Plus

Plus

Kala Korner - by Dee Cee

Old Johnians recognise a renowned old boy
It's nice to see maestro Premasiri Khemadasa back in action after a long layoff following a kidney transplant. Back in Colombo from Kandy where the surgery was done, he is bubbling with enthusiasm to continue his creative work.
No sooner had he returned than Lester James Peries invited him to handle the music for his latest film, 'Ammavarune'. Khemadasa is thrilled with the thought of working with Lester again having created music for 'Golu Hadawatha' and 'Nidhanaya' – both scores being highly appreciated.

Meanwhile, Khemadasa's old school, St John's, Panadura is getting ready to felicitate him on his 69th birthday, January 25. His portrait is to be unveiled and he will join a select band of Old Johnians who have been remembered over the years. "We have always honoured the old boys by hanging their photographs in the College hall after their death. We are creating a new tradition this year by honouring maestro Khemadasa during his lifetime," says Cdr Tissa Gunatilleka, President of the Association of Old Johnians who is the livewire behind the project.

Khemadasa will be among distinguished old boys including Prof. G. P. Malasekera, Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra, LSSP stalwarts Dr. Colvin R. de Silva and Leslie Gunawardena, former Minister Lalith Athulathmudali, former IGP Stanley Senanayake, scholar Punchi Bandara Sannasgala and Professor Ranjit Ruberu who have been recognized earlier. "I, of course, hardly did any studies," is Khemadasa's response to the Old Johnians' idea. He is happy that his school thought it fit to honour him.

The old boys are convinced he deserves the honour for his vast contribution to Sri Lankan music. "By honouring him, we are enhancing the morale and setting an example to the students who are bound to be motivated. They will be happy to see one of their old boys doing so well being recognized by his school," Cdr Gunatilleka says. The Old Boys Association is now in its 100th year. The school is 130 years old.

On the 25th, Khemadasa will spend the morning at the Panadura Town hall conducting a workshop for over a hundred students from all schools in Panadura.

Recent months have seen Khemadasa being showered with honours and titles, the latest being the title 'Deshamanya' conferred by former President Chandrika Kumaratunga. He was awarded the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award at the Presidential Film Awards and the Eagle Award for Excellence. He was earlier a 'Kala Keerthi'. Universities too have recognized him with honorary PhDs and D. Litts. "I value these numerous awards and titles but I remain the plain and simple 'Khemadasa' as I always was," he insists.

Back to Plus