VERNON PERERA A MULTI FACETED INDIVIDUAL, VOCALIST, LIRYCIST, MUSICIAN,AUTHOR, TRANSLATOR, DRAFTSMAN AT PEAK OF PINNACLE – By Sunil Thenabadu
Image Source : Vernon Perera Facebook
Vernon Perera a pioneer vocalist in group songs in native Sri Lanka became instantly known and popular when he sang the song “Ru Siriya Ege” to the music melody of illustrated musician Clarence Wijewardena decades ago which incidentally was the theme tune of the famous program ‘Madu Rasanga” telecast over the Independent Television Network. This program was the brain child of PLA Somapala and the Chairman of ITN Thevis Guruge In the inaugural program it was Vernon who had invited few artistes for the program with Chanaka Fernando’s Golden Chimes band Vernon was born to modest parents, father a Police Officer Earnest Perera mother Avareen de Silva a Housewife Vernon had been born in Galle on 10th May 1948 when father was assigned to cinnamon Garden Police station had moved to Samudrasanna Road Mt Lavinia Had attended Thurstan College Colombo 07 from grade 1 having has had Montessori education at St Lucia school in Kotahena as father was attached to the Kotahena Police station where also had been Wolly Bastian as a colleague who had been aa constant visitor to their dwelling. Vernon when young had developed an enormous appetite for music probably with innate talent with a bit of hereditary affiliations as father used to sing mostly English songs.. Vernon had in College learned his basics in Eastern music from renowned musician Dr Lionel Algama though his preference was predominantly towards Western music genre. Vernon’s idol vocalist was then legendary HR Jothipala. Vernon had sung with enthusiasm at parties, weddings and musical concerts in the Mt Lavinia area particularly at musical concerts at the Maliban junction where at least a musical concert was held once in two months. involving many novice vocalists with just a few recognized artistes, had sung at similar occasions. However while in school Vernon had wanted to be an ‘artist’ having had a knack for drawing. Vernon had been in the same class as Collins Aluthge the brother in law of Nihal Nelson who was an expert lyricist , who was in the habit of always writing stories for which Vernon had drawn pictures which were popular as ‘Chitra Katha’ in many Sinhalese newspapers. At that time famous singer and artist Susil Premaratne who had known Vernon’s ability as an artist had regretted as he had not to have come to be known as an ‘Artist” for his gigantic aptitudes,
Before long a new leaf was turned in his proposed music career when he was identified as a ‘budding talent’, by Chitrananda Abeysekera a close family relative who was then in charge of the music unit of the SLBC at a wedding ceremony at the Galle face Hotel of a relation in Vernon’s family.. At that moment his father when asked what Vernon was doing had told he is just loitering not doing anything worthwhile. It was Chitrananda Abeysekera who had praised his talents to Sarath Wimalaweera who had given him the opportunity to sing in his own program ‘Nawaka Madala’ produced by him on the 26th December 1966 when still a teenager. He had been asked to perform at an audition where he had sung a HR Jothipala song his favourite vocalist. Though it was needed to sing one’s own compositions, as he had not possessed a song of his own At a bench there had been a guy in shorts supposed to be renowned lyricist ,Vernon had approached him requested him to write lyrics He had wanted to know what type of a song to which Vernon had prompted a melody of a Hindi song to which lyrics were written in a matter of a few minutes .When asked his name he had told ‘Premakeerthi de Alwis’ ” the lyrics were read as “Sithuwili Relila Diya Handa Kalathena Gala Thala Kelathena Oruwa Pade…” made Vernon to sing after a music melody was made in a hurry This was a turning point in his illustrious music vocation of Vernon. But unfortunately, at that time there were no facilities for a recording as a video.
