Collaboration of Victor and Sunil
- Sunil Ariyaratne was a high school student when Premasiri Khemadasa opera “Sithijaya” was staged in 1968. Stage play was written by Sunil’s elder brother Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara. He commissioned his very own little brother Sunil to write lyrics for the play. By that time Victor has already become a singing sensation having performed hit songs “Sihil Sulan Ralle”, “Soka Sanasum”, “Pawe Wala”. Sunil befriended Victor, when he visited the set for a rehearsal and from that moment, fate took its course and extended their artistic collaboration indefinitely.
- “Katu Koholin Pirunu Lowin – Kidaramin Wasunu Lowin”
- Sunil’s lyrical debut was performed by Victor and Sanath Nandasiri and though it was broadcasted on Radio, the song was performed only for a musical program, not for a SLBC recording.
- “Thotupola Ayine Kavuda Atha Wananne” was the first song Sunil wrote for “Geetha Tharangani” a musical program produced by G.S.B. Rani Perera.
- “Handata Andana Kiri Daruwo” for film “Nim Walalla” (directed by Ranjith Lal) performed by Victor Ratnayake, was the debut film song for lyricist Sunil Ariyaratne. Victor composed music for Sunil’s first short film (Dushkara Kriya – 1975) and first feature film (Anupama – 1978).
- Sunil benefited from the benevolent nature of senior lyricist Bandara K. Wijetunga, K.D.K. Dharmawardana and Premakeerthi de Alwis, who collectively decided to give Sunil an opportunity to contribute to the program, quoting” since each of us have 2 songs, let Sunil write one.”
- Friendly companionship of this senior artists laid the foundation for lyricists to flock Victor on regular basis. Generations of lyricists, starting from Mahagama Sekera, Piyasena Kostha, and Ariesen Ahubudu to modern day contemporaries, over 140 lyrics writers have contributed to Victor’s discography.
Collaboration of Victor and Sunil
Sunil Ariyarathne and Victor Ratnayake
