The song titled ‘Kinihiren Negena Rawaya’ (The Sound of the Anvil) , the theme song for Sri Lanka Railway was launched recently for the very first time in 145 year history of Sri Lanka Railway.
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| Sarath Goonawardene. |
The song was written and composed by Sarath Goonawardene, who is a technical officer in the Bridge Engineering division of (SLR) Sri Lanka Railway. He was apast President of Moratuwa Arts Forum(MAF).
Since 1864, Sri Lanka Railway has a great history, being the major media of public passenger and freight transportation.
In view of improve the morale of their employer and staff there is a mission statement circularized by the General Manager of Railways ‘Provision of a safe reliable and punctual rail transport Service
economically and efficiently’.
Originally the music and lyrics of this song was sung at the annual session of Railway tracks and Bridges Managers union as a welcome song.
Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan who was the General Manager of Railways was very happy, of this song and quickly grabed the meaning of the song. Later Sarath under the guidance of Dr. Gunarwan (GMR) developed the song to the level of theme song of Sri Lanka Railway.
Sarath Goonawardene, music composer and director, is a known musician attached to MAF. The song ‘Kinihiren’ has courageous and constructive verses and chorus, boost up the pride and morale of the staff.
Song exposes the true life style of working class who can bear any situation like under Sun and Rain. There are verses to describe the duty of operational staff and the administrative and planning staff. Fourth verse of the song describes the meaning of the railway crest. Finally it boosts the mission statement.
The song is officially announced as the theme song of Railway by the General Manager Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan.
The Song CD consist two versions - the Railway version was sung by Sarath and the team. Next, the classical version of the same song sung by the Veteran musician Lalith Kalubowila.
The song CD was ceremonially launched at the occasion the opening of National Railway museum in Colombo, on November 11.
The first CD’s were presented to the General Manager of Railways Dr. Lalithasiri Gunaruwan, Dullas Allahaperuma, the Minister of Transport, Mahinda Yapa Abewardene the Minister of Cultural Affairs and to Lasantha Alagiyawana, Minister of Road Passenger Transport .
Sarath Goonawardene had alive presentation of the song at the occasion. |
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