Cliff Foenander

11/10/2007 03:17PM
Contributed by: asiaradionews

Cliff Foenander was one of Sri Lanka's great musicians. He was King of the 'crooners' in 1950s and 1960s Ceylon. Foenander had a passion for music and he was determined to succeed in life. He reached the dizzy heights of stardom - not only in Sri Lanka but right across South and South East Asia, and even the United States of America.

Sri Lanka remember's Cliff Foenander - his 7th death anniversary falls on the 21st of November 2007 - he passed away in Australia. Recently, thanks to You Tube there has been a real revival of music connected with Sri Lanka's first international star, Cliff Foenander. Thousands have logged on to youtube to hear The Fabulous Echoes. The whole history of The Fabulous Echoes is also on You Tube.

Foenander was a pioneer - one of his earliest hits was 'Butterfly in the Rain' composed by the great singer/songwriter Nimal Mendis. Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia discovered Cliff Foenander. The legendary Radio Ceylon announcers Vernon Corea, Tim Horshington, Livy Wijemanne, Jimmy Bharucha, promoted his music throughout the lates 1950s and 1960s on the airwaves of the radio station. Radio Ceylon was 'King of the Airwaves' in South Asia and Cliff Foenander's music was played to the huge audience on the Indian sub-continent. He had a succession of number one hits in South Asia as a result of the exposure on Radio Ceylon.

Foenander's big break came along when he joined one of the hottest acts in Hong Kong, 'The Fabulous Echoes.' They had a massive hit with 'A Little Bit of Soap' in 1964 released on Diamond Records - they enjoyed 25 weeks in the Number one position in the Hong Kong Charts. 'A Little Bit of Soap' was a huge hit in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, The Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Cliff Foenander and The Fabulous Echoes had a string of hits, among them - 'Dancing on The Moon,' 'Sukiyaki,' 'Cry,' 'Another Saturday Night,' 'Another Romance,' 'I know,' 'The Wedding,' 'Skip to My Lou, 'Sunshine,' 'Way Back When,' 'Mashed Potato,' 'It Won't be Long,' 'Day By Day,' 'This Land is My Land.'

As a result of their huge hit 'A Little Bit of Soap' among a string of hits in South East Asia, The Fabulous Echoes were invited to play Las Vegas. Cliff Foenander and the group were playing with the greats - The 'rat pack,' Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior who were performing in Las Vegas at the time in the early 1960s - they performed with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Pat Boone among a whole host of stars.

One evening Cliff Foenander sang a song to a lady in the audience, she like The Fabulous Echoes so much that she told her husband. He happened to be the great Ed Sullivan who also liked their style and sound. He signed them up for two shows and Ceylon's Cliff Foenander was seen by an audience of 45 million viewers. Foenander was at the very top with the Fabulous Echoes. They were a hit in Las Vegas.

Thanks to the phenomenon of You Tube, Foenander's nephew, Rob who is carrying on the musical tradition of the Foenander Family in Australia has released Cliff Foenander's back catalogue. You can now see Sri Lanka's great musician performing in Hong Kong with The Fabulous Echoes.

To hear Cliff Foenander sing the number one hit of The Fabulous Echoes: 'A Little Bit of Soap,' please type in 'Cliff Foenander' on you tube: http://wwww.youtube.com

http://www.worldmusiccentral.org/article.php/remembering_cliff_foenander

Erin Kelaart

MULTI-FACETED NIGHTINGALE - A voice that still resonates with quality, is evergreen Erin Kelaart, of “Kelaart Sisters” fame…

The halcyon 1960’s was an era which gave Ceylon’s (as it was then known) music industry a much-needed head start and shot in the arm; producing some of the most dynamic, versatile and flamboyant performers. Some are still pro-active, others have passed on, while the rest sadly languish on the backburner. One singer however, whose voice still resonates with quality, is evergreen Erin Kelaart, of “Kelaart Sisters” fame. Still held in high esteem, respected, admired and emulated by her peers, she traverses life’s odyssey with gusto and resolve. In a soul-baring, exclusive interview with Joe Van Langenberg of The Sri Lankan Anchorman, Erin highlights her musical milestones during that golden era and talks about the battle with personal demons, which not only threatened her sanity, but also almost destroyed her life.

Regarded as one of the linchpins of pop music in Sri Lanka during the golden sixties, she was the youngest singer to blaze a trail in the corridors of entertainment; a phenomenal success and multi-talented nightingale who reached the pinnacle of fame in a relatively short time frame. HER NAME IS ERIN KELAART.. Born to Erwin and Anne Kelaart, Erin was the second of six children. Given her parents’ musical prowess, it was a foregone conclusion the lass would eventually follow in their footsteps. Erin cut her musical teeth under the tutelage of Doris Forbes, who persuaded her to follow her dream and hone her singing skills. Though guided by Estelle de Niese, Erin was not professionally trained. Through sheer perseverance and invaluable know-how from her Mum and Dad, Erin’s vocal range became enriched and took on an unique edge. Improving in leaps and bounds and gaining in confidence, Erin decided the time was ripe to start firing on all cylinders. “I felt sure of myself and knew I could make an impact,” she said. Erin made her singing debut at aged fifteen. “I sang Stupid Cupid, which later became my signature piece. Then, at a Father’s Day concert, I warbled my vocals to great effect around Silver haired daddy of mine added Erin, her voice laced with emotion. She started singing on radio, also at fifteen, later entering the “Airship Talent Quest” with the melancholic Jim Reeves hit, Dark Moon. “For some strange reason, the number appealed to me,” she said laughingly. Erin and her sister Erma, entered the Maliban Talent Quest in 1965 and came second with You’ve got me under your spell again. Erin was adjudged winner of the Maliban Talent Quest for 1965 with her powerful rendition of Kiss of fire. She was over the moon and floated on Cloud 9 when her name was read out by all-time great, Livy Wijemanne. The thunderous applause was sweet music to her ears. “It was pretty exciting,” said Erin. Dubbed the local “Connie Francis”, Erin became an overnight sensation. She was spotted by legendary talent scout cum showbiz personality of yesteryear, Decima de Kretser; who opened doors of opportunity, by giving her top billing on all her shows. Erin’s performances were classy, breathtaking and spectacular. She moved on stage like a soft, summer breeze. Soon, everyone wanted a piece of her. “It was intoxicating,” she added, peering through the mists of time. The sixties was a time when entertainers of the calibre of Gerry Crake, Papa Miskin, Wadham Dole, Harold Seneviratne, Adrian Ferdinands, Jimmy Weerasinghe and Galali Ahmith held sway. Now it was Erin’s turn to join the elite ranks. She became the new kid on the block, causing quite a buzz on the circuit. Erin’s repertoire comprised a blend of soulful ballads, stimulating tempo, pulsating rhythm; even including a few of Chubby Checker’s gyrating hits, notably, Let’s twist again. Her glossy, luxuriant black tresses cascading to her shoulders, enhanced her natural beauty and youthful exuberance, with her face bearing the hallmark of childhood innocence. These attributes not only endeared her to an amalgam of audiences, but also warmed the cockles of many a male admirer’s heart. Some even called her “Lady with the mystic smile”. Erin, along with her mother and siblings migrated to Australia in 1972, but shortly after arrival, moved to London and resided with her partner for five years; thereafter returning to Australia in 1977. “My marriage unfortunately didn’t work out. I reckon it wasn’t meant to be,” she said, her voice tinged with an iota of regret. Erin has been battered and bruised by the vicissitudes of life, an emotional roller-coaster and prolonged confrontation with the “black dog” called depression. She was forced to run the gauntlet, but emerged stronger, despite having rolled with the punches. Her troubles, later developing into a nightmare, began at a time when life was full of fun and laughter. She was only nine; a mere kid. Both her Mum and Dad were blissfully happy, together with the rest of her siblings. The Kelaart’s family was closely-knit, bound by sterling Christian values. No one expected the bubble to burst, but it certainly did. Everything was hunky-dory until satanic forces cruelly ripped their parents apart, driving an irreparable wedge between two compatible people. What transpired in 1955 was the beginning of a vicious cycle. “My Dad was a wonderful man, deeply devoted to Mum. She was his world. It was devastating to see him change into someone unrecognizable through no fault of his,” said Erin sadly. Her world was torn asunder. Watching helplessly, as her mother stoically suffered in silence, Erin’s life took a turn for the worse. She waded through rapids of rock-bottom lows, suffocated by quicksand's of despair. This was the start of a protracted depressive spiral, culminating in a propensity for self-destruction. She found herself floating in a vacuum; disorientated and wiped-out. Resilient woman However, this courageous, resilient woman, like her mother, has overcome monumental odds in the face of adversity; finally putting the ghosts to rest. “Dwelling on the past is an exercise in futility. Focusing on the positives should be the bottom-line,” says Erin realistically. O Father Mine, is an awe-inspiring chronicle of Erin’s true-life encounters which gives a spine-tingling, mind-boggling, in-depth insight into the supernatural and despicable levels one could descend to, by not only violating every canon of human decency, but also surreptitiously robbing another of tranquility. Her literary skills are impeccable, writing style exquisite; bound to keep readers spellbound and riveted to their seats. “I have dedicated this book to my beautiful mother, who was my anchor on life’s turbulent ocean,” Erin emphasized. Not one to rest on her laurels, she has now released a CD of gospel hits. Many books, poems are in the pipeline, along with a few irons blazing in the fire. Erin’s life has come full circle since those traumatic days, which she likens to an experiment gone horribly wrong. Now a committed Christian, who sings in her local choir in Auburn, New South Wales, Erin at 60 years young, is a boon to those standing to gain by her sagacity and inner strength. A humanitarian in her own right, Erin’s commendable deeds involving helping disempowered women and kids, have spread far and wide. She is particularly concerned about human rights abuses in impoverished Sierra Leone and raises funds for the underprivileged. Erin is a heroine who feels no bitterness towards those who wronged her. This speaks volumes for her integrity. She has not only done her motherland proud, but is also a role model for the younger generation. What makes her so special, is her ability to separate the THIS IS THE STUFF CHAMPIONS ARE MADE OF. [The SrilnkanAnchorman Nov 4 2007]

