The Prime Minister mentioned that veteran lyricist Sunil Sarath Perera developed Sinhala language and its meaning by means of classical songs making the language richer. He said this at the launch of “Mathaka Nimnaya” book by the veteran lyricist Sunil Sarath Perera held at Ananda Samarakoon Studio of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation on Monday 20th March 2023.
The Prime Minister, addressing the audience said that Sunil Sarath Perera had a great love for our country. Because of that love, our language and its meaning developed. He had a special talent of producing creative masterpieces in different fields at different situations. It is unique of him to be able to bestow that wealth of experience to our culture, literature as well as to various other fields.
I first met Mr. Sunil Sarath Perera when I was a school boy. I got off the bus near the textile mill and go to Kirulapana. Some days Sunil Sarath Perera was on the side of the road of Maya Mawatha. We chat with each other. At that time, it was not only the problems of the general public that were discussed but also about the nation and its heritage.
Even at that time, the clear discipline given to the language and the depth of handling has taught us a lot. His effort to protect our language should be highly appreciated. I’m proud to be here to honour someone who has made a lifelong contribution to the nation. He used our language and its meaning in euphoric song and inspired the nation.
About twenty years ago, we worked together at a special international conference on the ozone layer held in our country. At that time, about one hundred and forty countries had joined that conference. I remember the moment when the whole conference accepted the special proposal on wetlands presented at that time on behalf of Sri Lanka. The Colombo Charter of the world’s environmental history presented by me as the Environment Minister then, was originally created by Sunil Sarath Perera. I do mention it here with great respect. Actually it paved the way to say that when the ozone layer is being destroyed, it will be difficult for us to live on the planet.
The strength you have given us would carry us further. When we listen to the song written by you on Dantha Dhatu (Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha) it always remind us about you. That song revitalize the world.
The Uma Oya project, which converts water into electricity, is set to be handed over to the people in a few weeks. I went to inspect the Umaoya project last week. We talked about how it was built. We discussed the value of important people like you in the occasion.
Maha Sangha including Venerable Thrikunamale Ananda Thera graced the occasion while Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Member of Parliament Yadamini Gunawardena, Chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation W. B. Ganegala, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Chairman Hudson Samarasinghe and many scholars and artists participated in the event.
