The war veteran who is also a lyricist and a renowned novelist, General Kamal Gunaratne released his latest masterpiece of writing, ‘Tharage Agamanaya’ and the English version of the Kadol Aththu by presenting the maiden printed versions to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena during a ceremony organised at the Kularathne Hall, Ananda College in Colombo earlier this week.
His latest track Ahe Kanduleli was also gifted to the annals of Sri Lanka’s melodic history during the ceremony graced by Ven. Maha Sangha, the Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor, parliamentarians, foreign diplomats, military top brass, the Principal of Ananda College, renowned scholars, senior State officials, veteran artists and distinguished invitees.
Gen. Gunaratne also symbolically presented copies of the books to Lali Kobbekaduwa, the wife of Late Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Manel Wimalaratne, the wife of late Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne while recalling the heroic deeds of two veteran heroes of Sri Lankan war history.
This notable milestone occasion of the battle-hardened Gajaba Regiment warrior was held on this day to coincide with his 62nd birthday.
While two books joining his mounting literary works, Gen. Gunaratne citing his envisioned giant leap forward, announced a spectacular rendezvous with the release of the longest Sandesha (message) poem of the Sri Lankan history ever, the Rajali Sandeshaya scheduled to be released on Feb 6, next year at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre.
The song Ahe Kanduleli sung by Visharada Abhisheka Wimalaweera and composed by Yasas Medagedara was released as a tribute to the resilience of all military wives including his life- partner Chitrani Gunaratne.
Senior Lecturer of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Chairman of Arts Council of Sri Lanka Prof. Praneeth Abeysundara, delivered the keynote address.
Ranamaga Osse Nandikadal (Road to Nandikadal), Kadol Aththu Sinhala version, Uththara Devi, Pathalayo and Gotabaya Sinhala version are some ofthe books he authored.
Armydancing troupes showcased a masterpiece acts along with other bands andentertained the audience during the occasion.
Teams of Bhathiya and Santhush, Umara and Umariya, RanwalaBalakaya and Vijitha Yapa publishers, a large gathering of guests including Ridma Weerawardene, Chitral Somapala, Sagarika Sugathapala, MariellaVandort and Wasana Lakmali were present at the event.