He is T M Jayarathna .........
In the realm of Sri Lankan music, Tennakoon Mudiyanselage Jayaratne, universally known as T.M. Jayaratne, stands as an irreplaceable pillar of classical and semi-classical melodies. Known for his deeply emotional vocal texture and flawless pitch control, his voice has resonated across generations, delivering some of the most profound musical masterpieces in Sinhala history.
Early Life and Academic Foundation
T.M. Jayaratne was born on April 13, 1944, in the picturesque village of Dodanwala. He was the beloved son of T.M. Tikiribanda and S.A. Marinona. His educational journey began at Dodanwala Primary School, and he later attended St. Anthony's College and Maliyadeva College in Kurunegala, where his affinity for arts and music began to flourish.
Before gaining fame as a vocalist, Jayaratne trained rigorously as a violinist during his youth. This instrumental background gave him an exceptional understanding of rhythm and melody, which later defined his pristine singing career.
The Radio Discovery and Folk Music Research
Jayaratne’s entry into the music industry was rooted in traditional research. C. de S. Kulathilake, the head of the Folk Music Research Unit at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), recognized the raw, authentic texture of Jayaratne's voice. Kulathilake invited the young artist to vocalize several Sinhala folk songs for archival and radio broadcast, including the critically acclaimed traditional track "Gana The Sadun". This research-based exposure paved the way for his official entry into commercial music, leading to his first official song recording in 1970.
The Kemadasa-Ariyaratne Trio and Early Hits
T.M. Jayaratne’s professional career skyrocketed when he collaborated with two legends: lyricist Professor Sunil Ariyaratne and the maestro composer Premasiri Khemadasa. His breakthrough came with the soulful song "Lahiru Dahasak", which showcased his ability to handle complex operatic and semi-classical compositions.
In 1978, marking a significant milestone in the country's music distribution history, Jayaratne released his debut commercial cassette album under the famous 'Taranga' label (Taranga Vol. 1).
Cinematic Masterpieces and Iconic Duets
T.M. Jayaratne became a sought-after playback singer in Sinhala cinema, creating melodies that are carved in gold:
The "Hansa Vilak" Phenomenon (1980): Jayaratne duetted with the brilliant Sunila Abeysekera on "Hemin Sare Piya Vida" for Dharmasena Pathiraja’s iconic movie Hansa Vilak. Written by Pathiraja himself and composed by Premasiri Khemadasa, this song became an immortal hit, symbolizing intense romantic emotion in Sri Lankan pop culture.
The Dynamic Duo with Neela Wickramasinghe: Jayaratne’s vocal synergy with veteran songstress Neela Wickramasinghe produced some of the most popular duets in the country, celebrated for their synchronized vocal harmonies and classical depth.
While he occasionally composed music for selected songs, showcasing his versatility, his primary legacy remains established as a highly talented and unmatched vocalist.
Unforgettable Solo Masterpieces
Throughout his career spanning several decades, T.M. Jayaratne gifted the nation with countless iconic solo tracks, including:
Ammawarune (The ultimate tribute to motherhood)
Eka Yayata Mal Peela
Siyak Lanuwen Bandha
Namal Mitak Wedලා
Personal Life and Living Legacy
T.M. Jayaratne is married to Malini Jayaratne, who has been his pillar of strength throughout his musical journey. The couple is blessed with two children. Following in his father's illustrious footsteps, his son, Isuru Jayaratne, has also stepped into the musical arena as a talented singer, keeping the rich vocal heritage of the Jayaratne family alive for the modern generation.
With a career built on sheer talent, humility, and dedication to authentic musical art, T.M. Jayaratne remains an adored and respected maestro, whose voice continues to heal, comfort, and inspire millions of Sri Lankans.
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