Halucinating Harold

Golden Clef
a good yearly award

Harold Seneviratne

They say that in his halcyon days Harold Seneviratne was a dominant force in our music scene. Given another opportunity to relive his life and you can bet he'd choose to be a musician, although he very nearly ended up being a full time planter on a tea estate.

But family circumstances, the loss of his father in his early years thwarted that move and looking back he is glad he had to become a musician because he found happiness and popularity with his dance band the Harold Seneviratne Combo.

Fifty three years in Sri Lanka's show biz and as we know, Harold was a dominant personality in the many facets of the "there's no business like show business." The dance band's career in Sri Lanka the combo's outings overseas, the musical backing for countless foreign acts, the regular radio broadcasts, the record releases (then it was 45 rpm) the programme series that were Harold Seneviratne specials, and his years as Entertainment Manager, is history now.

In recognition of his vast contribution to the music industry in Sri Lanka and his appreciative moves to put our island very definitely on the map then, in the world of music, the Sunday Observer honoured him with the Golden Clef Award 2002. What is his comment?

"It was a great idea to bring back the Golden Clef. We need more quality musicians. Most of our good musicians have gone out of the country or given up playing. It is a good to have the awards yearly, provided there is a bigger turn out of musicians. It is a pity most of our young musicians use keyboards with programming. If they could play the drums, guitar live that would mean we are progressing because we need to progress and keep the industry alive and bristling."

A student of St. Peter's College and extremely active in the Music, drama and Arts Society, Harold learnt the violin as a start to his musical career. "My two brothers Tissa - drums and Chandra - bass, we studied under Papa Menezes. I learnt piano as well, then switched to the sax and mastered it in three months." What followed swiftly in a scene that was highly competitive at that time what with foreign bands playing here, was the birth of the Harold Seneviratne Combo and its launch at the Pigalle Night Club in 1953.

"Those were the days when ballroom dancing was in vogue and my combo comprised Nimal Mendis - piano, Sepala Alles - violin and my brother Tissa on drums. We had to play from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and I was there for about an year before I moved out to play at Mubarak Thaha's Atlanta night club, with a change of personnel. Patrick Nelson and Raife Jansz alternated on piano and my two brothers Chandra played bass, while Tissa continued on drums.

We had to frequently back foreign acts - singers and dancers which kept us on our toes," Harold reminisces. Perhaps a major highlight in his career was when the Combo was invited to play at the Orchid Room and Greenhouse at Victoria Park, by the famous impresario Donovan Andree. The Combo here too had to back many foreign acts including the popular 'In My Little Room' Tony Brent.

The popularity of the Combo escalated and the band was a much sought after one for all the leading corporate dances relayed often by Radio Ceylon that were frequently held not only in Colombo but in the 'outstations' as well. There were other prestigious highlights in Harold's career.

The band opened at the Little Hut, Mt. Lavinia in '60, at the Taprobane Grill Room in '63, the Blue Leopard in '69 and the Cat's Eye night club at the InterContinental Hotel in '73. The personnel in his band changed over the years and at the well patronised Cat's Eye he had with him Patrick Nelson - piano, Shanthi Seneviratne - drums, Adrian Ariyaratne - bass, Myfanwy de Silva, Sam Nathan - vocals and Anil Samarawickrema - guitar.

But above all, the Combo gained international status when Harold played at the Taj, Oberoi, Intercontinental New Delhi from 1970-72. "Biky Oberoi and Gautum Khanna directors of Oberoi invited me to play after hearing us at the Blue Leopard and in New Delhi we had absolute response.

We broke all sales records of the dining room patronised daily by politicians, film stars and international personalities. Usha Iyer performed with me, and my band then comprised Patrick Nelson - piano, Tom Menezes - trumpet/Tissa Seneviratne - drums, Nizam Adahan - guitar, Malcolm de Kauwe - vocals/bass, and Royce Paes - trumpet and bass," recalls a happy smiling Harold. There were overseas performances like, to London at the Sherton Tower, Hong Kong at Regent with Jetliners and Dubai International.

Other mumerous moments in Harold's career were too many to record here. But we can't pass by without mentioning his recording sessions on 45 rpm for our singers.

Cherry Blossom Tree and Goodnight Kisses by the Jay Brothers, Kandyan Express by Nimal Mendis, Oh My Lover by Sandra Edema, Champagne Blues - featuring Edgar Hebber and Butterfly in the Rain by Cliff Foenander to name a few, all popular hits on radio.

Music lovers will recall quite naturally his eagerly awaited special programme series 'Golden Oldies' and 'Yesterday Once More.' Harold's committed love for music saw him accept posts of Manager Taprobane, Little Hut, Mt. Lavinia and Director Entertainment Hilton Colombo to share his expertise with the Managements, which further escalated his popularity.

But behind all this vast success in his music career Harold confesses proudly is his wife Barbara. "We are together forty seven years and we did it through thick and thin. She is the wind beneath my wings!"

[Sunday Observer, June 1 2003]

'Golden Dance Medley's' by Harold Seneviratne

Veteran Musician released his very first compact disc 'Golden Dance Medleys last week.

The name, Harold Seneviratne, is synonymous with vintage music of a very high quality, which has held Sri Lankan fame enthralled for several decades.

His new CD and audio comprises ten dance medleys from Waltz, Cha-cha, Latin, Ballroom, Samba, Rumba to bailas.

'Oh My Papa', 'Sail Along Silvery Moon', 'In My Little Room', 'Side By Side', 'On the Street, Where You Give', Tennessee "Waltz". "It's a Long Way to Tipperery", 'Auld Lang Syne', 'Que Sera', 'Quando', 'La Paloma', 'Brazil', 'Marina' are some of the old favourites featuring on this latest album of Harold.

The musical backing for this 'Golden Dance Medley's' by Harold himself with his Atto Sax along with Duncan Clyde on drums, Hilary Christie on Key Boards, Clifford Andrews on guitar, Darion Perera on guitar, Ranjan De Silva on bass and Malcolm De Zilva on Tenor Sax.

The CD and audio is a production of Torana music and it is available at all Torana outlets.

Harold took to music at the tender age of thirteen while still at his "Alma Mater" St. Peter's College. Two names he can never forget are those of "Papa" Menezes and Donovan Andree, who nurtured his talent and encouraged him tremendously in his musical career.

His performances at the Silver Fawn night club the Orchid Room, the GOH and New Delhi, just mention a few venues are now legendary. Horold has had the honour of playing before such international personalities as Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Jack Tea Garden and Red Nichols and the Five Pennies. He has also provided the musical backing for his school-mate Bill Forbes, The Golden Gate' quartet, Tony Brent, The Blue Diamonds and other top flight international artistes.

[TV Times Dec 15 2002]

Peterite Singers

Peterite Singers: Keeping musical tradition alive

W.Aiyyar and Gerard Puvinayagam discuss an observed phenomenon at St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya that has been noted for well over half a century.

St. Peter’s College hall was built in 1931 and provided excellent acoustics to all singers and musicians. The performers in turn paid tribute to the hall’s sound-enhancing capacity with their well-rehearsed and first-rate renditions.

St. Peter’s College as an institution has always had a deep interest in all forms of music. In addition, many of its students possessed outstanding musical talents which were recognised and appreciated even after they had left school.

Peterite musicians had their own unique style. Many popular bands were dominated by former Peterites. They included musical legends such as : Harold Seneviratne, Micki, Tom, Ralph and Roger Meneazes, Sonny Bartholomeusz Raddy Ferreira, Patrick Nelson, Malcolm de Zilwa and Conrad Silva.

