H.R. Jothipala's 27th Death Aniversary London - 2014

Proceedings began with Guests, Sponsors and various artists lighting the traditional Oil Lamp, while Hemanth Kumar Gunadheera garlanded Jothi’s portrait with flowers.Thereafter, well known UK-based Sri Lankan presenters, Maheshi Kokila and Asiri Bandara, hosted the event from start to the end, in a thoroughly engaging and colourful manner.

London-based Solicitor, Shanthi Senadheera, delivered a short presentation of H.R. Jothipala’s background, life story, etc., and answered questions posed by the presenters, Asiri and Maheshi. Going onto explain that, in our recent history: No other single singer has reached the level of popularity both in life and (in particular after their death) as Jothipala has; Jothi had contributed vastly to the musical landscape - the common man’s singer, whose body of work lives in the hearts and minds of those both privileged to be alive during his reign and those up-and-coming and aspiring artists born after his passing on 7th July 1987 at the relatively modest age of 51. It is a testament of his current popularity that one of his songs can be heard to play on tv, radio, numerous websites every hour of every day, with so many articles both online and off dedicated to his life, career and exploits. It never ceases to amaze how wildly popular his music has become after the great man's passing than before.

Returning to the proceedings of the day: Music was supplied by Dhammika Thusitha along with "Fresh Night", the UK-based popular musical group; undoubtedly, their performance throughout the night delighted and entertained. While all bandmates gelled together well and performed admirably, special mention should be made of the keyboardist (former Sri Lankan Police Band Keyboardist) Dhammika Thusitha's talents which drew the audience to their feet and onto the dance floor (and the spirits of those less physically inclined, to soar).

Dancers from "Saro Dancing Group" provided very artistic, visually-innovative and delightfully entertaining performances: adopting various eclectic styles from traditional to modern, to innovate performances that defy classification, save as to say that - collectively - they provided a feast to the eyes , ears and an extra bounce to the steps of the audience for sometime afterwards.

As always, the main singer of the event was undoubtedly Hemanth Kumar Gunadheera, who performed Jothi’s very popular songs “Sangeetha Mandale Prathirava Nengwu”. This song was sung by Jothipala to respect other artists of Sri Lanka in his musical performances. For the first time this song was heard by Jothi’s fans in London. He further sang “Me Nonimena Divi Gamane”, "Payana Dedhunu” , "Taj Mahalak" and "Saman Mal Piayalle". He sang series of beautiful duets of songs made famous by the silver screen with Sewvandi Fonseka (few duets songs of Jothipala’s popular songs whom he sang with Latha Walpola and Anjaline Gunathilaka) ”Sonduru Gammane Mai”, “Sanda Moduwela Nengena”, “Amara Pemlathawe”, “Ira Sanda Vandhala” which surely must have evoked golden memories of the very special place Jothi’s body of work has in our hearts.

UK Based Sri Lankan Popular singer Sanath Udugama showed his respect to the late legend of Sinhala song the excellent version of one of Jothi’s memorable songs “Me Gee Katadei” and “Premen Bendenno” . On that night. Dimuthu Thilakarathna, Sewwandhi Fonseka, Anushka Fonseka, Jagath Fernando, Chandana Fonseka, Chandu Gamage, Sunil B Perera, Kumara Kalugalage, and Prashan Deepthi Kumara. - London based talented singers also equally performed their version of various popular songs of Jothi.

The 3rd generation was represented by Sewwandhi Fonseka with her husband Anushka Fonseka by singing "Atha Dilisena Hirusandu Rantharu" a popular duet song of Jothi.

Noteworthy mention should also be made of the decorations prepared and displayed in and around the venue, hall and tables by Rosy Gunadheera, the quality of whose work contributed to the overall experience exponentially.

Moreover, the delicious food provided by the well-known "Golden Platter" caterers was of an excellent quality and standard, and topped off a successful event. It is by no means an easy task to organise such an event and surely would not be possible without helpers like Rosy and her colleagues being on standby on the day to lend a hand.

Finally, it must be said that putting on a successful show of this calibre would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Hemanth Kumar Gunadheera (K.H.G. Entertainment), and the sponsors Trico Freight UK Ltd - LycaFly - City Dry Cleaners UK Ltd - Atlas Shipping - Ability Printers - and Kevin Refrigerators. The Media Sponsors, Newslanka and Ceylon UK. And Daya Basnayaka, Namal Perera, Rosy Gunadheera, Thushara Milroy, Ajantha Jayasinghe, Sumith Kandawathage, Chandra Guptha, Rohan Sanjeewa, Madhushan, Dammika Thusiutha, Deshapriya Kandepola, Tyron Liyanage and Iranganee Samrakoon, to whom gratitude, appreciation and thanks are also formally conveyed.

Photographs by Praneeth Hettiarachchi