Appreciations
View(s):A pioneer in Sri Lankan arts, culture and broadcasting
Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan
As a musician, composer, choreographer and broadcaster, Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan who passed away in Australia recently, played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Sri Lankan and South Indian classical traditions.
Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan stands as an eminent figure in Sri Lanka’s artistic and broadcasting spheres. With a career spanning several decades, she was instrumental in nurturing Carnatic music, pioneering cultural programmes and promoting reconciliation through the performing arts.
Born on February 24, 1946, in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, she was the youngest of five daughters. She received her primary education at Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam and subsequently pursued higher studies at Vembadi Girls’ High School in Jaffna. She later entered the University of Peradeniya, where she earned a Special Degree in Economics. Despite her academic trajectory in economics, her passion for the arts remained unwavering. She undertook rigorous training in Carnatic music under the tutelage of eminent South Indian maestros including Maharajapuram Santhanam (vocal) and Kalyana Krishna Bhagavathar (veena), thereby honing her expertise in both vocal and instrumental performance.
Arunthathy commenced her professional career at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in 1974, where she rapidly ascended the ranks, demonstrating exceptional dedication and expertise. She was appointed Program Controller in 1979, Director of Music in 1984, and eventually Director of the Tamil Service in 1994. Her tenure at SLBC was marked by the diversification of musical content, the launch of innovative classical and contemporary programmes, and the mentorship of future broadcasters, many of whom later established Tamil radio stations in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
A particularly significant achievement during her tenure was the production of 10 CDs commemorating SLBC’s 75th anniversary. She also played a key role in organising nationwide music and radio drama festivals, thereby making significant contributions to the enrichment of Sri Lanka’s broadcasting heritage.
In 2004, she founded the Aru Sri Art Theatre which was dedicated to the promotion and preservation of both classical and contemporary performance traditions. Among her most renowned productions were Mekala, Sakuntala and Ramayana, which seamlessly integrated Carnatic musical traditions with innovative choreographic techniques.
Her work has been instrumental in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening diplomatic ties through the performing arts, notably, the Aru Sri Art Theatre performed at the 3rd International Ramayana Festival in India in 2017, where Sri Lanka’s interpretations of the epic narrative received widespread acclaim.
Beyond her achievements in performance and broadcasting, Arunthathy significantly influenced Carnatic music education in Sri Lanka. She was a dedicated mentor to students from diverse backgrounds and played a pioneering role in the establishment of the first cohort of Sinhalese graduates in Carnatic music at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. She composed music for over 20 dance dramas and released an extensive collection of audio and video recordings, thus contributing to the preservation and propagation of traditional music forms.
Her exceptional contributions have been recognised through numerous national and international accolades. She was conferred prestigious honorary titles, including Kalashuri, Vishva Prasadini, Desha Nethru and Kalai Semmal, by the Sri Lankan government and cultural institutions. In 2016, she was honoured as the Classical Entertainer of the Year at the Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year Awards. Additionally, the University of the Visual and Performing Arts conferred upon her an honorary doctorate in recognition of her lifelong dedication to music and the arts.
Dr. Nishshanka Abeyrathna
His beaming smile, wit and humour will remain with us
Jayathilaka Bandara Basnayake
Though it is already 12 months since our friend we lovingly called BAS who was adored with sterling qualities bade us goodbye before reaching his 70th mile post, his memory still remains in our minds undiminished.
His bond of love with his beloved wife, precious daughter and son was so great, the grief of his untimely departure inflicted them with an emotional avalanche.
He commenced his career as a teacher and always endeavoured to motivate his pupils to pursue their studies and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. A few years later, he opted to change his field to accountancy and served in a couple of prestigious institutions in the capacity of internal auditor until retirement. He was able to enjoy the respect of his peers and to get their maximum output for the benefit of the organisation.
He was cheerful, warmhearted and always volunteered to extend his beneficence to his friends and acquaintances. He treated his siblings and their family members with great warmth and affection.
Hailing from a distinguished family in Kandy, he always held egalitarian values. Throughout his life he remained a non-smoker and teetotaler and as a devout Buddhist he led his life according to the teachings of Buddha. Peace and happiness reigned in his home at all times. On many an occasion he had the flair to transform a hopeless situation to that of a success. Being the beacon of light in the family and pillar of strength as well, he nurtured his treasured daughter Upekshika and son Rajith to be resourceful, virtuous and independent.
From the time he fell victim to illness, his beloved wife Sagarika who was almost a part of his soul unfailingly attended on him, even retiring early from her teaching career. Theirs was an exemplary wedded life.
Though he is no more, his beaming smile, wit and humour will continue to echo in our hearts for a long time to come.
Dear friend, you lived a life of worthiness until you peacefully made your gentle exit.
Goodbye…until we meet again
Leel Perera
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