Twin National Awards for Priya
View(s):Priya Peiris – songwriter, musician and singer was honoured with two separate National Awards in the field of arts for the year 2014. Well known for his original songs such as ‘Cock-A-Doodle-do’ and ‘Nuwara Menikela’ among many other English and Sinhala Hits with the ‘La Bambas’ from the musical city of Moratuwa. Priya became the recipient of the coverted “Kalabhooshana” State Award at a glittering ceremony organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall recently. A host of other artistes from various literal and artistes fields representing Sinhala, Tamil and Muslims coming from Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu were also recognised at this spectacular event.
Priya Peiris
Besides Priya’s musical deeds, he was primarily honoured as a ‘Kalabhooshana’ recipient for his manifold services rendered towards the development of arts and very specially for his efforts in promoting other personalities to the local music field. It was Priya who spotted the young talent of Baila Singer Paul Fernando of Moratuwa and promoted him to what he is today. Priya’s compositions such as ‘Mala’, ‘Paan Mama’ etc. done entirely free of charge brought Paul instant Island-wide fame as the ‘Prince of Baila’. Again it was Priya who introduced the versatile Stanley Peiris & the ‘Fortunes’ to showbiz-man Vijaya Corea thru’ the famous ‘Zellers go-go show’ thus paving the way for his first ever instrumental Recording at SLBC and appearances at many Sooriya Shows.
Along with other La bambas members, Priya took the initiative to voluntarily conduct a series of music workshops for Army musicians in Vavuniya, Ampara, Polonnaruwa & Welikanda for the benefit of over 300 personnel including pop, calypso bands & Ranawiru Star contenders. Priya’s many other musical services opened the door to a multitude of various other up and coming musicians whose names are too numerous to mention.
In addition to being the recipient of the’’ Kalabhooshana Award” , Priya also emerged winner at the “National State Literary Arts Festival 2014.” His inspired work secured him the first prize in the English Creative Poetry segment Islandwide conducted by the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Priya besides his musical deeds with the ‘La Bambas’ possess a wide knowledge in much valued music & songs around the world. His knowledge of international songs is truly astounding. His vast repertoire in this field covers evergreen English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish songs, authentic Caribbean Calypsos, American Cowboy, Plantation and Dixieland Favorites, Latin American (Spanish) hits from many countries, Negro Spirituals and a great assortment of songs from many lands such as Italy, France, Germany, Holland, Hawaii, Japan, Australia etc.
Priya is a founder member of the Moratuwa Arts Forum and had been its General Secretary for four Presidents spanning six and a half years.