstanding services in the artistic field. This award was presented to him by the ministry of cultural affairs at their annual award presentation ceremony at ‘Nawarangahala’ on 15th December 2013. This coveted award is perhaps the most valued recognition bestowed to an outstanding artiste in Sri Lanka.
C.L has been singing from the age of nine and went on to act on stage with personalities like the late ‘Rukmani Devi’ and later on in stage dramas such as ‘Rankada’ & ‘ Dhamini’. He also provided music for the Song of Moratuwa titled “Siribara Moratu Game’’ the theme song of the Moratuwa Arts Forum. C.L had the distinction of working with great names such as Pandith W.D Amaradeva, Austin Munasinghe, Anura Mahanama, Sunil Shantha, Thissa Siri Perera and emerged as a graded radio singer in 1952 during the early Radio Ceylon days.
Not many people are aware that “C.L” is an accomplished western singer specialising in vintage songs and cowboy hits. He is blessed with an outstanding yodelling skill. Being a God-fearing gentleman, he has composed “ The Lord’s Prayer’’ and “ The ten Commandments” in Sinhala which is now used in Christian Churches in Moratuwa. The photograph shows C.L. Fonseka receiving the award from the Cultural Ministry Officials.