Veteran singer from Moratuwa C.L. Fonseka was presented with the ‘Gayaka Sakwithi’ Award at an awards ceremony conducted by the Sarasi Advertising Agency recently at the Buddhist hall, Moratuwa.
Twentyt seven worthy Moratuwa folk including artistes and leading business personalities were recognized at this mega event. C.L.Fonseka, popularly known as ‘C.L.’ or 'Sonny' in music industry, was presented this award by Pundith W. D. Amaradeva amidst a large and distinguished gathering. C.L. began his musical career in 1939 by singing Christmas Carols as a school boy for Radio Ceylon, then situated at Cotta Road. There was no looking back since then.

C.L. Fonseka

He first took to stage acting during the same period when he acted the role of Saint Anthony during his younger days in a Church stage drama. Later on he appeared alongside the late Rukmani Devi in the stage drama titled 'Rohini'. C.L. came out on top when he appeared regularly in the controversial 'Rankanda' stage play in the 60th era.

As a singer, he emerged in 1952, when he was auditioned by Indian maestro Pundith Rathna Jankar as a 'A' grade singer for Radio Ceylon. He is well known in music circles as a composer, singer of both oriental and western songs, musician and music director. C.L. is blessed with a steady singing voice and is well known for his yodeling songs from the wild west.

His other famous Sinhala songs include 'Ko Ran Ethana', ' Mawage Thurule', 'Somi Panadura Nadiye' and many more.

C.L’s. son, Rohan Fonseka was a former member of the musical aggregation 'Shakthi' and was a member of Seac Musical band. He was the guitarist for the SLBC orchestra too. Rohan is domiciled in France for the past 18 years and leads his all Sri Lankan Band 'Sri' in Paris.