Remembering CT
View(s):The birth centenary of popular singer Cyril Tudor Fernando, popularly known as CT Fernando was commemorated with series of articles and radio programmes recently.
CT, who revolutionised the Sinhala music scene serving as a bridge between the English and Sinhala audiences, passed away in 1977. He ventured into the music scene in early 1940s as a 19 year old youngster.
CT Fernando with Patrick Denipitiya in 1969
The latest edition of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation’s quarterly magazine ‘Handa’ edited by senior journalist Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara, has been dedicated to the inimitable singer whose 100th death anniversary fell on January 28, 2021.
‘Handa’ includes a series of articles written on CT’s outstanding music career.
He was praised by critics for the themes and wording of his songs like ‘Piyumehi Pani Bothi’, ‘Bilinda Nelawe’, ‘Suwanda Rosa Mal Nela’, ‘Ambili Mame’, ‘Pin Siduwanne’, ‘Sigiri Sukumaliye’, ‘Ranwan Rankendi Peerala’, ‘Parawunu Mal Newatha Nathe Pipenne’, ‘Kimada Sumihiriye’, ‘Meewadayaki Jeewithe’, ‘Lo Ada Ninde’, ‘Aane Dingak Innako’, ‘Dawasa Gwee Dan Tika Tika’, ‘Ma Baala Kale’, ‘Selalihini Kovul’, ‘Malbara Himidiriye’, ‘Bilinda Nelawena Ukule’, ‘Ambaruk Sewanelle’, ‘Mal Loke Rani’, ‘Sihina Lowe’ and hundreds of other popular songs.
Born in Moratuwa, Fernando was educated at St. Mary’s College, Nawalapitiya showed interest in the arts and music, participating in school dramas and singing sessionsalong with the local church choir.
In 1946, Fernando successfully auditioned for a position as Grade One radio artiste on Radio Ceylon. There he had his maiden hit song ‘Pinsinduwanne’, a plea to children to stop harming birds, which is still a popular hit amongst old generation. The song was written by R. N. H. Perera.
He also the main playback singer for films ‘Deiyyanne Rate’, ‘Kawata Andare’, ‘Chandiya’, ‘Hathara Maha Nidhanaya’, ‘Sanda Nega Eddi’, ‘Kawda Hari’, ‘Nimawalalla’ and many others.
From 1956 to 1960 CT Fernando was rated the most popular singer in the country.