In year 1969 Vernon although he had obtained employment in Maskeliya owing to his passion for music from younger days he had refused to accept the appointment had subsequently joined M/s Ananda Peiris’ architectural firm located in the Ceylinco building to understudy to be a ‘Draftsman’. While studying the architecture profession in 1970 he had met the musician Lakshman Fernando in the ‘Rangers” musical group in Panadura. Vernon was then taken to sing with the band at weddings and functions when Vernon came to comprehend what singing was. The others were Anil Bharathie,Devendra,Danister, Dayananda Perera,Lal Thenabadu helped to continue his interested musical journey as a ‘vocalist’. During the same era via Lakshman Fernando, Vernon had got introduced to musicians Jagath Fernando and Dr Ranjith Bollonne working in the Panadura hospital whowas an expert in making music melodies.. There after he had met his ‘friend’ musician Lal Thenabadu with whom he had travelled to Ratnapura. As a result Vernon was lucky to meet more musicians Mike Gunasekera, Jagath Fernando, Bigu Gunasekera with who he had commenced a musical group “Sunshines’. When new songs were made Dr Bollonne had asked Vernon to compile lyrics to which has had a knack. Vernon had written lyrics for songs like ‘Oya Mage Surangana Kathawe’,’Popiyana Dethole;,’Amma’, ‘Sisil Sulang Hama Ena Reye’,’Punchi Gawa Lenaka’ ‘Beth Lehan Pura” During this era for the first time EP records with four songs came into existence replacing the ‘gramophone’ era. .Vernon reminisced that while working at the architectural firm had strolled in Fort Pettah area when he had seen a large board ‘Shan Records. Vernon had enquired whether he could make EP’s out of their songs which he wanted to listen and popularise.Then two days later Vernon had met Shan accompanied by Dr Bollonne.The songs were recorded to a tape and got Shan to hear to which he had agreed to record as ‘group songs’ with harmony parts. The two songs ‘Oya Mage Surangana Kathawe’ and Popiyana Dethole’ had become hits in the SLBC too. Suddenly Dr Bollonne has had to migrate to UK which made the group to suddenly dismantle. Anil Bharathie had joined ‘Golden Chimes’ Lal Thenabadu had joined ‘Seac Entertaintments’ while Mike Gunasekera had migrated to Australia leaving Vernon stranded. But at that time there had been only a few artistes like HR Jothipala, Milton Mallawarchchi, Milton Perera and a handful of others who were to sing on stage and open air concerts. This gave the opportunity for Vernon too be become a some sort of a sought after artiste. During this era Vernon had met Vijaya Ramanayake the owner of Tharanga Record Bar right in front of the regal theatre had made very close friends. Vernon has disclosed that through him Vijaya Ramanayake was fortunate to come to know many artistes. which was an advantage to his record bar business. It was a time when the EP discs productions slowly diminished with the advent of songs recorded on cassettes. . Vijaya had got married to a girl in Matara had since shared a room with Vernon at his dwelling in the late seventies. Vernon recollects Vijaya saying that his EP’s are not selling as many cassette producers had copied the songs on EP’s and transferred them to cassettes depriving of his lucrative EP business much profits.. Vernon suggested an alternative to the issue faced by Vijaya saying we too could commence the cassette business had suggested to Vernon that we should meet the singers and commence the business. It was during this era that many housemaids who were returning from Middle East used to bring along cassette players which was then a common phenomenon and a craze among locals to listen to songs on cassette players. A new company called ELECT had emerged where they manufactured the ‘UNIQUE cassette recorders, hence the cassette business was flourishing.
As Vernon knew many vocalists personally the duo had jumped a bus on a Sunday morning to meet a few.When they arrived at a famous singer’s dwelling though they knocked at the gate there had been no response. Having known Milton Mallawarachchi when Vernon’s family were neighbours in Pita Kotte area Vernon had suggested to meet him whose dwelling was in the same vicinity .Vernon also had known Milton as the duo had done weights together to build up their physiques in the past When the duo arrived at the dwelling of Milton he had been practicing a song with musician Hector Soysa for the film ‘Geetha’.It was revealed by Vernon that Milton Mallawarchchi, Vijaya Ramanayake, Vijaya