Among choir-masters and choristers who were former Peterites were Elsworth Anrado (Dehiwala) Ray Forbes (Dehiwala) Prof. Earle de Fonseka (Bambalapitiya). Choristers in the St. Mary’s Choral Group which was formed in 1967 and was trained by Rev. Fr. Claver Perera, were largely Peterites.

Many priests who served at St. Peter’s College, were a source of strength and example of the Catholic faith. They included Rev. Frs. Basil Wiratunga, Mervyn Weerakoddy, Marceline Jayakody, Arthur N. Fernando, Theodore Peiris, Joe Wickramasinghe.
St. Peter’s produced the first school band in Ceylon in 1955. It was the Rev. Fr. Arthur Fernando’s brain-child. Dodwell de Silva was the band leader. He now resides in Australia.

The Peterite school choir, since the 1940s, excelled in Gregorian chants to such an extent, that their chant truly sounded divine.

Guitarists among the Peterite fraternity were Winston Jayawardene (classic) both musician and teacher. Alfo Paiva was a lead guitarist, rock music being his forte. He performed with Gabo and The Breakaways, Sohan and the Experiments.

The following describes some of the outstanding former Peterite singers and their unique musical talents:

Tenor Nihal Fonseka’s voice is of operatic quality. He has sung in Sri Lanka and abroad to captive audiences. Nihal is now resident in Canada and performs regularly at public concerts and at church services. He is married a second time, his wife Eve being a soprano who often performs with her husband.

Bill Forbes has been London – based from the early fifties. Bill worked at the Shell Co. of Ceylon. His voice had a high-frequency vibrato that was hardly heard in his pop rendition. With proper training he could have risen to classical heights of a famous tenor. However he opted for pop music. His repertoire ranged from local pop music to `Ave Marias’. His own compositions that ranged from `Believe in me’ to the light – hearted trilingual “Oh to be in Yengeland” with snatches of carnatic music are still remembered.

The Rev. Fr. Claver Perera has a Caruso type robust tenor voice. He returned to Ceylon from Rome in the late sixties. He founded the St. Mary’s Choral Group in (1967) whose members were largely Peterites. Now resident at the National Seminary, Ampitiya, Fr. Claver trains young seminarians in vocal music and elocution. He also teaches English, being a graduate of the University of Peradeniya (Jennings era).

Bede Zilwa is a high – register Tesatura tenor. His voice is on disc in Australia. He also sings Church solos. He was a well known radio artiste whilst in Sri Lanka. Bede now lives in Australia with his second wife. Sal, who hails from the island of Tonga. As a lyric tenor, Bede takes high Cs with the greatest of ease while he rolls off the low notes with equal panache.

Mellifluous baritone Douglas de Niese was born to sing. A graded Radio Ceylon artiste, he also made on invaluable contribution to the St. Mary’s Choir, Dehiwala, together with his lovely wife Estelle, a teacher of vocal music and a fine mezzo soprano. Douglas’s memorable renditions will always be perennial favourities . For example: “I’ll Walk Beside You” and “Loves Old Sweet Song”.

Light baritone Vernon Crusz performed over Radio Ceylon in the fifties, singing perennial favourites. Vernon’s father, Michael Crusz, was on the staff of St. Peter’s College.

Desmond Kelly, now residing in Australia, is a pop singer of repute. His “Dream World” was a memorable number heard over Radio Ceylon.

Green-eyed Dennis Roberts joined the navy to see the world. He will always be remembered for his effortless vocal renditions.

Light tenor Dr. Tony Don Michael was a most enthusiastic and correct tenor. When Luigi Infantine visited Ceylon in 1955 and sang in the College Hall, Tony later sang privately for him. Tony did well in the field of medicine and he is now an eminent cardiologist who lives in the USA.
Gerard Puvinayagam (Lyrical Tenor) is a graded Radio Ceylon artiste who performed in the sixties and seventies. He was a member of St. Mary’s Choir Bambalapitiya, and also a soloist. He commenced his self trained vocalizations in the early sixties. Gerard is thankful to Neville de Cruse, Librarian of the Medical Faculty, Colombo, for his knowledgeable advice on intercostals breathing and diaphragmatic control, when one’s voice is emitted in the bel canto style. Bel canto also produces a purity of tone which calls for maximum use of the head register. This austere and classical style also epitomizes good singing to those of that school.

Pop singer Steve de Silva performed regularly at concerts and dances in hotels.
Baritone Rohan Jayawardena has lots of quality. He is rarely heard these days, except at weddings, funerals and at St. Mary’s Church, Dehiwela. The timbre of his voice has a resonating nasal quality, like that of his guru Douglas de Niese.

Malcom de Zilva is an accomplished saxophonist similar to maestro Harold Seniviratne. He was sought after by popular bands.

Prof. Earle de Fonseka was both conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Ceylon as well as the Catholic Choral Society. He was also a choir-master at St. Mary’s Church, Bambalaptia.

Earle was considered an amateur conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Ceylon. He kept western classical music alive in the Island. Without his efforts, many generations would not have had this type of exposure. He always channelled his energies towards inculcating knowledge in the young who were keen to learn. He had a rare collection of musical scores and recorded music of the great masters covering classical, romantic and choral. In a nutshell, this former Peterite’s contribution is outstanding.

Earle de Fonseka’s academic qualifications included: Bachelor of Music London; Professor of Privative Medicine Colombo; Dean of the Faculty of Medicine – Colombo University 1988; Professor of the Institute of Post Graduate Medicine, Colombo.
Fame rested lightly on Earle de Fonseka and simplicity was his main feature.

Harold Seneviratne, Mickey, Tom Ralph and Roger Menezies in the 1950s and 60s were the popular bands during that period. Harold was unparallel during that era and the image of St. Peter’s College, really stood tall.

Patrick Nelson was a lobby pianist in the seventies who had a wide repetoire. He was much sought after especially by hotels. He died in a tragic bus accident, the victim of misplaced hospitality by his many admirers who plied him with liquor. Finally, Patrick missed his footing on the bus when he boarded the bus to go home.

Mano Chanmugam is a pianist with a delicate touch, who was a marvel at improvisation. An engineer by profession he helped to structurally modernize St. Peter’s College Hall.
Tony Ambrose is a walking encyclopedia. He possesses an in- depth knowledge of vocal music. His enthusiasm has spurred him to visit many opera houses at his own expense. Among these are La Scalla, Milan, Vienna Opera House – Austria; Covent Gardens, London the Metropolitan, New York and the French opera house in Paris.

Tony Ambrose aspired to be a tenor but eventually realized he was cut out for intellectual pursuits.

His father, John Ambrose was on the staff of St. Peter’s College in the forties and fifties.
Sunil Perera is the leader of the Gypsies and he is their soloist. His renditions are full of catchy and homely humour. He is widely appreciated both here and abroad. He is much sought after for concert appearances and commercial advertisements because of his unique style and tone of voice that endears him to millions.

The following names are those of old Peterites who became announcers all Radio Ceylon.
Jimmy Barucha – of ` Melodies and Memories’ fame, Stephen Alageratnam –` famous songs by famous singers’; Tommy Perera – Sports round-up; Jimmy Barucha was a legend as a presenter of programmes and the timbre of his speaking voice was a joy to listen to.

Stephen Alagaratnam was a member of St. Mary’s Choral group and at St. Mary’s Choir, Bambalpitiya, in the sixties and seventies. A man of many parts, he captained St. Peter’s at rugby and basketball in the sixties. He holds a doctorate in law and is lecturing in the USA. He is a national of Canada.

Tony Perera is well known for his sports round-up eagerly looked forward to by young and old.If there were a need for a mixed choir, our sister school Holy Family Convent, Bambalpitiya readily participated. The girls of HFC can boast of an equally rich musical tradition over the years as that of the boys of St. Peter’s College.

The Peterite musicians consisted of students from many ethnic groups. Special mention must be made of those who belonged to the Burgher Community for their substantial contribution in upholding the Peterite musical tradition from the forties to the mid-seventies.

[Nation, Sunday Sep 23 2007]

Musical Memories

Musical Memories

By Trevine Rodrigo in Melbourne

Evergreen trumpeter Dallas Achilles celebrated 50 years in the music business in style taking a trip down memory lane at a musical extravaganza featuring some of Sri Lanka’s best musicians of yesteryear at the Grand Hotel in Wantirna, Australia.

Among a galaxy of performers invited by Alston Koch, who was instrumental in drawing in the invitees to honour Dallas, were the legendary line- up from the 50’s and 60’s comprising, Des Kelly, Conrad de Silva, Malcolm De Kauwe, the latter a respected performer in Perth over the past 27 years, and Claude Selvaratnam who had the audience teary and spellbound with their breathtaking performance.

They were ably backed by guitar maestros Milroy Passe de Silva and Tony Fernando, with famed saxophonist Ernie Walker, Dallas’ Anglo Indian partner Derek Stewart, Elmo Mulholland, Eddie James, Rob Foenander, and among the younger generation, Cathy and Peter Menzies and Andrea Marr appearing as guest performers for the night. Incidentally, Cathy and Peter Menzies are the offspring of legendary musician Tom Menzies who was Dallas’ guru and mentor in his formative years as a trumpeter. Much like their illustrious dad, they were a class act.

