Renowned Sri Lankan singer, teacher, musician, and lyricist Priya Suriyasena passed away at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at the National Hospital in Colombo.
Early Life and Education
Priya Suriyasena was born on October 27, 1944, into a middle-class family in Nattandiya, Puttalam District, Sri Lanka. His father, James Appuhami, a poet, was the source of Priya’s musical inspiration. His mother, A. M. Podi Menike, was the only son in a family of four.
Priya completed his primary education at Nattandiya Primary School and later completed his G.C.E. O/L and A/L at Madampe Central College. From 1968 to 1971, he attended external music examinations conducted by the Government ‘Heywood’ Music College and earned a diploma in music. In 1971, he began his professional career as a music teacher at Kelaniya Gurukula College, followed by stints at Kalubowila College and Dehiwala Central College.
Entry into the Music Industry
Priya Suriyasena recorded his first song, “Andura Andura Mage,” in 1968, which became a fan favorite. In 1972, his first four songs—”Saratasa Niva,” “Maata Vasana,” “Heta Dasuda Apa Dehe,” and “Andura Andura Mage”—were recorded at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, skyrocketing him to fame.
A turning point in his career came with the song “Sudu Parevi Rana Se,” which was temporarily banned from Sri Lankan radio channels, creating significant public interest.
Priya worked with many veteran music directors, including Lal Thenabadu, Sarath Dassanayake, Clarence Wijewardena, and Stanley Peiris. Beyond singing, he was a gifted composer and lyricist, creating hits for other artists like H. R. Jothipala, Milton Mallawarachchi, and Anton Jones.
Later Career and Achievements
In the 1980s, Priya performed notable songs like “Mal Kekulu” and “Bindu Bindu Thara Sala” and contributed to film playback singing. He received the prestigious Sarasaviya Award for his song “Kendhan Yannem Ran Mal Mala Dalai” in the movie Ethin Ethinta.
In the 1990s, Priya ventured into cassette production, introducing a new generation of music to Sri Lanka with albums like Sunflowers with Priya. His popularity surged again, making him one of the most sought-after artists of the decade.
In 2006, his song “Era Ran Viman Dorin,” performed by Ajith Bandara during the Sirasa Superstar competition, reignited interest in his music and sparked a national conversation.
Throughout his career, Priya toured 44 countries, sharing his music with fans worldwide.
Personal Life
In 1978, Priya married Tamara Kumari Weerasinghe, a music teacher. They had one son, Lakshitha, and three daughters, Minoshi, Iroshi, and a younger daughter.
Lakshitha, a scientist and Stanford University graduate, is also a talented singer. Minoshi is a doctor, and Iroshi is active in the Sri Lankan music industry while working as a senior manager at a private bank.
Legacy
Priya Suriyasena’s contributions to Sri Lankan music and culture will be cherished forever. Let us pray for the eternal peace of this remarkable individual.