Kumaratunga and KDK Dharmawardena had shared a room at Thalakotuwa gardens had been close pals. When Vijaya conveyed that we intend to commence a cassette business Milton had got wild as usual. Then on the advice of Vernon had conveyed that they need to record fifteen songs saying the well known singer is Milton, the best lyric writer is KDK. Milton Mallawarachchi had asked Vijaya how many EP’s you had produced the answer was twenty one. In anger Milton had asked then have you come here to produce your twenty second EP label disc. However .Milton had agreed to sing twelve songs for rupees ten thousand but he wanted Sarath Dassanayake to do the music and for lyrics to obtain services of KDK Dharmawardena.The cassette titled ‘’Any time Anywhere’ had been a roaring success in sales after the release .Milton had been paid rupees one thousand less which Milton had conveyed at a later date when the duo had met at an alternate recording studio. ’After this roaring success Vijaya had continued his cassette business which proved very lucrative. Vernon was given the opportunity to sing for the seventh cassette by his pal Vijaya Ramanayake assisted in music by Dayananda Perera,Lal Thenabadu , Mike Gunasekera etc.Vervon had commenced writing lyrics for many songs as the cassette business was flourishing with the emergence of many cassette companies like ‘Gemtone’’New Sounds’,’Shan” etc Vernon was afforded the opportunity to write lyrics for the songs of numerous artistes for the music scores of Stanley Pieris, Lal Thenabadu, Clarence Wijewardena.etc. Vernon remembers his first song penned for a cassette was “Hadawatha Illa” sung by Priya Suriyasena,During this era Vernon used to drop his wife riding his motor cycle and visit Clarence who was dwelling in a room in Ratmalana area until around 4 PM when he picks up his wife attached to Survey department. Vernon had seen a CR book stacked in the toilet of Clarence .When a new melody strikes he used to make a note on it before it is forgotten. Like this the lyrics of the song ‘Thanivee Sittinnai” was penned. Vernon was assisted by Clarence to pen lyrics when he played the melody on his guitar for Vernon to hear. To Vernon the words just congregated into his mind. Once Clarence had challenged Vernon when he had said it was the same melody of a previous song. Clarence was baffled when Vernon said this is a 4/4 melody version replaced to that 6/8 melody he had made previously. The lyrics of the popular hit ‘Tikiri Malee Pasel Yana Podi Adi Pare’ sung by Anil Bharathie was also a lyrics domination of Vernon. This song ‘Thaneevi Sittinaai’ had been one of the latest songs which Milton had sung prior to his demise. Vernon recollected on many lyrics he had penned for Milton, Clarence ,Desmond etc. ‘Rosa Mal”, Kirilli by Desmond the former was to the music melody of Lal Thenabadu. Vernon had conveyed that he had written most lyrics for songs of Nihal Nelson .It need to be stated that Vernon,Lal and Nihal were very close associates who were seen together always. Vernon in addition to his lyrics had made the music melodies a rare achievement that needs to be hailed and applauded which no other musician had accomplished in the archives of music in native Sri Lanka. For many hit songs of Indrani Perera Vernon had compiled lyrics. Like ‘Jendi Pahata Endala”, “Thiline Ithin” which many would not know which should be etched in gold in the narration of our music narration. It should be reiterated that for many other vocalists like Saman de Silva,Dhanapala Udawatta,Malini Bulathsinhala,Sujatha Attanayake,Neela Wickremasinghe lyrics of songs with music melodies were entirely energies of Vernon. The song of Saman de Silva “Niyare Pena Negila” Dhanapala’s ‘Ma Adara Neeya Mage Amma Wethatai’ needs to be reminisced as other everlasting hits, the latter song was the first ‘Rana Viru’ song recorded in Sri Lanka .Vernon had revealed as a vocalist when he scripts lyrics automatically a melody instantaneously comes to his mind which is a vital tool for his immense triumph. Many music directors have always accepted the music melodies Vernon had adopted. Vernon had praised at television dialogues that Clarence Wijewardena never adheres strictly not to copy melodies of other musicians. Clarence was against the courteous attitude of Vernon as he had allowed others as owners of his melodies and lyrics. In this manner Vernon is an unselfish musician a tradition no other artiste possesses. Many artistes too had criticised this unique ritual of Vernon.to been least acquisitive or greedy.