There were also the musical comedy acts performed by Chris Pietersz and Arthur Speldewinde that had the crowd in stitches. I caught up with Dallas after his night of nights to capture some of his experiences as he journeyed through five decades in the music industry. He spoke of the days as a lad in Mount Mary where his dad who was a railway man, moved with his family to the railway quarters in Borella.

“My first real gig was in September 1957 where as a 16-year-old, I sang at the Christian Guild for the first time,” he recalled. His talent was soon noticed and before long he found himself moving into the mainstream of Sri Lanka’s music scene being hired by the biggest man in showbiz in the country, Donovan Andree.

Dallas Achilles has been a member of almost every single band of note in Sri Lanka especially the famous combos such as Raddy Ferreira Combo, Adrian Ferdinands Combo, Helen Lucas Combo, Peter Prins Combo, Rex de Silva and the Rhythm Dukes, Gabo and the Breakaways, and the ever famous Jetliners.After migrating to Australia in 1974 with his beauty queen wife Sita, (nee Gunaratne), he played at some of the biggest night spots in Melbourne notably the Swagman, teaming up with Ernie Walker, Tyronne Senn, Felix Fernando, Conrad de Silva and Milroy Passe De Silva who were other well known Sri Lankans to perform at this venue.

At 66, he still enjoys turning up for Replay 6 at their endless dinner dances in Melbourne proving beyond any doubt, that music is a talent that never dies.

Sunday Observer Nov 4 2007

COMMENT: Tom Menezies was also my guru and taught me the art of playing jazz drums and reading drum music scientifically at his home at Dehiwela in the sixties. Both Cathy and Peter were little kids then and used to sit around me and listen while I played rums and Tom played piano. On some practice sessions I remember Cathy, little as she was then, playing the piano while Tom played on his Double Bass and I belted out the skins. I simply cpouldn't hold back the emotions when I read the above news article in todays Sundat Times. Tom was a fantastic man and a great musician who will always linger in my heart. – Fazli Sameer

Life and Times at the Times

Life and times at The Times

By S.J. Anthony Fernando – Nation Sunday Oct 21 2007

Down Memory Lane

In the early 1960s, life was still easy-going, at a leisurely pace. It was the time I, as a raw youth straight after school and quite new to city life, joined the Times of Ceylon Group as a trainee journalist.

The imposing six-storeyed building of the Times of Ceylon in the heart of Fort, built by its British founders, was at that time the tallest building in Colombo. The Times of Ceylon, founded by the British in 1846, was the bastion of the Fourth Estate and the breeding ground for many journalists who made a name for themselves in the newspaper industry, some of whom are still active while many are no more.

My induction to journalism came quite unexpectedly, soon after I had completed my secondary education at Maris Stella College, Negombo. With the untimely death of my father, my father’s brother Rev. Fr. Arthur N. Fernando, who was then the Rector of St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya, was instrumental in my taking to journalism and directed my application to the Times management.

Having received the summons for an interview, there I was, a 19-year-old, nervous and excited, sauntering into the building of the Times of Ceylon. I was ushered in before the then Managing Editor of the Times of Ceylon himself, Felix Goonawardene.
After asking me a few questions about my education and family, he soon sent for a person called Reggie Michael. Without much ado Goonewardene told Michael, “Take this young man and train him.”

I soon realised that I was to work on a newspaper that was to be newly started by The Times Group. It was the Ceylon Daily Mirror, which was to be styled on the model of the London tabloid Daily Mirror. Michael was to be first News Editor of the newspaper and I would serve under him in the News Desk.

Michael, as those in the newspaper circles will recall, in later years became the Editor of the Daily Mirror and became famous writing the Opinion Editorial Comment in his own inimitable style with pithy comments and choice words and phrases, wielding his pen with gay abandon, with telling effect.

As a pioneer member of the editorial staff of the first Ceylon Daily Mirror, it was indeed a significant coincidence, perhaps decreed by destiny, that after nearly 45 years later I found myself on the staff of another newspaper in the making. (The Nation is now in the second half of its second year).

The Nation Editor Lalith Allahakoon was the pioneer Editor of the new Daily Mirror, started by the Wijeya Group of Newspapers. After decades of public service, I was back in the familiar environment of a newspaper office at The Nation, at the invitation of my long-standing friend and CEO of Rivira Media Corporation, Krishantha Prasad Cooray, who himself is a writer on current topics.

It was The Nation’s Deputy Editor Keith Noyahr, who incidentally was the pioneer Deputy Editor of the new Daily Mirror, who broached the idea of writing my memoirs and recalling my experiences.
Before the first issue of the Daily Mirror rolled off the Times of Ceylon press in early 1961, the staff had already been recruited. Most of them were senior journalists from the Evening Times Editorial. With the absence of any schools of journalism, the newcomers to journalism had to undergo on-the-job training.

While Michael, an old Peterite, was the first News Editor of the Mirror under the Times of Ceylon Group, the first Editor of the Daily Mirror was Fred de Silva, an academic and a talented writer, a man of simple ways and few words, who was to become the Editor of the Daily News in the mid 70s.

The Features Editor was Chandra Silva, wife of former Magistrate and District Judge Robert Silva, who was himself a former journalist of Times. The Chief Sub Editor was Felician Fernando, an old boy of St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena.
There were also the likes of Victor Goonewardene, a very meticulous sub-editor and a stickler for correct usage of the English language and grammar, and Reggie Siriwardene, who was a columnist of repute. On the News Desk under the charge of Michael were two senior hands with writing ability, recruited from outside: P. Krishnaswamy and C.S. Dharmaraja.

One of the tasks I was assigned was to read through all the Sinhala newspapers and translate all good stories into English. I was surprised to see many of these translations appearing as lead stories or displayed prominently, as they had not appeared in any other English newspaper. Soon Reggie Michael coined a nickname for me, ‘Mudliyar,’ which stuck on when the entire staff called me by that name.

After serving several months, Fred de Silva retired as Editor and Felician Fernando, the Chief Sub Editor, became the Editor of the Daily Mirror. October 1961 saw the influx of new journalists. Among them was Evans Cooray, already counting some years of experience at Lake House and at Lankadeepa.

It was under Evans Cooray that I was destined to serve as Press Officer and later as Senior Assistant Secretary (Information) from 1978 till 1993. Among the others who joined the editorial staff later was Alex Jayachandra who came over from Lake House.

Joining me as newcomers were Asoka Nanayakkara, who later held an executive post at de Alwis Advertising, and Sunil Munasinghe. Around October 1961, Rita Sebastian and Karel Roberts joined the Mirror.
The Sports Editor was Lawford Martinus. He produced a popular sports column titled Bouquets and Brickbats. Assisting him were Harry Jayawardene, a senior official of the famed Athletic Club CT and FC and stocky Anton Weerasinghe, who was Sports Sub Editor.

Former Editor of the Daily News and Lanka Puwath, Geoff Wijesinghe, an old Thomian, started his career as a journalist at The Times of Ceylon. He was a Playground Instructor of the Colombo Municipality when he on a part-time basis covered sports for the Daily Mirror. He was to later gravitate towards the News Desk and gradually developed into a top level journalist.

Geoff, Sunil and I formed a happy trio. We developed a close affinity and together, we used to play pranks and jokes at the expense of the seniors. With Geoff around, the editorial was always lively. His escapades, particularly in the evenings during the period of his stint in the Mirror, could fill a book. I was often his comrade-in-arms, who would guide him home after late nights.
One of the outstanding scoops Geoff scored was the Boonwaat story, where the Burmese Ambassador in Sri Lanka had allegedly assassinated his wife for allegedly having a love affair with a Sri Lankan musician.

Under cover of diplomatic immunity Ambassador Boonwaat organised a burial for his dead wife at the Kanatte Cemetery without a police inquiry. Geoff got wind of the burial from his police contacts and the old Daily Mirror had the exclusive story splashed on the front page with pictures. Ambassador Boonwaat stood trial for the offence in Burma and was convicted.

(This article is published posthumously)

Anthony’s last post

By Krishantha Prasad Cooray – Nation, Sunday Oct 21 2007
How does one do justice to the life of a man in an appreciation with an imposed word limit? In a sense, appreciations are meaningless. The subject, after all, does not get to read it.
Appreciations tend to be more about the appreciating person than the appreciated. I know all this and still want to write about Anthony Fernando, not because he cared whether he left a mark or not during his brief sojourn on earth, but because I believe that certain examples need to be restated so those who come later can learn.

It is a way of making a fragrance linger, a little longer, even after the flower has ceased to perfume.
I met Anthony in the 1980s when he was in President Premadasa’s media team, but got to know him more intimately only after President Premadasa’s death. When Premadasa became President, Anthony was his Senior Assistant Secretary.
Anthony was a man of legendary capacities. He had the stamina and energy to work round the clock, one of the necessary preconditions to work with Premadasa, apparently.

