Clarence Wijewardena Mawatha: A tribute to a Legend

The road leading to the house of the Late King of Sinhala Pop Music Clarence Wijewardena was named after him at a simple ceremony to mark his 78^th birthday which fell yesterday (August 3).

The ceremony, presided by Mayor of Maharagama Tiraj Lakruwan Piyaratna was held with the blessings of Sheela Wijewardena and with the participation of State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and many artistes of the music industry. 

Vithana Kuruppu Arachchilage Clarence Arthur Somasinghe Wijewardena, popularly known as Clarence Wijewardena (August 4, 1943–December 13, 1996) was considered one of the most respected musicians in Sri Lanka. He revolutionised Sri Lankan Sinhala Pop Music with the use of the electric guitar in Sinhala music, in the 1960s. Due to his influence on Sinhala pop music, he is often named as the father of Sri Lankan pop music.

Clarence was born on August 3, 1943, in Haputale, Sri Lanka, to an estate medical practitioner. His family moved to Batugedara, Ratnapura, and Clarence abandoned a budding career as a planter to pursue music full-time. He completed education from Hatton Highland College and Mahasen College, Yatawatta.

He married Sheela Ramadasa and they had one daughter, Amila Priyadarshani.

Clarence died on December 13, 1996, at the age of 53.