It was then a concealed talent of writing lyrics for Vernon who had emerged with songs like ‘Piyumai’, ‘Sihil Sulang’,’Oya Mage Surangana Kathawe’,’Pepiyana Detholai’, ‘Amma” songs which are even popular today though fifty-five years old were contributed to the musical group ‘Sunshines’.These songs were recorded by the businessman Shanmugam under the ‘Shan Label’. When the second disc was released in year 1974 Anil Bharathie too had joined the group as a vocalist. As an acclaimed lyricist Vernon he did compose the lyrics for the popular song of Anil Bharathie “Iru Dina Pamanak Nowa’ a hit song even today. Also wrote lyrics for songs “Dasa Vidala Sarojini”, ”Amma” which were also penned by Vernon. The music compositions were of Dr Ranjith Bollenna, which were able to win hearts of music lovers. Having excelled as a lyricist Vernon released his first disc titled in year 1976 under the Tharanga label. The songs included were “Walikeliye”,”Ran Thallak Gela Bende”,”Oba Dekagannata”,”Mage Suranganie”, the lyrics belonged to KDK Dharmawardena, Clerence Wijewardena, Ajantha Ranasinghe and Dharmasiri Wickremasinghe. Though Vernon could have written lyrics for those songs it was his opinion to get more recognized lyricists to contribute lyrics who were better known then Via this disc Vernon Perera was able to stamp his name as a supreme vocalist to become familiar to listeners. Through his song “Ran Thellak” song Vernon became very popular among listeners in Sri Lanka.as it was sung as an emotional manner. In year 1977 once again he sang under the ‘Gemtone “ label on EP’s recorded with songs “Siyumali Hadawatha”, “Sudu Sanda Ras’,with music compositions of Dr Ranjith Bollonne..The first song of popular sound engineer Donald Ivan titled “Sath Samudura”was released. Then a duet with Indrani Perera was sung as his first duet “Sonduru Chalalewni” Vernon had said he is thankful to Sujatha Attanayake, Latha walpola, Anjalene Gunatilleke , Malini Bulathsihala for inviting him to sing duets for their cassettes Vernon had reminisced that for most film songs he had duetted with Anjeline and regretted her demise Also he duetted with Indrani Perera the song “Samugena Yannemi” This song was lately sung with Vernon’s daughter in law Ruchira Nirmani Thillekeratne for Charana TV program ‘Gee Alankare” Vernon recalled that when he was attached to the Building Material Corporation as a ‘draftsman’ the Chairman Ajantha Wijesena had owned “Artech” recording studio where this song and three other songs were produced on EP discs.. These songs proved the two voices were ideal for duets. The lyrics of this song was by legendary Karunaratne Abeysekera.. who had added to Vernon that it was penned with the blessings of the ‘Saraswathi Devi’ hence he wanted Vernon to make a fine melody and sing well. The melody was made to meticulousness by Clarence Wijewardena.. Vernon had sung another duet with Indrani the song “Re Sanda Pawa’ then duetted with Neela Wickremasinghe the song “Adare Chethana” and with Anjeline Gunatilleke the songs titled “Pin Patai” and “Ma Pere Sasare” These duet songs made Vernon to be held in elevated esteem in the musical arena .During the tenure at the Building Material Corporation under the chairmanship of Ajantha Wijesena Vernon was entrusted the herculean task of attending to the renovation of the John de Silva performing Arts theatre. With his skill and knowledge as a draftsman had visited the venue with a colleague which was in a decapitated state with an offensive smell emanating,even occupied by beggar inhabitants .Assisted by his wide knowledge as a ‘draftsman’ Vernon had drawn a new plan for the John de Silva performing theatre which after completion looked in a much better with a number of modern facilities. It was added by Vernon that he had even included an area when a vehicle transporting ‘SETS’ could be unloaded sans a hassle. His busy music commitments he had not pursued his career as a draftsman. These unique accomplishment and triumphs of Vernon are not known to many. Vernon had also drawn the house plan to many friends including Clarence Wijewardena.