I don’t know much about Anthony’s early life and this upsets me now. All I know is that he was a sportsman, having opened batting for Maris Stella College, Negombo. In fact he had been both News Editor and Sports Editor at the old Times.
Anthony possessed rare discipline and exuded a humility that was rarer still. Those in the inner circle of the President would confirm that Premadasa called Anthony quite often at 4 a.m. In fact, he used to call up several close trusted officials in this manner.

They were all, without exception, very efficient men. Like most of us, they too had friends, they too had enemies. Anthony was an exception. He was Mr. All Smiles. No enemies. Not even one.
As one of the ‘President’s Men,’ so to speak, someone who played a huge role in all the projects launched by Premadasa, and someone who had the President’s ear on a daily basis, he could have ‘made it’ as they say.

He didn’t. He was not into ‘big talk,’ he never bragged; he was always passing on the credit to someone else, down-playing his own contribution. And he died a humble, simple man, in modest circumstances. He took his work to heart and probably felt that the satisfaction derived from dedicated work was fringe-benefit enough.

When I was asked to start a newspaper, one of the first people I wanted to contact was Anthony. I had not spoken with him in several years and my inquiries revealed that he was not in the best of health.
I went to Ja-Ela to see him. He was, as always, cordial and helpful. Although he was working at the Interior Affairs Ministry, he promised to help in whatever way possible. That was enough strength for me, all things considered.

He surprised me a fortnight later, when he called over at my flat. He said he would join once the paper was launched and proceeded to give me a lot of invaluable advice. As promised, he joined us a month before The Nation was launched, and it was a privilege to have a man with such experience and proven capabilities on our team.
Although he was ill and growing weaker by the day, even then, being Anthony, he always reported for work, never complained and continued to offer suggestions to improve the newspaper.

He was enthusiastic and meticulously methodical; always full of ideas and bubbling with the enthusiasm of a much younger man. He never grumbled. Every Monday he would call and give a review of the previous day’s paper, pointing out errors and making suggestions for improvement.

Everyone in newspaper offices would remember Anthony as a quiet, smiling, generous man, who never interfered with others, and was ever willing to help. He obviously knew his days were numbered, but didn’t allow this fact to dampen his enthusiasm, always keeping his cool and never losing his charm.

He was a great inspiration to us at The Nation and Rivira, as he surely would have been to those who worked with him in all the places he graced with his presence.
In addition, he was a much loved father figure to the young journalists of The Nation and Rivira, they would all run to him with no hesitation whatsoever to ask for advice and ideas, or even to correct their spelling and it was always given to them with great joy and acceptance. Last Thursday, Anthony called and asked if he could do a column for The Nation. He wanted to call it ‘As It Strikes Me.’ I told him I would talk to the Editor and get back to him. The Editor said that Anthony could write it on a fortnightly basis. I will eternally regret the fact that I failed to convey this to Anthony.
I could put it down to ‘human error’ by way of absolving myself of guilt, but I am doubly ashamed because Anthony would never have done this to me had the roles been reversed.

He was always helpful and disciplined and didn’t let the fact that he had to undergo dialysis on a regular basis, leave any room for complaint. He was a friend and an exceptional human being.
He leaves behind his wife, Sriyani, son and daughter, all of whom would feel his loss more deeply than anyone else, but at the same time could be thankful for the privilege of being his wife and children.

To say ‘We will miss you at The Nation, Anthony’ would be to say nothing. Some people are like that. They leave and when they do, they rob us of words. Anthony was such a man.

Anthony Fernando:
A gentleman and journalist par excellance!

Anthony Fernando, well known Journalist, Press Officer and latterly Senior Assistant Secretary (Information) to President Ransinghe Premdasa passed away peacefully at his residence at the age of 65 years, exemplifying the non controversial and non turbulent life he led. Integrity and humility were essentially characteristic of Anthony.

Anthony was the third son of well educated and affluent parents; Dr. Luke Fernando and Mrs. Noeline Fernando of Negombo. Dr. Luke brought up his children in a culturally undiluted rural environment, principally as good Christians and secondly as dutiful responsible citizens. Anthony received his education at Maristella College, Negombo, and had a flair for languages, particularly English and Sinhala. He blossomed as a balanced, independent professional journalist beyond bribery in cash or kind.

As a sportsman, Anthony knew how to play fair and accept both victory and defeat with equanimity. Anthony joined the Times Group as a journalist and learnt his trade under the most respected Editor of the Daily Mirror, Reggie Michael. His progress as a journalist was steady and he rose to the position of News Editor of the Daily Mirror in the 1970’s.

I knew Anthony since 1979, when the then Prime Minister Mr. Ranasinghe Premadasa invited Anthony to join his media team. We maintained an excellent official cum personal relationship for 28 years. It was a highly professional and disciplined relationship in his official journalistic capacity and an exemplary caring and sharing partnership in his personal life. In view of the insatiable appetite of Prime Minister Premadasa for image building, it was a challenging time for all of us at Transworks House. The Prime Minister wanted ceaseless publicity for the massive urban development, housing and village reawakening projects launched by him. The media team headed by his Press Secretary Evans Cooray and Press Officer Anthony Fernando proved equal to the challenges stipulated by Mr. Ranasinghe Premadasa.

Anthony wrote well and effortlessly in both English and Sinhala. He could also translate from English to Sinhala and vice versa. Investigative journalism was not his forte. He excelled in reporting, feature writing and interviewing dignitaries. He had a fantastic memory of people, events and sources of information which undoubtedly is a useful journalistic attribute. After his retirement from the Public Service, being an invaluable journalistic asset, he was invited by The Nation newspaper to function as a consultant.

Mr. Anthony Fernando was an unassuming, harmless and saintly character. As civil servants we were taught to comply first and complain later. In Anthony’s case he always complied and never complained. He knew how to win friends and influence people. Perseverance and application to detail were the hallmark of his success. He did not gossip nor did he denounce anyone. He was privy to state secrets, political maneuvers and even family quarrels of his bosses. Never did he breathe a word to the media or the outside world.

As members of the Prime Ministerial or Presidential entourage, we travelled on numerous official and state visits. He was a great travelling companion and reliable aide who meticulously made elaborate preparations to meet the numerous demands, high standards and time targets set out by Mr. Ranasinghe Premadasa.

His only weakness was getting into office late. Anthony acquired the habit of coming late to office from his journalistic days. Whenever Prime Minister Premadasa questioned him on this, Anthony attributed it to his having to travel from Jaela by bus. So, Mr. Premadasa the shrewd strategist, immediately allocated a flat from Gunasinghapura, a stone’s throw away from Sucharitha. One day, Mr. Premadasa entrusted an urgent translation to Anthony and asked him to bring it to Sucharitha at 8.00 a.m. the following day. At 8.30 a.m. after repeated telephone calls Anthony had not arrived. So, Mr. Premadasa, in his inimitable style, went to Anthony’s flat and saw him running down the stairs. Anthony was excited. Mr. Premadasa asked him to calm down. Anthony made no excuses such as bad stomach or high fever, but it was the last time Anthony got late for his appointments.

Anthony was a loving and caring husband and father of two lovely children. If we had more of Anthony’s calibre, Sri Lanka will be a better place to live in today. May his soul rest in peace.
K.H.J. Wijayadasa
Former Secretary to the
President

Manning Town

The people who made Manning Town

By Dr. Lakshman Abeyagunawardene – Sunday Times Aug 26 2007

I lived a good part of my childhood in Manning Town, a little township situated between Borella and Narahenpita in Colombo 8. My father who was attached to the Postal Department had been in the waiting list for government quarters in Colombo for some time. Towards the end of 1949, it was his turn to be allotted a 'Government Bungalow" as they were then called. The family thus moved from Hendala where we were living in a rented house to Manning Town to start a new life in the city.

Rupees and cents of yesteryear

Much water has flowed under the bridges from the time when a gallon of petrol was sold at Rs 2.40, a pound of beef cost 80 cents and an ice cream cone was just 25 cents. Although I was only a mere eight years old at that time, I was aware that a Peacock cigarette was marketed at only 2 cents! That was also a time when a beggar happily accepted a one-cent coin with the all too familiar chant of "pin sidda vechchave".

50 years on : A section of Manning Town today with flats replacing the spacious bungalows of the past

Over half a century later, I am not too sure whether a beggar would be satisfied with a ten-rupee note! Our "new" home in Manning Town was a housing scheme where typical "middle class" families lived. Heads of households were attached to different government departments, but their income levels were more or less the same. The 54 families belonged to different ethnic groups - Sinhalese, Tamils, Burghers, Moors and Malays. On the basis of religion, it was a good mix of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. The upbringing in that environment went a long way in inculcating in us a sense of racial and religious tolerance and amity. Even today, in spite of sad events like the Black July of 1983, and the long drawn out North-East war, I have maintained close friendship with some of my childhood Tamil friends from the Manning Town days.

