Amaradeva’s book: Gee Sara Muwarada

by Jagath Asoka

(September 29, Jackson- NJ, Sri Lanka Guardian) I sincerely believe that this article is highly pertinent and appropriate for this month because September—the month of literature—is the month of book lovers and book festivals in Sri Lanka.

In 2007, I published Amaradeva’s book Gee Sara Muwarada. Recently, Gee Sara Muwarada was printed for the second time.

Dr. Thusitha Jayawardena wrote the following book review: “Maestro Amaradeva speaks about the story behind each of 33 songs in this selection from his vast repertoire that spans nearly five decades. These tales provide a rare and fascinating window into the creative process that resulted in gems of the Sinhala art song such as "aetha kandukara" and "hinaweyan kalu". All songs in the book, except the last one, which the public has yet to hear, are well-known Amaradeva classics. Editor, W. A. Abeysingha, who has written several of these songs, captures the stories in a conversational style. This book shows how fortunate we are that lyric poets of the caliber of Mahagama Sekera and Madawala Ratnayaka collaborated with this musical genius to create a uniquely Sinhala form of the art song. Future generations will read this book and get a glimpse of what was so good and beautiful about ‘Paradise on Earth’ which has all but vanished.”

As the publisher of this book, it gives me enormous pleasure to regale the story behind this book, again and again. In April 2006, my friend Thusitha Jayawardena and his wife Darshi invited me to dinner at his place. When I found out that Thusitha and his wife Darshi were giving a dinner to Amaradeva, his wife Wimala, and daughter Subhanie, I was elated. I was really eager to dine with my favorite Sri Lankan musician and his family; however, I could not dine with them that night, because my son Rocco, who would usually go to bed by 8:00 pm, was wide awake that night. So, I decided to stay with him until he went to bed. Finally, Rocco went to bed around 11.00 pm, and by that time it was too late to dine with Amaradeva.

A few days later, while I was listening to Amaradeva’s songs, I decided to write a letter to him, and here is that letter.

27 April 2006


Jackson, NJ, USA


Re: A book by Amaradeva


Dear Dr Amaradeva:


I would like to see a book written by you. This particular book that I have in my mind should be written in Sinhala. I wish you would compile your songs, explain their meanings in simple terms, and give us the history of each song. I bet there is a wonderful story behind each song, waiting to be told by you.


I have been listening to you for the last thirty five years. When I listen to your songs, I am in my own heaven. I have fallen in love not only with your dulcet voice but also with the mellifluous lyrics. Even though I find it difficult to understand some words, my soul still resonates with these poetic verses when I listen to them. Unfortunately, I don’t have a good Sinhala-Sinhala dictionary to help me out. Here is a good example: I love the song “Swarnamaaliye,” which was written by Mahagamasekara. It is such a wonderful song, but I find it difficult to understand some simple terms such as “Kinihiri pethi” or “Baalachandra.” I wish I knew the meaning of these words because, without any doubt, it would enhance my enjoyment.


There is no doubt in my mind that the right words can move us, make us weep, or kindle our souls. I wish our teachers had taught me Sinhala through these beautiful, poetic verses; instead, when I was a child, I wasted many hours with my well-meaning teachers who genuinely tried to teach me Sinhala by teaching grammar, which I found utterly boring.


The people who composed these beautiful songs knew what they were doing. I think, it is time for us to get to know them. Only you can do it before it is too late, because the people who wrote these songs—people like Mahagamasekara—are not here anymore. Amaradeva, as your name suggests, you are an undying god. So, write this book for eternity. Give us a chance to enjoy these songs as you enjoy them. Teach us by writing a book about these songs, by explaining their meanings in simple terms, and by giving us a brief history of each song. If you need any help I will be more than willing to assist you—compiling these songs, publishing your book, and providing financial support—in this project.


I wish our schools in Sri Lanka would use a book like this to teach Sinhala.


Sincerely,


Dr. Jagath Asoka

After writing this letter, I e-mailed it to Amaradeva. At that time he was still on his U.S. tour. Through some Sri Lankan compatriots, I found out where Amaradeva was staying, and I called him. We talked over the phone. He was very excited about my idea.

Many events occurred after that phone conversation. Finally, my nebulous idea became a reality. As of today, I have not met Amaradeva or his wife Wimala, but over the last four years we got to know each other through our sincere conversations over the phone. I think, everything happens for a reason. I am glad that I wrote a letter instead of telling him my idea during a casual conversation. Most probably, had I told him my idea during a casual conversation, he would not have taken my idea seriously, because I am certain that I was not the first person to suggest writing a book about his songs.

I am delighted that all of us worked together to make my idea a reality. I sincerely want to express my gratitude and thank everyone who participated in this project. Without any doubt, I know that this book became a reality because of W.A. Abeysingha and Wimala Amaradeva. I also want to thank Athula Seneviratne, Dr. Thusitha Jayawardena, and Dr. Chandana Goonetilleke for their sincere comments and suggestions. I sincerely want to thank my sister Chandrika and my niece Hadarsha for all the help that they have given me in this project.

It is maestro Amaradeva’s wish that this book will eventually become a text book in our Sri Lankan schools and universities, especially in our Sinhala literature curriculum. I think, fulfilling Amaradeva’s wish is the highest tribute and accolade our country can bestow on this extraordinary human being, for the immeasurable services and precious gifts that he has rendered.

Of course, this could not have happened if my dear friend Janaka Dias Abeyagunawardena had not invited Amaradeva to dine with us. I also want to thank Senarath Hewawasam.

I have no doubt that the readers will enjoy this book as I did.