Vernon subsequently had sung many other duets v.i.z., With Priyanthi Seneviratne “ Sayura Medin”,with Malinie Bulathsinhala ‘Nododa Amanapayen”, with Sujath Attanayake song titled ‘Podi Menike”. It was known that to balance his voice with any female artiste he was well equipped and talented. The songs “Ma Pera Sasarai”, “Samugena Yannemi” are typical illustrations During the era between 1979 to 1980 for new cassettes Vernon had sung many songs.To name a few ‘Asarana Wee”., E-nisasalai’,‘Balaviye’,’Digu Nilwarasa”,’Kopulthale’, ‘Rusiriya Ege’,’Manamaliya’,’Oba Deka Gannata’,’
Vernon has recorded more than 350 songs with his own lyrics,, Vernon could be classified to be grouped among the greats as Ananda Samarakone, Sunil Shantha, Clarence Wijewardena,Shirley Waijayantha.Rookantha Gunatilleke.Vernon had made lyrics approximately to over three thousand songs to abundant of artistes. It is proved that most lyrics and music melodies for Bail songs had been made by Vernon Perera.The songs sung by Vernon Perera were utilized in Teledramas and films.Special mention need to be mentioned for the film ‘Aradhana’ produced by Vijaya Ramanayake in 1987 in addition to Dr Rohana Weerasinghe and HM Jayawardena the music knowledge of Vernon too was added. In this film Vernon was requested by HM Jayawardena to sing a song “ Sinawakin Puthu Ge Muwe” a children’s song. After reading the lyrics at the Sarasaviya studio Vernon had told to HM J for these lyrics my voice would not suit as he sings mostly fast numbers recommended to be given to Sunil Edirisinghe but ultimately was sung by Vijay Kumaratunga with Damayanthi Jayasuriya .In the film It was for Malini Fonseka and Ravindra Randeniya duo’s act. Vernon had professed to the media for what does not suit his style he will never accept to sing which he feels.This reveals Vernon’s unselfishness. He was a person filled with many humane qualities. Once Clarence had produced a cassette at the request of Hon Gamini Dissanayake named “First Ever cricket’, to which Clarence had selected Vernon, Maryazel, Desmond de Silva ,But before the recording Desmond had left to Nepal for a music contract .In his absence the song “Thana Nilla Dige” was asked to be sung by Vernon which he refused was later recommended by Vernon to be sung by Saman de Silva which was not approved by Clarence at the beginning But it was ultimately sung by Saman which was hailed by Clarence and with this song Saman was elevated to a higher position. Vernon had been a huge fan of HR Jothipala had become a close friend of his many had known the close friendship he has had with Vijay Ramanayake owner of the Tharanga record bar.Though a request was made by Vernon Vijaya was not in favour to record a cassette.,Then Vernon had approached the owner one Fonseka of the large records shop ‘Saraswathie ‘When he was approached he had said all these in the shelves are unsold EP’s which includes mostly HRJ songs. Vernon had added there are many songs of HRJ sung at SLBC not included in cassettes to which Fonseka had agreed had told to convey this to HRJ who then had lived at his sister’s dwelling at Canal Row Maradana had visited him along with Lal Thenabadu.. HRJ had said he cannot remember but if you could find for him he could sing..Vernon and Lal had searched for song books in shops and found songs like ‘Muladi Banda adare;’’Piliganna Mama Channa Amathee’.When Jothipala was informed he was elated had asked how did you find them. Before the recording the cassette titled ‘Muladi Bande Adare’ the owner of ‘Saraswathie’ record shop had requested Jothi to come to take photos who had come in his ‘Borgward ‘car. But the owner had been shocked as Jothi had cut his hair short had not looked his normal self.The owner of ‘Saraswathie’ had requested to wear a wig from a neighbouring salon, ‘Mod Spot’ a Chinese enterprise with which a photos were taken after selecting a fairly suitable ‘wig’.This cassette with the music direction of Lal Thenabadu which had had been a box office seller. There was a demand for HRJ when many were behind him even Vijaya Ramanayake. Then the ‘Multipax’ institution had financed for the second cassette with film songs named ‘Siriyamme Sara’- ‘Anangaya Man’ after buying the Master film reel outright from the producer.
In the recent past musician Vernon who had been a vivacious reader particularly as having broken rest in early days cannot sleep until past midnight. Vernon had disclosed that the pattern of outdoor musical shows has been transformed into a shape that even when the artistes are present the band members play instrumentals. Hence they keep the artistes waiting unnecessarily. In this scenario reputed artistes refrain from attending to outdoor musical concerts as much of valuable time is unexploited. Vernon had resorted to a reading habit which he has had from his younger days. Once sometime back Vernon had purchased a book authored by James Hadley Chase and translated for the fun of it. When she showed to Prem Dissanayake his school mate at Thurstan College the publisher of “Surasa” had added it was of a high standard and published when it had sold like hot cakes. Then Vernon had purchased several books to date he had purchased more books on the insistence of Prem Dissanayke Vernon continues this worthwhile exercise in his twilight years .Vernon is now famous as an author and translator of James Hadley Chase books into Sinhalese.
Vernon Perera possesses constructive qualities within him possessing sort of traits and characteristics that give people an advantage in life. These are the kinds of attributes that make people strong, skilled, successful, and appealing to others. Vernon has unlimited humane qualities unselfish with straightforwardness been the hall mark in his behaviour. All should emulate his qualities which are from a top drawer which are to unprecedented tall boosts with inherent goodness, strengths, compassion, integrity and high virtues. All his fans and friends would wish him good health and longevity
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane
whatsapp 0061444533242
