WHY IS VICTOR CLOSING HIS “SA”

What is the reason for Victor to bring “SA” to a close?

The “SA” music solo recital of Victor Ratnayake is to be brought to a closure in the coming week. In this regard various views have been published in the media, particularly as he still possesses the singing ability and vigour. Why he has decided to conclude his solo concert is a question to many. What exactly is the reason?
He had made his decision clear about his decision in an interview he had given to the tabloid edition of ‘Rasaduna’ newspaper. He had quipped that he is no longer young and that competent to sing like the manner he did when he was young. He had said that he feels that while singing he is unable to sing in the same vein and sting as done before and his singing is not stable like in the good old days. This even makes the audience feel uneasy and as an artiste one needs to preserve and protect his prestige.
The questions posed and the answers given are appended below:

How did the “SA” solo concert emerge?

“That was in the year 1973.At that time there were no solo concerts in Sri Lanka. However there was a joint musical concert with the participation of Pandit Amaradeva and Nanda Malini called “Aradhana” which was very popular and the duo had performed this musical show in almost all parts of the country and was well patronised attracting packed audiences. It was a tremendous success.
During those days it was a practice for my closest friends like K.D.K.Dharmawardena,Premakeerthi de Alwis,Professor Sunil Ariyaratna, Bandula.K Wjetunga,R.R.Samarakoon,Harischandra Edirisinghe and Chinthaka Jayasena to meet very often together, may be daily or once in two to three days. At such a meeting it was Chinthaka Jayasena who suggested that I could perform a solo musical concert as I could sing a range of popular songs. At that time there was no one had performed a solo musical concert. In addition all of them knew that I had already mastered all notes of music i.e. the eight notations beginning from “SA”. Hence it was my friend Chinthaka Jayasena who proposed the name “SA” for the solo concert that was to be organised. The first “SA” solo musical concert was held on the 20th July 1973 at the unsophisticated “Lumbini” theatre.”

When there was a continuous concerts you may have been very busy?

“Absolutely true. There was a tremendous demand for the show from all quarters of the country. Fans flocked to see my concert in their thousands to patronise my show. There were a number of shows at various destinations a week. All those who were involved with me in this concert were also equally busy.I had absolutely no time for my domestic work. It was handled well by my wife Chitra who had to look after the work of children also. If not for her sacrifices and endeavours I would not have been able to achieve the success of the “Sa” concert. She simply was a huge shadow behind my success.”

Because of the “SA” concert you would have received accolades and fan attraction to unprecedented heights?

“I received accolades, bouquets not only from fans in Sri Lanka.But equally from overseas fans as well when I performed in foreign countries. This concert had to be continued as it had a terrific demand. There were fans wherever I went. They really loved me. I signed so many autographs for them. At that time I had long hair. The fans even pulled my hair to be kept as souvenirs. I had to tear my handkerchief and give them pieces as souvenirs. The fame I received cannot be described. I feel very elated and extremely happy.”

“SA” solo concert was enjoyed by 3 generations?

“Yes. For the “SA” concert is now 39 years old. People enjoyed the concert 39 years ago and the present generation too enjoys equally. It was a tremendous achievement and a terrific boost. I enjoy in silence every bit about my achievements.”
The contribution you made to Sinhala cinema was less?
“One cannot say it was low and accuse me. As I have sung in about 100 Sinhala films. I had made the musical composition for about 16 films. Among them I should name the films Matara Achchi,Hula wali, Thawalama, and Sarungale are some that comes to my mind.”

Why are you against REALITY contests that are conducted?

“I am strongly against reality shows that make stars. I was against it as well as at present. The correct thing is to identify the talents of individuals and groom them properly to become good singers. In reality shows no new songs are created. The popular songs of singers who had sung over 50 years ago are sung at reality shows, by trying to imitate the renowned singers by all contestants. Hence the singer cannot establish her or his own identity.
I came to the music arena after Amaradeva, Sunil Shantha, Suriya Sanka Molligoda, W.D.Rupasinghe etc. all had made their names in the music field. All of them had made their names with their own compositions. If I also continued to sing and imitate their songs a ‘Victor Ratnayake’ would not have emerged. I have never imitated the songs of veteran singers. If someone comes popular by imitating the songs of veterans he or she would always be a novice singer without his or hers own identity and would never become a popular singer.”

Are you angry with the younger generation of singers?

“No not at all. In any country a new generation should replace the old generation of singers. But they should come up with their own composition without imitating the songs of veteran singers. They should select the good and appropriate lyrics according to our culture before they record a song. I only blame those who sing others songs. If not I have absolutely no grudge with them.”

Why did you decide to close the “SA” solo concert?

“Any singer could remain on top and fans would appreciate only if the singer could sing in the same manner with regard to the tune, pronunciation and vigour as done when young. No one could do it. When ageing the ability to sing in the similar manner diminishes. These factors will not remain static. This is what even Lord Buddha also preached. That features I feel has come to me right now. I feel it now and hence I decided to stop it totally as is it is very tedious to perform, the manner I did earlier. Every singer should realise it. In order to keep my prestige and respect in tact I decided to close my “SA” solo concert permanently.”

After the 20th of this month you hope to wind up your “SA” solo concert for good?

“What will happen on that day is only the “SA” solo concert would be concluded. However I as Victor Ratnayake will continue my musical career in composing songs, direction of music, singing songs and will continue to remain in the music field. What will happen on that day is that I will be performing my last “SA” solo musical concert which had been done hitherto shouldering a lot of burden and responsibility.”

Are you satisfied with your role and the road you have travelled in the field of music as a singer ,director and composer of music?

“I am totally satisfied to the maximum, while not tried to be selfish. If any artiste has reached his peak he should try to guide and teach who are less superior to come to his or her peak .I person in my calibre should share my experience with the lesser popular and competent artistes. I have even extended my knowledge even to veteran artistes like Mohideen Baig, Amaradeva, Nanda Malini, Sunil Edirisinghe, Jothipala. Edward Jayakody and a host of others are including novice singers like Uresha Ravihari. I have never obtained personal credit for the music compositions and contributions I have made to the music field in this country Hence I am very satisfied musician”.

                                                   Newspaper interview:  Gamini Susantha