Strangely enough, the western sounding name "Manning Town" has survived the test of time. The names of the network of minor roads within the Scheme have also been retained to this day. Each house with four large bedrooms, wide verandahs etc., was in the centre of a 40 perch block
surrounded by a four-foot boundary wall. During those seven years, I must have traversed every inch of those roads whose names bring back to me, nostalgic memories of a happy childhood. 50 years later on my annual visits to Sri Lanka, I still make it a point to walk leisurely along Matha Road, Mangala Road, Mangala Path, Gajaba Road, Manning Square and Victoria Place.

Gone are the bungalows

The aging "bungalows" were demolished nearly two decades ago. What has now come up in its place is a concrete jungle of "flats" providing housing to well over 200 families.

If one were to drive down Elvitigala Mawatha today from the direction of Borella towards Narahenpita, just beyond Kanatte and the Elvitigala Flats, the Manning Town Flats (that is the new name of the Housing Scheme) can be seen on either side of the main road. From Kitulwatte Road (road adjacent to Kanatte on the left) onwards, the entire stretch of land up to Koswatte Road belonged to Bogala Graphites and H.L. de Mel and Company in the fifties. The main Borella-Narahenpita Road which was then called Narahenpita Road, ran right across the government housing scheme with parts of it on either side. It was at that time, just a 20-foot road. Today, it is a six lane highway with two carriageways and has been renamed Elvitigala Mawatha (after the well known Ayurvedic physician who practiced in Narahenpita). As in "Old" Manning Town, the "New" Manning Town of today also has the large majority of housing units on the side of the Motor Traffic Department, and very few units on the opposite side where the Sri Lanka Standards Bureau is presently located.

The Manning Town Housing Scheme was roughly rectangular in shape and abutted the Ridgeway Golf Links (Royal Colombo Golf Club Course) on two sides. Across the golf course, one could see in the distance, the present Nawala Road, with the RCGC clubhouse and the Kanatte General Cemetery on the left. The narrow gauge Kelani Valley railway track also ran right across Manning Town. The small Manning Town Railway Station was right behind our house (G 31) that faced Mangala Path, the only section of the Scheme beyond the railway track. The KV line extended from Colombo Fort to Opanayake. In-between were railway stations Maradana, Dematagoda, Baseline Road, Cotta Road, Manning Town, Narahenpita, Kirillapone, Nawinna, Maharagama, Kottawa, Pannipitiya, Homagama and Avissawella. The railway line
bisected the Ridgeway golf course and ran close to the Kanatte cemetery.

The southern side of the rectangle was a marsh that was later filled up and on which site stands the present Department of Motor Traffic and the Police Garage. Beyond them was Mahawatte Road (present E.D. Dabare Mawatha). The fourth side of the rectangle faced a vast expanse of scrubland that we used to call the "African Jungle" where we played "Police and Robbers" or "Hora-Police".

Beyond the fringes of the "African Jungle" (part of which is now the fashionable residential area of Longden Place) towards Bullers Road, was the Havelock golf course on which the BMICH was later built, and the CR & FC rugger grounds surrounded by those tall Cypress trees even then. It was in this section of Manning Town that was demarcated from the rest by Narahenpita Road, that the Manning Town Government Officers Club was situated at Victoria Place (the road leading to the present Sri Lanka Standards Bureau). The two tennis courts were adjacent to the main Narahenpita Road, but the children's playground was behind the clubhouse.

Haven for children

It was there that most of the children assembled in the evenings. As with most clubs, there were the annual tournaments and club nights. When they had a fancy dress parade on one such occasion in 1953, as a twelve-year old, I was runner-up dressed in the costume of an Afghan moneylender with a handle-bar moustache adorning my upper lip! I received the prize from the chief guest who was Sir John Kotelawala, Minister of Transport and Works at that time. My father was the Honorary General Secretary (and later President) of this club. Ironically, his friendship with Sir John was a contributory factor to our departure from Manning Town not long after the change of government in 1956. But that is another story!


Those fifties people

This article would not be complete unless I touched on the people who lived there in the fifties. One noteworthy fact is that quite a few well-known personalities of today, who have achieved much in life as useful citizens of Sri Lanka or have brought honour to their motherland by their outstanding achievements across the seas, had been brought up in Manning Town. They are children of middle-class government servants from happy homes who grew up in an nvironment that was ideal for good education and personality building. They have shone in a wide variety of fields and it is a pleasure to record their achievements here.

Architect Surath Wickramasinghe who is a Past President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects and the Organisation of Professional Associations is the eldest son of my father's Postal Department colleague who occupied G33 (all houses had either "G" or "F" numbers). Having lived right next to the RCGC golf course as a young child, Surath became the President of the RCGC a few decades later. Surath's younger brother Gamini is the CEO of Informatics and the present Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Sri Lanka (SEC) as well as the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka (IBSL).

Gratien Gunawardhane (G36) is a highly successful industrialist and businessman being Chairman of Hands International. He is also a past District Governor of Lions. Another past Lions District Governor was the late Winston Malawana (G14) who was practising in Ratnapura as an Attorney-at-Law at the time of his untimely death. Like Winston who himself played first eleven cricket for St. Joseph's, his younger brother Ranjith was an outstanding cricketer at the same school, who later played for Bloomfield Cricket Club as a fiery opening bowler.

Docs in the bloc

I am able to count at least 13 doctors from among Manning Town residents of the late forties and early fifties. Mahen Wijesuriya (G39) is one of the better-known physicians in the private sector in Colombo today, and is Founder President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka. Mahen followed his two older sisters Manel (Panditaratne) and Lalitha (Katugaha) into the medical profession. Kandiah Wigneswaran (G38), their next-door neighbour at Victoria Place is a paediatrician in New York.

The Abeysuriya family who occupied F26 produced three doctors - late Srikanthi (who too died at an early age in New Zealand), brother Sunil (now in UK) and the youngest Surangani who is in Sri Lanka. Ranjith Weerakoon (F27) who lived next-door is presently in Gastonia, North Carolina. His brother Eric is a Dental Surgeon.

My own immediate neighbour Bala Karalapillai (G31) qualified as an ENT surgeon. After his marriage to Professor C.J. Eliezer's daughter (Eliezer was the name of the Professor of Physics which later became a household name in Ceylon during the total eclipse of June 1954), Bala migrated to Australia where he too died in the prime of his life. He was a Public Schools tennis player who later represented the University. Bala's younger sister Rani is also a doctor who graduated from Peradeniya the same year that I did from Colombo. The list of Manning Town Doctors would not be complete unless I add my own name to it!

Among the others who distinguished themselves in their chosen professions, one big name that comes to mind is Gunasiri Weerakoon (F27) who retired as Sri Lanka's Commissioner of Labour. Besides his brothers Drs Ranjith and Eric mentioned earlier, the Weerakoon family contributed another professional - Nihal who retired as Regional Telecommunications Engineer, Badulla. Namasivayam Ganeshalingam entered the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Ceylon and graduated as an engineer. Shanthi Canagasabey who also died early in life was a planter. His younger brother Nihal is a mercantile executive in Colombo. Kirthi Rasaputra (G29) who entered the Science Faculty of the University and obtained his B.Sc, later qualified as a textile technologist. His younger brother Kithsiri joined the Army and retired as a Brigadier. Their uncle Warnasena who resided in Manning Town in the same Rasaputra household at some time during his own university days, was the Governor of the Central Bank and later was Ambassador to the United States.

Talking about the Sri Lanka Army, I also wish to mention that late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne (who died tragically in Kayts along with General Denzil Kobbekaduwa) lived at G11 in Manning Town in the fifties.
The sporty ones

Among the other outstanding sportsmen produced by Manning Town of the fifties were the Jebarajah brothers. Mervyn was a leading swimmer at Royal College and blossomed out to be Ceylon's best-known diver after joining the Navy. Brother Milroy played cricket for Wesley and later turned out for Tamil Union in Saravanamuttu Trophy cricket.

K.Vincent Perera who was the Librarian in Parliament, occupied G15 on Mangala Road. His elder daughter Chitra graduated with a BA from the Peradeniya University. Another arts graduate is Jayanthi Gooneratne (now Liyanage) who retired recently from UNICEF, a case of my former fellow Manning Towner becoming my office colleague some forty years later! Jayanthi's elder brother Elmo Gooneratne (G3) is a senior journalist.

My own sister Vinitha also graduated from the Peradeniya Arts Faculty while my younger brother Ananda has just completed 30 years with the well-known electronics group Avnet. Inc. of San Jose, California.

