Till we meet again Des Kelly……Rest now, in God’s loving care – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE  It is with shock and deep sadness it was to Anne and I to be informed of the passing of our friend and father figure Des Kelly. In fact our families have all interacted with him and miss him dearly, after meeting him at our home when he visited often during the days he got around. Our interaction with him began with a phone call to me around 15 years ago.  He wanted me to drop by for a conversation.  It was about wanting me to contribute stories the the Lanka Times which he was the Editor of. Knowing of my commitment to another publication in Melbourne he put it subtly to me that he would be happy if I could forward stories not used in the other paper for the Lanka Times. ...

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In Appreciation of Des Kelly: Many A Voice …. Quite A Chorus – By Michael Roberts Source : thuppahis Rest in peace Des! It is with a heavy heart I announce the passing of my dear friend Des Kelly in Dandenong, Melbourne Australia. Desmond Kelly is a Ceylonese musician who has entertained in Sri Lanka and in Australia. He was born in Colombo in 1936. Kelly was one of a group of musicians who was discovered by Radio Ceylon, now the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. Radio Ceylon gave him a platform for his songs and announcers Vernon Corea and Christopher Greet played his compositions on their music programs. Radio Ceylon made him into a household name – not only in Sri Lanka, but also in the Indian sub-continent. His pop hit Dream World was in the hit parades in both Ceylon and India. He has also been featured in the top entertainment column, ...

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Des Kelly – R.I.P –  by Roger Thiedeman Dear Neil, I was very sorry to hear this morning of the passing of Des Kelly. I count it a privilege, and a very timely one, to have spent an hour or so with Des at his place of residence only a couple of months ago. Although it was obvious that his physical health and mobility were compromised to varying degrees, he was still mentally as sharp as the proverbial tack, and completely ‘on form’ as far as his memory and wit were concerned. I am attaching a few photos you may care to include in a tribute to Des in eLanka Newsletter. The pics were taken by me in December 1990, during the first visit to Australia by Sri Lankan music superstar, now mentor and ‘guru’, Keerthi Pasquel. He was joined on that tour by Mariazelle Goonetilleke, also making her first trip ...

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eLanka Newsletter – 15th March 2023 – 5th Edition Sri Lankans in Australia Click here or on the image below to read this week’s elanka Newsletter “THE PICTURE TELLS THE STORY” – by Des Kelly Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day Celebration in Sydney organised by the Sri Lanka Association of NSW New Zealand batters produce whirlwind chase to pull off a last ball thriller. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE Watch Cricket Highlights – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand The Might of the Pen. – By Noor Rahim Situlpauwa, Veddas, building a bungalow at Thenaddi Bay on idyllic East coast CONCLUSION: MISSIONS OF A GLOBAL PROFESSOR : CONFESSIONS OF A GLOBAL GYPSY-by Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena DPhil The 1962 Royal-Thomian had an ending of a Greek Drama-by Senaka Weeraratna Vince Gill feat. Patty Loveless — “Pocket Full of Gold” — by Des Kelly ‘DHARMADASA WALPOLA RASIKA SAMAJAYA’ REERECTS THE ROAD ...

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A KELLY -KLASSIC – “Aishling Rafferty – Darling, Say You’ll Love Me When I’m Old” – by Des Kelly   A beautiful Country Song to start off the New Year of 2023. Sung by a lass I had never heard of,before, but I am so happy with her performance, I hope that she sells a million or two with this rendition. A KELLY -KLASSIC. ...

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Another “Kelly-Klassic” – “Anita You’re Dreaming “ – by Des Kelly   Another “Kelly-Klassic” featuring a younger Waylon Jennings dedicating this song to ‘Anita’ although he finally married Jessie Colter, one of the prettiest ‘Country beauties’ in the Showbiz arena of today. Waylon has since passed on, but Jessie is still with us. R.I.P. Waylon Jennings. Desmond Kelly (Mr.Music) (Editor-in-Chief)  e’Lanka. ...

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DELFT ISLAND – by Des Kelly Our thanks to Charles Schokman, for this wonderful video account on the Nothern-most tip of Sri Lanka. I enjoyed it, as I know all e’Lankans will, too. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. Delft Island, Jaffna | The most remote village in Sri Lanka Hi Sri Lankans Worth watching if you have not visited this place before ...

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GRANDMA’S APRON – by Des Kelly Just wondering how many teenagers of today will even know of, or remember what an apron is ?. Thank you Charles Schokman, for this most interesting piece on a garment worn mostly by the older ladies in their lives. Please read this inspiring little ‘post’ which will also provide some reminiscent memories of many who have already left us. God bless all Grandmas. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka.   GRANDMA’S APRON I don’t think our kids know what an apron is. The principle use of Grandma’s apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few. It was also because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons used less material. But along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children’s tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning ...

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Another Kelly Klassic – Leona Williams “Yes Ma’am” – by Des Kelly Leona Williams, 3rd wife of Country Legend Merle Haggard (who boasted 5 wives during his life), sings this song to her Mother-in-law, aptly titled “Yes Ma ‘am”. Leona, who was also previously married & had a son named Ron, who is a recognised Country Vocalist himself, did her best to help M.H. gain the recognition he truly deserved. Then, came the breakdown of her marriage to Merle & Leona & son Ron went their own way down the Showbiz track. Yes Ma’am is yet another indication of what Country music is really  about, just one four-letter word, LIFE. Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. ...

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