Priest’s Poetic Mission
Musician, singer, poet and former Director of Social Communication Centre of Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Edmund Tillekeratne recently released his latest collection of songs and hymns in a book titled, “Geetha Samuchchiya” at the auditorium of Aquinas University in Colombo.
The book published by Godage Publishers contains a large number of songs and hymns penned by Fr. Tillekeratne, a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these verses have been set into music and released as CDs.
Most of these songs and hymns that featured in ‘Geetha Samuchchiya’ are sung by renowned singers representing different genres of Sinhala music and vocal renditions are popular both among Christians and non-Christians.
Award winning lyricist Wasantha Kumara Kobawaka who was the guest speaker at the book launch said that he was impressed by the verses penned by Fr. Edmund and for some reason his contribution had not been highlighted among the mainstream art and music in Sri Lanka.
“Fr. Edmund had silently come a long way gifting many valuable writing to the country but for some reason we have missed him,” Mr. Kobawaka who is well known for his popular lyrists said.
In his speech he detailed the contribution of Christians and specially priests for the promotion and development of Sri Lankan art, cinema and music. He reflected on the late Rev. Fr. Mercelline Jayakody’s contribution to Dr. Lester James Peiris’ ground breaking ‘Rekhawa’ or ‘Silver line’ which changed the destiny of Sri Lankan cinema. “The songs like ‘Olu Nelum Meriya Rangala’, Wesak Kekulu’ and all other songs in ‘Rekhawa’ are still popular among all generations of Sri Lankans,” Kobawaka said. He said that like Fr. Jayakody, Fr. Tillekeratne too would be another gift to Sri Lankan art, culture and music from the church.
Mr. Kobawaka also said though a Buddhist, he and his family celebrate Christmas at his relatives’ houses every year and how inculturation has taken place where Buddhist and Christian celebrate certain festivals.
In a final note Kobawaka said that he has already become a fan of Fr. Tillekeratne’s writings and he would continue to exchange poetic experiences with with his new found friend.
A professional musician, Fr. Tillekeratne has a Visharad degree from India’s reputed Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow in addition to degrees in philosophy and theology from Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He also has a philosophy of science from the London School of Economics.
Fr. has served in a number of parishes including Gampaha, Koralawella, Nugegoda, Kadawatha and he had served as a lecturer at the National Seminary Ampitiya.
Fr. Daya Shelton Welikadarachchi
Wasantha Kumara Kobawaka
Fr. Edmund handing over the first copy to Wasantha Kumara Pix by Romesh Dhanushka Silva