Before the "Sinhala Only"cry was raised by the Nationalists in 1956, and when English was the language used in the day-to-day affairs of the country, the Burgher community had an important place in society. They were omnipresent in all fields of activity and the Public Service in particular, was well served by members of this community. The large number of Permanent Secretaries heading Ministries at that time was ample proof that Burghers played an important role as government servants. Manning Town was no exception because many of the bungalows were occupied by Burgher families. Names of Burgher Manning Town residents that readily come to mind are: Woutersz, Reimers, Cole, Berman, Leonard, Sanders, Jansz, Slemmerman, Cannon, Koch, Paulersz and Assauwe.

Michael (Brian) Berman (G5) qualified as an engineer having graduated from the University of Ceylon. He played first eleven cricket for St. Joseph's and the University of Ceylon. The Koch family lived in F19. The father and two Peterite sons Jan and Gordon were outstanding tennis players. Dodwell Soysa who occupied G21 was Ceylon's leading cricket umpire at that time. His son Anton did not play cricket, but entered the University and got his B.Sc in the Physical Sciences. Geoffrey Assauwe played cricket for Royal. Most of these Burgher families migrated to Australia after the "Cultural Revolution" of 1956.

... and the arty ones

Manning Town was not short of talent in music, art, films and drama. The well-known dancer and film actor/director Sesha Palihakkara lived in F24 opposite our own house on Mangala Path. His younger sister too qualified as a doctor. Wadham Dole (G2) was a well-known tennis player at Royal who later made a name for himself as a dancer. He earned popularity as a cabaret artiste who performed regularly at dances and in Colombo nightclubs in the early sixties. His professional career as a dancer was cut short by his early demise. Joe Jayasuriya (G12) became the leader of a popular band that dominated the music scene in the sixties and seventies.

Sockalingam Gnanalingam who lived next to the Doles at G1 was an all rounder. He played first eleven cricket for Thurstan College and was also one of the best products of the Amarasekara School of Art. On the same subject of art, accomplished artist Druvi Madawela is the daughter of Arlene Wickramasinghe (F24 after Palihakkaras) who later married Major General Mano
Madawela.

I am certain that Manning Town would have continued to produce high achievers in different fields in the years that followed, and continue to do so in the future. But I doubt very much that the output of such a versatile set of useful citizens by a few families that lived in that small neighbourhood in the 1949-56 era will ever be matched. (E-mail: abeyafln@dhec.sc.gov)

Delightful Dalreen

Dalreen - the name echoes with music in the world of show business. Dressed always in black with matching kohl-rimmed eyes, bandana on the head, elegant ethnic bangles and rings on her hands and fingers, she has been photographed, talked about and continuously pursued; she has never been anonymous! Always warm and friendly and ever willing to help out another musician, her phonebook is crowded with numbers of musicians who keep in constant touch with her. Her persona alluringly blends with the throbbing of guitars and drums and wins your instant appreciation. Her charisma on stage is unique and has won her a long line of fans over the years, not only in Sri Lanka, but also in every corner of the world.

Where do we begin to tell the story of Dalreen?

According to her mother Decima, who was a singer herself, Dalreen as a baby used to move her hands and gurgle her own baby notes whenever her mother sang to her even if it was a lullaby! She was destined to be a singer.

Dalreen spent most of her childhood days watching in wonderment as her mother and aunt Mignonne performed on stage as the Kelaart Sisters. The passion to be on stage grew within her and eventually could no longer be contained. At the age of nine, Dalreen made her debut singing Elvis Presley songs and when she turned twelve she was featured on Radio Ceylon, the national radio, with other professional singers. From then on, the child star became the talk of the town.

She joined her first band The Fireflies in 1966. They quickly landed a gig at the prestigious Ceylinco Hotel for the popular Sundown Dances. Soon after in 1967 she was selected by an American agent to sing for the USO in Vietnam. Dalreen joined The Savages which was the first group and female singer from Sri Lanka to perform abroad for the American forces. After a tour of nine months in Vietnam and upon her return to Sri Lanka, the excitement of being on stage led her to sing with The Spitfires, again at the Sundown Dances that by then had become extremely popular at the Ceylinco Hotel.

As Dalreen's popularity grew so did her musical career. In 1972 she made her first European tour and was signed by the Polydor (Ariola) recording label in Germany to record and release three singles. She actually recorded four singles for Polydor, two were in English titled 'Stranger Boy' and 'With a Little Love'. The other two were German songs 'Als der neue tag' and 'Sei weider gut', which she performed on German television. 'Stranger Boy' became a big hit for her.

The years with her bands Amazing Grace and Orpheus at the Little Hut, Mount Lavinia and the Blue Leopard, very popular venues in Sri Lanka, set new trends in music, with Dalreen radiating her never-ending charm. A rock singer in her early years, she also became a familiar figure on stage with leading pop names like Kumar Navaratnam, Upali Fernando and Prince Rajaratnam. Always a survivor in the ever changing musical world Dalreen switched her talents to the Asian music scene. Clarence Wijewardena composed four songs for her which were released on the Sooriya label one of which, 'Chuda Meneke', became an anthem for Dalreen.

After her huge success in Europe, Dalreen was invited by the Travel Agents of the PATA Conference in 1975 to perform at the Sydney Opera House where she sang her Sinhala songs. Soon after there were more tours. Each one of them spelled excitement and happiness for Dalreen making all of her teenage dreams come true. The experience of touring was equally valuable. Her fame has taken her to India, Japan, Hong Kong, Berlin, Australia, Switzerland, Moscow, Rome, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Katmandu, London, United States, Canada and the countries of the Middle East.

Dalreen's happiness was great when in 1993 she won two Sunday Observer Golden Cleft Awards one for 'Singer of the Year' and one for 'Trio of the Year' for her group Dalreen and Company.

The publication 'India Today' profiled her as, "...the songstress who turns you on with her songs of love and life. To the people of Sri Lanka she is not just a 'singer par excellence' - she is a symbol - the woman who acts as a kind of ambassador, transporting a part of their world to the world outside..."

Music is an intrinsic part of Dalreen's family. Her two daughters have inherited their mothers' musical talents with the same degree of enthusiasm and commitment. Debbie, her elder daughter, a recognized keyboardist, pianist and singer too, enjoys a successful career as a soloist performing at countless venues and special events. She continues her music as a keyboardist in the popular group Phase 3. Thahani her teenage daughter is a singer in her own right excelling in today's pop music scene. She appears as a soloist in Dalreen's DVD 'Dalreen - Then to Now'. Debbie appears on the same DVD doing harmony and backup vocals.

Not to be left out musically is Dalreen's percussionist husband Thabit who is also a horticulturist and environmentalist at heart, lends continuous support to his musically minded family.

Dalreen is in high demand throughout the worlds musical stages. She recently returned home from a summer tour of the US and Canada with The Gypsies another popular Sri Lankan band.

Extracted from Dalreen's Website:
http://www.dalreen.com/index.htm

Message from Dalreen to all her fans:

Music, has always been my life, and today this celebration in song gives me so much happiness.

Winning a talent contest at the age of nine opened the doors to an exciting and fruitful musical career, and never did I think that I would have such a long stay in the scene as a singer and professionally, almost forty years. This is like the dream I had as a kid acting myself as a singer in front of the mirror.

It was no easy trek but my enthusiasm and determination gave me the success I enjoy today.

I cannot proceed without expressing my heartfelt thanks to all those who helped me to be what I am now.

I have always been associated with Sri Lanka's best professional musicians both in the western and Oriental scene, and shared the stage not only in Sri Lanka but overseas as well. I am proud to have represented my country at many International Music festivals and music events.

When I reflect now, I am happy that despite some of the obstacles in my way, I stood my ground and gave up the best by way of my singing to my people and all my fans who never failed to support me through all these years, without you I would be nothing or nobody.

I thank you for being here tonight and being a part of my show "LIFE OF SONG".

Love you all,
Dalreen

Note: This is from Dalreen to her audience (and now for you) at a recent concert in Colombo, Sri Lanka. A DVD of that concert is available and is a 'must have' if you are a Dalreen fan!

Home is where trhe heart is

By Rangi Akbar - Daily Mirror Mon July 30 2007

Ever wondered what happened to sports stars of the past such as Dhanasiri Weerasinghe, ‘Brute’ Mahendran, Maxim Flamer Caldera, Geoff Weinman, Dr. Larry Foenander etc.
Dhanasiri Weerasinghe led Ananda and later played for Bloomfield and Ceylon. He was Chairman of Selectors for Ceylon Cricket when Michael Tissera led the team. He now owns a 100 - acre farm in the Melbourne hills.

‘Brute’ Mahendran, an Old Trinitian and an Old Royalist, was the national champion in shot-put and was also the national heavyweight boxing champion. ‘Brute’ also represented the country in rugby-football.

