In the golden chapters of Sri Lankan music and broadcasting, Abeywardena Balasuriya remains an irreplaceable icon. He was a multi-faceted maestro who exhibited extraordinary musical talent across different dimensions of the industry—not just as a premier vocalist, but as a visionary television producer and a socially conscious intellectual. Second to none in his artistic capabilities, Abeywardena believed that art and social responsibility were inseparable, a philosophy that reflected deeply in his timeless melodies and insightful writings.
Early Life, Military Service, and Public Sector Career
Abeywardena Balasuriya was born in the village of Muhunuvetwana in Chilaw. He was a proud past pupil of St. Mary’s College, Chilaw, where his foundational character was built.
In the early 1960s, immediately after completing his school education, young Abeywardena stepped into a disciplined lifestyle by joining the Sri Lanka Air Force as an officer. He served the nation for several years; however, realising that a military career was not his true calling or final destiny, he honorably left the Air Force. He then transitioned into civil public service, securing a position at the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB). Yet, his ultimate destiny was awaiting him in the world of melodies.
The Historic Radio Debut and Discovery
Abeywardena’s transition into a professional musical career began in the late 1960s through the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). His historic breakthrough occurred on the popular radio program "Nevum Mihira", designed to showcase fresh talents. For his debut, he recorded the soulful song "Kavurudo Kavurudo", beautifully penned by the legendary Karunaratne Abeysekera and masterfully composed by Sangeet Nipun Sanath Nandasiri. The song became an instant hit on commercial trading platforms, broadcasting all night long and introducing Abeywardena as a major romantic voice to the nation.
The Golden Matrix: Sunil, Victor, and Abeywardena
The ultimate turning point in Abeywardena’s career was formed by his close artistic alliance with four frontrunners of the industry: the iconic singer-composer Dr. Victor Rathnayake, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne, and legendary lyricists Premakeerthi de Alwis and Kularatne Ariyawansa.
Throughout his career, Abeywardena collaborated with top-tier lyricists including Dr Ajantha Ranasinghe, K.D.K. Dharmawardhana, Kumaradasa Saputhanthri, Lucian Bulathsinhala, Ven. Siddharta Thero, Deltota Chandrapala, and Bandula Nanayakkarawasam. However, the highest volume of his lyrics was penned by Professor Sunil Ariyaratne and Premakeerthi de Alwis.
Remarkably, over 80% of Abeywardena Balasuriya’s melodies and music direction were created by Dr Victor Rathnayake. Aside from Victor, his songs were beautifully crafted by legendary composers like Rohana Weerasinghe, H.M. Jayawardene, Gunadasa Kapuge, Sarath Dissanayake, Sarath de Alwis, Sarath Balasuriya, Stanley Peiris, and Nawaratne Gamage. Abeywardena possessed a rare, meticulous quality of personally selecting lyrics and themes that perfectly matched his deep vocal textures.
Eternal Melodies with Premakeerthi and Sunil Ariyaratne
His creative collaboration with Premakeerthi de Alwis birthed several highly popular masterworks that explored a wide range of human emotions, including:
Poojasanaye Oba Thaba Giya (Thinking the Silver Valley/Altar of Love)
Kiri Ammawarune (Temples grace the court)
Kadu Paare Panala
On the other hand, Professor Sunil Ariyaratne wrote the largest number of songs for Abeywardena, totalling over eighty tracks. The crown jewel of the Sunil-Victor-Abeywardena combination is the immortal track "Piyaneni Ma Nawatha Upannoth" (Father, If I Am Born Again in this Infinite Sansara). Released over four decades ago, this profound masterpiece dedicated to paternal love remains unmatched in Sri Lankan musical history.
Other timeless collaborative classics by this trio include:
Ganga Ennako Ganga
Ane Kurulu Kooduwalata
Kandurellen Eha Gamata
Gee Siyayak
Oben Thora Lokayak
Kawda Awe
Walibath Iwuwa
Maru Kathare
Thal Gaha Mudune
Kanthara Hada Madalata
Obe Atha Dennayi
Thotille Lee Waten Eha
Anuradhapura Oba Mayi
Revolutionising Sri Lankan Television: "Nandana Vindana"
The year 1982 marked a historic milestone in Sri Lankan media with the launch of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC). The pioneering Chairman of Rupavahini, M.J. Perera, recognised Abeywardena’s creative vision and tasked him with producing a brand-new musical program.
Abeywardena conceptualised and manufactured "Nandana Vindana", the first-ever high-concept television musical program in Sri Lanka. Broadcast once a month, it became an instant, sensational hit. Before this, television opportunities for musical artists were heavily restricted; Abeywardena broke those barriers, utilising "Nandana Vindana" to unlock doors for countless talented singers and musicians to showcase their art nationwide.
Following this, he also produced the highly acclaimed and intellectually controversial program "Anduna". In recognition of its high production value and social impact, Anduna won the prestigious Vijaya Rupavahini Sammana Award for Best Television Program in 1987.
A Powerful Political Voice and Social Empathy
Abeywardena was a man of firm convictions. He held strong political views and never hesitated to voice them, firmly stating, "No artist can forego social responsibility." Anyone who reads his analytical articles or listens to his interviews will instantly notice his deep dedication to social justice, patriotism, and human empathy.
His life and musical journey were further fortified when he married the veteran classical songstress Niranjala Sarojini. Together, Abeywardena and Niranjala formed a legendary real-life couple, vocalising some of the most beautiful, sophisticated, and deeply emotional love duets in the history of the Sinhala stream.
The Final Curtains
On March 29, 2010, the golden voice of Abeywardena Balasuriya was silenced when he passed away at the age of 63 (marking 67 years from his birth timeline during subsequent commemorations). Though he left the physical world, his legacy as a brilliant vocalist, a revolutionary television pioneer, and a socially conscious giant will continue to inspire and comfort the hearts of millions of Sri Lankans for generations to come.
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