Today is the 12th death anniversary of Clarence Wijewardene:

A name etched in memory

Siri HETTIARACHCHI

Clarence Wijewardene was a unique character in the annals of local music. He was a special character for many reasons not only in this country, but abroad too. His capabilities need no introduction. He carved an image for himself not only in music but also as a person to be greatly admired.

He helped hundreds of individuals to come up in life. His door was forever opened to any human being who sought his support and guidance. There were a number of occasions when those who approached Clarence stayed back in his home for days until they reaped the benefits they sought for. It is no secret that practically all of them have by now carved a name for themselves in the echelons of music. It was none other than Clarence who gave the name ‘Sunflower’ to a local band.

Clarence was an amiable, simple man and a very approachable person. He despised arrogance, snobbery, guile and duplicity. Neither was he adorned with those so-called ‘special gimmicks’ or ‘show-offs’ which some resort to on stage. What he said on stage at any recital was short and sweet and the audience appreciated it. Compared to the ‘big banging’ which one often finds nowadays during a performance... his was just simplicity.

His achievements in the arena of music of course needs mention. Credit should go to Clarence for having introduced the electric guitar to the pop music scene in Sri Lanka. He has composed more than 1,000 songs. There could hardly be any popular singer in Sri Lanka for whom he had not composed a song. His versatility extends not only to composing songs but to give them a melody and everything that a song needed. He was also the music-director for a number of Sinhala films and tele-dramas. Sikuruliya, Apeksha, Chatumadura, Chalitharangahi and Hello Shyama are the films, while Susima and Nidikumba Mal are the tele-dramas. He was even responsible in providing lyrics, melody and music for a song sung by Pandit Amaradeva in Nidikumba Mal. On the occasions when Sri Lanka gained Test status in cricket, it was again Clarence who was at the forefront to produce a cassette to hail the achievement.

Among everything, I wonder how many of his fans are aware of the fact that their great maestro carries with him a distinguished honour behind him known as Vageyakar. This title belongs to an individual who possesses the ability to compose a song, give it a melody and also sing it which Clarence could carry out with great skills.

This rustic boy born in Haputale who later made Batugedera, Ratnapura his residence achieved another ‘skill’ in winning the heart of a comely lass from the same area. It was Sheila who later of course became his lifelong partner. Many of the songs composed by Clarence undoubtedly revolves not only her but their daughter Amila too. He composed songs for his beloved, certain people in the area and about the area itself, which all his fans are aware of.

Perhaps by now you may be also aware of the fact that after Clarence’s demise, some personalities in and attached to the local music scene have pirated his songs and legal action is pending in this respect.

It is pathetic to record here that some of those whom Clarence helped in gaining top recognition have virtually forgotten him. They do not say only now... they did so even when Clarence was ailing. Such was the irony of the gratitude they had for the altruistic character. Apart from all this, his musical genius was neither given due recognition by the State either. It was the private sector that recognised this man for what he is worth and rewarded him.

Clarence had a glowing vision. He had enthusiastic plans of selling his property in Nugegoda and then construct a full-equipped, sophisticated and ultra-modern music studio and possessed many a catalogue useful for him in putting his dream into reality, and I possess all these documents. Though the documents are in safe custody, its owner is no more.

Clarence’s wife, Sheeila wishes to unite with her only child Amila who is residing in Australia for the past so many years.

May Clarence’s name live forever in the hearts of everyone who cherishes mankind.