A Tribute to Pandith Amaradeva

                       

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University of Ruhuna

GENERAL CONVOCATION 1993
Honorary Degree - Pandit W. D. Amaradeva
Presented by:
The Dean, Faculty of Humanities & Social Science
Dr. P Liyanarachchi

HAIL !

Venerable Chancellor,

Pandit Amaradeva has demonstrated his innate talents, in the field of music from his young age, while he was still a student. However the real beginning of his music career running for a period of about half a century coincided with the assumption of duties pertaining to the post of Assistant Director of Music in the film Asokamala in the year 1946. Thereby, having created an indelible impression in the minds of the lovers of music, being well-versed in the classical Indian music tradition, advanced in insight and qualities, delighting the minds of innumerable people with his melodious voice, he has become an embellishment to the island of Sri Lanka.

Even before he mastered theoretical music, he was honoured as an exceptionally talented singer by Pandit Ratnajanker, the Director of Bhatkande College of Music,Lucknow.

Then in 1953, urged by the thirst for music he proceeded to Bhatkande College of Music, Lucknow.

In 1955, he secured the first place in Diploma in All India Music Examination, Surpassing all the Indian candidates. In the same year, he won the Shield awarded to the best violinist in the solo Viollin Contest in the All India University Competition. Subsequently he was honoured by the All India Radio, by enlisting him as one of its own artists.

Amaradeva in his youthful exuberance developed his talents in playing the violin to such an extent that he became the chief disciple and the close associate of Pandit Vishnu Govind Jog who had gained mastery over the same field.

Having closely associated with above-mentioned teachers Pandit Ratnajanker and Pandit Kadambari Ra nga Rao and thus being well-versed in both fields of music-vocal and instrumental, he returned to Sri Lanka in 1958.

Since then, the service Pandit Amaradeva has rendered in the field of art and music, delighting the minds of noble and learned people of Sri Lanka is invaluable.

Being an adornment to the community of musicians, he has produced a series of songs through radio programs, musical concerts and cassettes. In addition to that, he has provided music for a number of ballets and dramas.

Of them several outstanding examples such as the ‘Janagayana’ produced in early 1960's and the musical productions in the ballets ‘Karadiya’ and Nala ‘Damayanti’ and the dramas – ‘Vessantara’ , ‘Lomahansa’ and ‘Bhavakadaturawa’ and a number of other musical compositions in the cinema may be mentioned.

In brief, the service rendered by Amaradeva for refining, widening, deepening and intensifying the sentiments of the contemporary Sri Lankans, has inspired the unsurprising veneration of all the noble and learned people of Sri Lanka.

Rev. Chancellor,

As. such is the reality, I respectfully request you to honour Pandit Amaradeva by the conferment of the degree of Doctor of literature honoris causa.

May there be good health !

May there be Good !!

May there be success !!!

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