Sunday Times 2
Sihinayaki Re recorded in Oman
View(s):By Clifford Lazarus
The Sultanate of Oman is home to over 20,000 Sri Lankans. The talent within the community is showcased at art and photographic exhibitions and musical events.
Recently, a group under the name “Seenige Wedak” invited Mahesh Nissanka, the presenter of the long-running musical series “Sihiniyaki Re” to record Oman’s version of “Sihiniyaki Re”. Following a series of auditions, Oman’s top Sri Lankan talent was chosen to showcase their talent, a programme telecast over national Rupavahini.
Music for the event was by a group of eight led by Bandula Perera on lead guitar which included two schoolchildren on violin and drums.
“Sihiniyaki Re” took place on March 24 at the Al Falaj Hotel, a hotel managed by Aitken Spence Holdings.
The curtain raiser came from Lalith Kumara singing “Sandhaken Wesila” followed by Champa Senanayake who evoked memories of Sri Lanka’s nightingale – Latha Walpola singing ‘Shri Nivi Bhushitha Lanka Babale’. Thushani Marien touched the hearts of the audience with her rendition of “Mathakaya Asurin”, recalling memories of mothers leaving behind their loved ones in search of a better life.
Kumudu Jayasinghe presented “Silin Bilin” in a harmonious voice recalling a “Thorombolkaraya”. Suraj Senarath sang “Unmadha Sithuwam” evoking memories of Gunadasa Kapuge. Punya Chandani delighted the audience with a chirpy “Sina Thotak”.
Disna Priyanka’s rendition of “Me Paalu Seetha Re” was well received and Harsha Mahindagoda paid tribute to all mothers with “Me Nonimana Dhivi Gamane”. Lakmal Dissanayake brought the show to the climax when he sang ‘Ran Samanalayo’ of maestro Sunil Edirisinghe.
Choreography and make-up was by Chaminda Vitharama, art and design teacher of the Sri Lankan School in Oman and Thanuja Mahindagoda.