It is said that in one day at 2.30 P.M. he won the national championship in shot-put and at 4.30 P.M represented the CR&FC to win the Clifford Cup final. Later in the evening at 8.00 P.M, he won the national heavy weight crown in boxing. A rare achievement for a sportsman!
‘Brute’, is nicknamed thus due to his size and sheer strength. He used to carry several opponents, who were trying to bring him down, on his back to score tries against opponents. He captained Police rugby during the sixties. He retired as Deputy Inspector General of Police prematurely and migrated to Australia with his doctor wife and children. In Australia he passed out as a lawyer and worked for the Government. He is now happily living in retirement.
Former Police rugby skipper S. Sivendran, who brought the Police rugby team to the A Division and the coveted Clifford Cup in the sixties was in Australia recently on the invitation of his eldest sister Padma Thangarajah, who lives in Sydney with her husband N. Thangarajah and their three daughters. They have two sons who are engineers and accountants. Padma is a retired graduate teacher who had her education at Methodist Girls High School, Point Pedro where she.excelled in athletics and netball. Her husband is a retired Superintendent of Surveys.
In Melbourne Sivendran had met Dhanasiri Weerasinghe, who had been his batch and roommate when he joined the Police Force as a Sub Inspector.

“Dhanasiri owns a hundred-acre farm in the hills. He took us there and we spent a day at the Farm House”, said Siva.

Another outstanding sportsman Siva had met in Melbourne is Micheal Schockman, a former Trinity College boxer, cricketer and rugby player and his wife Margo. Schokman played and captained Police rugby and Sivendran had played alongside him for several years.
“Schokman is actively involved in umpiring cricket matches for Victoria State. He is a qualified umpire, ” said Siva,

Sivendran had also witnessed Australia play England in a one-day match at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds which had been packed to capacity.

Another outstanding rugby player whom Siva had met in Australia is Maxim Flamer Caldera. Maxim manned the wing for S.Thomas College, Mount Lavinia at rugby, Havelocks Sports Club and Ceylon before migrating to Australia. He is a successful businessman Down Under. Maxim’s late father, Alan Namer Caldera was a Superintendent of Police in Sri Lanka before migrating to Australia. His sister Jilska Flamer Caldera was the national 110 metres hurdling champion in the sixties. She too is married and settled down in Sydney.Geof Weinman, the former Royal College, CR&FC and Ceylon wing forward is now living in Sydney. He coached the Police rugby team in 1964.

Alan Henricus,a former Lieutenant in the Navy was another Royal College and Navy Fly Half who lives in Sydney .

Alan Henricus too hails from a family of sportsmen. His eldest brother Barney Henricus, passed away recently in America. Barney was a Chief Inspector of Police and was the first to win a Gold Medal for Ceylon at the Empire Games. His other brother Basil Henricus, another Royalist athlete and rugby player, was a Major in the Army. Basil was a national sprinter and turned out for Havelocks and Ceylon at rugby-football. The other brothers Captain George and Derrick too were good sportsmen.

Sivendran had also met Dr Larry Foenander , the Army ruggerite and coach. “I was also happy to speak to Eustace Rulach, an old Trinitian who was a great rugby scribe during my playing days and his wife Jean. ”, Sivendran recalled that the Rulachs stayed down Peterson Lane, Wellawatte where he too stayed during his school days at St. Peter’s Bambalapitiya.

Siva had also been in touch with Dr Larry Foenander, the former Royal College, Havelocks SC and Army rugby player and coach

In Melbourne, Siva had visited the Dandenong Hills with his cousins and a friend. On their way back they had the opportunity to have lunch at a Ceylonese Restaurant and found that it was owned by Chou de Kauve, who had played rugby and boxed for the Air Force. “Chou recognised me promptly as a rugby player as he had watched me playing and later as a referee,”said Siva. “Chou was so hospitable that he had refused to give us the bill.” The lunch was his way of showing his appreciation at meeting some people from way back home.

Sivendran had been glad to meet former Deputy Inspector General of Police V. Vamadevan, who lives in Sydney with his wife Charmine. This couple had taken them on a sight seeing tour to the Blue Mountains and later they had visited the Blow Hole in Kiama. Siva had also spent four days with former Deputy Inspector General Douglas Ranmuthugala and his wife Janaki in Canberra where they had taken them to Parliament House and the War Memorial .Siva and his party had also met Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner Mr. Kusum Balapatabendi whilst in Canberra.

Even though Siva had been able to contact Leslie Ephraums, a former Police and Havelocks rugger player and his brother Conrad and Maurice de Silva, both Havelocks and Ceylon rugby players living in Brisbane, he had been unable to visit them due to a crowded schedule.
According to Sivendran all those who had migrated to Australia are living happily and their children too are prospering. But their thoughts are always with Sri Lanka, the land of their birth. Their dearest wish is to see peace return to the Paradise Isle.

Maureen Hingert

9 January 1937	is born in Colombo, Ceylon, of Dutch ancestry, the daughter of Lionel Hingert and Lorna Mabel de Run. Her father is president of the Bank of Ceylon and has extensive tea holdings.
c. 1942	enters the Holy Family Convent in Colombo and stays there until she is 18
?	studies languages, world history, and nursing. She speaks English, French, Spanish, Hindustani, and Tamil.
?	stars in a Ceylonese movie, Ram Gopal
c. 1954	is in Veit Harlan's Sterne ueber Colombo, a.k.a. Circus Girl, a German picture filmed in Ceylon
	wins the role of a solo dance in Elephant Walk
25 June 1955	is crowned “Miss Ceylon” in Colombo, Ceylon
22 July 1955	is heralded a favorite for the world beauty crown together with “Miss Sweden,” “Miss USA,” “Miss England,” and “Miss El Salvador”
	becomes second runner-up to Hillevi Rombin, “Miss Sweden,” in the "Miss Universe" contest held in Long Beach, California
July 1955	says: “I drink no alcoholic beverages and smoke no cigarettes.”
	the judges call her “one of the most beautiful Oriental entrants we have ever had”
October 1955	is heralded to make her screen debut playing an American Indian in Universal-International’s Pillars of the Sky
	is signed by 20th Century-Fox for their upcoming The King and I
26 October 1955	accompanies Ceylon's ambassador C. E. L. Wickremesinghe to a formal luncheon at the Wilton Hotel. There they dine with Mayor George Vermillion and Oscar Meinhardt, executive director of the "Miss Universe" beauty pageant.
21 January 1956	she and fellow beauty queen Hillevi Rombin attend a dinner date at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium honoring Humberto Valenzuela, retired Chilean bank president and head of several large industries
April 1956	Jon Hall is reported paging her to play the jungle queen in his "Ramar of the Jungle" TV series
	lives at the well-chaperoned Hollywood Studio Club and will study at UCLA
?	performs classic Indian dances in Los Angeles
1956	tours Europe and the Middle East
1956 – 57	stars opposite Maxwell Reed as Anura, a beautiful South Seas native girl, in the British TV series “Captain David Grief.” The series is shot on location in Mexico.
October 1957	is pictured attending an installation banquet for Miss Universe Beauty Pageant officers at the Lafayette Hotel
Early April 1958	announces plans to marry Mario Armand Zamparelli, a Montrose artist, on June 4
April 1958	will start rehearsals in September for a New York stage production, Father India
1958	marries Zamparelli. He's 31; she's 21.
	films Fort Bowie on location at the Kanab Movie Fort at Kanab, Utah
	her daughter Regina N. is born in Los Angeles. She will become renown Los Angeles concert promoter Gina Zamparelli.
	her daughter Marisa N. is born in Los Angeles
	her third daughter is born in Los Angeles
2007	resides in the Los Angeles area

Sources: Syracuse Herald-American, Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram, The Lima News, The Lowell Sun, The Bennington Evening Banner, Oakland Tribune, Pasadena Independent, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Picture Show 1957, www.Ancestry.com

She was heralded a favorite for the world beauty crown together with “Miss Sweden,” “Miss USA,” “Miss England,” and “Miss El Salvador.” The Judges stated, “she is the most beautiful entrant we have ever had”.

Due to her win in the Miss Universe Pageant, she has long been revered as “putting Sri Lanka on the map” and being an ambassador to her country, Sri Lanka.

Hingert was born on January 9, 1937 in Colombo, Sri Lanka to Lionel Hingert and Lorna Mabel De Run. Her father, of Dutch people Dutch ancestry. He was the President of the Bank of Ceylon and he had extensive tea estates. The family lived in a large mansion in Ceylon

Hingert attended school at the Holy Family Convent in Colombo until she was eighteen. She studied world history, languages (English, French, Spanish, Hindustani, and Tamil), nursing and dancing.

In 1954, Hingert was crowned Miss Ceylon in her country and subsequently selected as a contestant in the 1955 Miss Universe pagent.

Following her victory in the contest, Hingert was put under contract to Universal International Studios and 20th Century Fox.

Some of the movies she appeared in include: The King and I, Fort Bowie, Gun Fever, The Adventures of Hiram Holiday, Moroccan Halk Moth, Pillars of the Sky,

Maureen Hingert is an actress.

As an actress, Maureen Hingert has performed in movies such as "Gunmen from Laredo", released in 1959, in which she portrayed Rosita, "Gun Fever"(1958), and "Fort Bowie"(1958).