By

Tissa Devendra

In view of the recent philistine ha-ho about Kishani Jayasinghe’s wonderful rendition of John de Silva’s moving lyric, I decided to share some old memories “to set the record straight”.

I was a pre-undergrad in 1948 and witnessed the formal renunciation of British sovereignty and the hoisting of the [unstriped] Lion Flag of Independent Ceylon.

A number of cultural events were held that week . A highlighted item at a recital of classical music was the operatic rendition of ‘Danno Budunge’ by the Italian trained singer Hubert Rajapakse.

He was a scion of the distinguished Rajapakse clan of Maha Kappina Walauva in Balapitiya. He met with an enthusiastic reception and always sang this version at future recitals.

Am I the only ancient who remembers this event, I wonder.

Courtesy:The Island