Never once did I bother with Sinhala songs during my childhood. They were of Abba, George Michael, Madonna and Michael Jackson – a precious few bought using my pocket money. Those days my uncles subscribed to miniscule song books that provided us with the UK top list and the lyrics with which we were able to lounge around the radio or record player and follow the much loved favourites. Our listening taste was linked to the radio (SLBC). Back then we never appreciated the songs but tolerated in quiet resolute instead. When the adults played these songs using musical instrument we were occasionally allowed to take part. My grandfather who was supremely musical added to the repertoire certain memorable English songs –Green Green Grass of Home, O Danny Boy and Auld Lang Syne. My mother with her musical orientation was heard sweetly humming songs like ‘ Pembara Amma’, ‘ Olu Pipila’ and Salalihini Kowul’ while doing the dishes.
I remember we also had a serious race in collecting stamps – aunts and uncles who were abroad and our own parents at one point were sending us vivid postage stamps from all parts of the World.Īt home our parents listened to Sinhala music. As with the games we were contesting each other’s knowledge during our leisure, jealously checking on each other’s progress in the book series. Even when playing Chess we were referring books in English to learn master-strokes. The card pack obviously gave us the knowledge of Kings and Queen and the royal court. Monopoly depicted stations and plots of land in London. Knowledge came in English language there was the Tell me Why series? and Encyclopedia Britannica.
English was supposed to be the gateway to the World outside. This is because me and my brother, we were driven to learn the Queen’s language during our childhood. I have not been a great fan of local Sinhala music for most of my life. It’s called Evergreen in music genres and Classics in movies. In the fast moving world there are a few things that comes within our grasp and appreciation that lingers in our minds leaving a pleasant feeling. “ Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent” – Victor Hugo
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