Imali Pathirana is a singer with a mellifluous voice without which no musical show is complete. Her talent , accuracy of pitching at all times and melodious voice has captured our hearts.
She had her education at the bbagamuwa Central College where she studied music. Imali hails from a musical family background. Her father Premawardana Pathirana is a retired police officer and her mother Mrs. Thilaka Pathmini is a dancing teacher. Her elder brother is a lecturer at the uUiversity of Colombo. At present , she intends to release a music album including her twelve songs such as Ma taniyen, Oba sadak wag and Duras wuna da idan.
Winding back the clock to her childhood , she recollected her exciting childhood memories. “ The hero in my life is my Appachchi. He gave me a meaning to my life. What I can do is to follow in his footsteps. My father is the light to my life.” Imali Pathirana joined the Sri Lanka Airforce on July 4 , 2004 and became a Warrant Officer.
Ranaviru Real Star
Imali ,who was selected to the top five finalists at the Ranaviru Real Star Mission - Two could showcase her talents to the world , proving them. Surely, you are not aware of the story behind her victory. At the time when the Ranaviru Real Star had become the talk among the folk in the country, she had an idea of applying for it. But she did not have the confidence to send an application to the reality show. She struck it lucky as her Commanding Officer, Group Captain RAUP Rajapaksha encouraged her to try her luck by sending an application. Fortunately, the Ranaviru Real Star program had opened multiple avenues for her to showcase her talents in many countries such as America, England and Korea.
“Thanks to this program, I could gain opportunities to act in teledramas as well. But I did not get involved in them due to my career as a soldier. But after my retirement, I could enter the field of modelling as well. I have to say that many talented youths who live in far flung villages can come and show their talents to the country through such programs. Basically, we all know that some talented youth don’t have a platform. In addition, I want to say that the Sri Lanka Air F orce shed a light to my life because it shaped up my life.” Imali said.
The first place in her heart is for the Sri Lanka Air Force:
Imali Pathirana said that , Military Discipline is a state of obedience existing within a command. Self-discipline in the military is where soldiers do the right things without being told, even in the absence of the Commander. Discipline is created within a unit by instilling a sense of confidence and responsibility in each individual. To strengthen discipline, senior leaders need to praise t their subordinates, either individually or as a whole, for tasks done well. Doing this, it will accomplish every Commanders goal of having a unit that functions well and builds a bond which binds together the team.
Everything in life requires some sort of discipline. “ Today I am satisfied with my achievements because I dedicated my life to the Sri Lanka Air Force and I know that I cou can render a service to my motherland. Now, we know that Sri Lanka is not like other countries because we have peace and reconciliation without the fear of terrorism. We have a peaceful country because of brave hearted soldiers who fought against the terrorists. Now, I am proud of myself because I could contribute to that task said.
Turning point in life
Imali Pathirana, has proven her talents even to the international community. She had been chosen for a symposium held in America. It was a rare opportunity that one ca gets in one’s lifetime.
“I participated in the symposium and delivered a speech about my country Sri Lanka in front of the Americans. It was one of the unforgettable memories which I will love and cherish forever.” said Imali.
We all have favourite singers. To my question about Imali’s favourite singers, she said that she prefers to perform songs of many veteran musicians such as Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe, Visharada Nanda Malani, Chandraleka Perera , Indrani Perera and Raini Charuka.
Her message:
What we can learn from Imali is that we have to be humble in society. “ I did not come from an affluent family and had only one school uniform to wear for t school. But, now, I am happy to say that I run a textile shop. We have to be humble and respect veteran artistes. The service rendered by veteran artistes is priceless. Humility facilitates effective learning by keeping you open to new possibilities. In the classic Zen parable, a master demonstrates the dangers of arrogance to a student using the image of a cup that’s already full of tea and cannot have more poured in. Likewise, students in a classroom or people learning to live better lives cannot be “empty,” or open to new experiences if they lack humility and believe they already know everything they need to. I know that some new artistes don’t respect our veteran artistes. They think that respecting other artistes will degrade themselves. But it is wrong. If we respect others we will get respected by others in return. I don’t think ttwice about respect veteran musicians because they are our gurus. I was fortunate enough to perform a duet with one of the veteran musicians Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe. It was a great thing in my life.” she said. It is evident that her love for music and the Sri Lanka Air Force is deeper than the ocean.