Ajantha Ranasinghe


Ajantha Ranasinghe, was an award-winning Sri Lankan journalist, lyricist, poet and a novelist. Considered as one of the legend and the best lyricist ever produced in the country, Dr. Ranasinghe has contributed to nearly 60 films and more than 400 song lyrics.

Personal life

Ajantha Ranasinghe was born on 30 May 1940 in Thalammahara, a small village in Kurunegala district. After few years at the village school Pannala Government School, he moved to Colombo and studied at the St. John's College, Nugegoda. He left the school after completing GCE Ordinary Level Exams.
Ranasinghe was married to daughter of late singer Kokiladevi Weeratunga, Sarojini Weeratunge. She was also an B Grade Radio Ceylon singer.

Journalist career

His uncle Asoka Pieris is also a well known dramatist. Since very young age, Ranasinghe started to write Buddhist songs to the Lama Mandapaya of Radio Ceylon under Karunaratne Abeysekera. He participated Radio Magazine organized by filmmaker K.A.W. Perera. One of his highlighted work at that time was Thivanka Rekha poetry compilation of 1964.
He wrote poetry and short stories for the children's page of Silumina and Peramuna newspapers. After becoming a teenager, Ranasinghe showcased his writing skills with composing verses for the Silumina, Vanitha Viththi and Lankadeepa publications. This habit eventually become his first profession, when he was selected as a staff reporter in the Dinamina publication of Lake House. Through all media ranks from Sub Editor, Local News Editor, Additional Chief Sub Editor, Chief Sub Editor and Features Editor to the Chief Editor of Navayugaya Newspaper. Dr. Ajantha Ranasinghe proved his talents in the media sector.

As a lyricist

After three decades of journalist career, he started to write lyrics for famous singers of his generation. His verses became trademarks and highly popularized among the public. He was adjudged with all the local award ceremonies for best lyrics such as Sarasaviya, OCIC Honorary, State Literary, Raigam, Sumathi and Kumaratunga Munidasa awards. Later, he was conferred a Doctorate in appreciation of his Literary work.

Landmarks

Ranasinghe died in Colombo National Hospital on 27 February 2016 while taking treatments after a minor accident faced in the house on 24 February 2016. His remains were kept at No. 11/4, Ranasinghe Mawatha, Hiripitiya, Pannipitiya in son's residence. The funeral was held on 29 February 2016 at the Borella Cemetery.

Author work

Dr. Ranasinghe has contributed over 300 lyrics to Sinhala films since 1976 with film Wasana.
YearFilm
1976Wasana
1976Walmath Wuwo
1976Duhul Malak
1976Aasha
1976Hariyata Hari
1976Nedeyo
1977Pembara Madu
1977Agey Adara Kathawa
1978Janaka Saha Manju
1978Saara
1978Deepanjali
1978Sasara
1979Geheniyak
1979Amal Biso
1979Muwan Pelessa
1979Wasanthaye Dawasak
1979Rosa Mal Thunak
1979Chuda Manikya
1979Anusha
1979Sawudan Sema
1979Nuwan Renu
1980Kanchana
1980Silva
1980Ektam Ge
1980Adara Rathne
1980Muwan Palessa 2
1980Sankapali
1980Para Dige
1981Ran Ethana
1981Sathweni Dawasa
1981Walampuri
1981Bamba Ketu Hati
1981Sooriyakantha
1981Jeewanthi
1981Samawenna
1981Chanchala Rekha
1981Saaranga
1982Ra Manamali
1982Yasa Isuru
1982Anuradha
1982Chathu Madura
1982Rail Para
1983Chandira
1983Sandamali
1983Sumithuro
1983Siv Ranga Sena
1983Niliyakara Pem Kalemi
1983Chandi Siriya
1983Athin Athata
1983Senehasaka Kandulu
1983Sister Mary
1983Muwan Palessa 3
1983Monarathenna 2
1983Muhudu Lihini
1984Shirani
1984Walle Thanu Maliga
1984Kiri Kawadi
1984Thaththai Puthai
1984Binari Saha Sudubanda
1984Podi Ralahami
1984Rana Derana
1984Himikathara
1984Batti
1984Sahodariyakage Kathawa
1984Sathi Pooja
1985Araliya Mal
1985Channai Kello Dennai
1985Obata Diwura Kiyannam
1985Doo Daruwo
1985Kirimaduwal
1986Mal Warusa
1986Gimhane Gee Nade
1986Jaya Apatai
1987Yugayen Yugayata
1987Kawuluwa
1987Raja Wadakarayo
1987Ahinsa
1988Chandingeth Chandiya
1988Sandakada Pahana
1988Amme Oba Nisa
1988Angulimala
1988Satana
1989Mamai Raja
1989Nommara 17
1989Obata Rahasak Kiyannam
1989Shakthiya Obai Amme
1989Sinasenna Raththaran
1990Dase Mal Pipila
1990Yukthiyata Wada
1990Dedunnen Samanaliyak
1990Walawwe Hamu
1990Pem Rajadahana
1990Madu Sihina
1990Chandi Raja
1991Paaradise
1991Sihina Ahase Wasanthe
1991Raja Kello
1991Raja Sellan
1991Esala Sanda
1991Salambak Hadai
1991Ran Hadawatha
1991Dhanaya
1992Sakwithi Raja
1992Sakkara Suththara
1992Sinha Raja
1992Roomathiyay Neethiyay
1992Suranimala
1992Sathya
1992Muwan Palesse Kadira
1992Sinhayangeth Sinhaya
1993Chaaya
1993Prathingya
1993Weli Sulanga
1993Chaya Maya
1993Yasasa
1993Bambasara Bisawi
1993Sandarekha
1993Lassanai Balanna
1993Lagin Giyoth Ehek Na
1993Madara Parasathu
1994Nohadan Kumariye
1994Abhiyogaya
1994Ambu Samiyo
1994Sujaatha
1994Sandamadala
1995Inspector Geetha
1995Wasana Wewa
1995Ira Handa Illa
1995Pudumai Eth Aththai
1995Chandiyage Putha
1995Chaandani
1996Sihina Wimane Kumariya
1996Sebe Mithura
1996Hitha Honda Geheniyak
1996Hiru Saduta Mediwee
1996Amanthaya
1996Madhuri
1997Yasoma
1997Puthuni Mata Wasana
1997Punaruthpaththiya
1997Ramba Saha Madhu
1997Vijayagrahanaya
1997Ragaye Unusuma
1998Eya Obata Barai
1998Yudha Gini Meda
1998Julietge Bhumikawa
1998Mohothin Mohotha
1999Anduru Sewaneli
1999Seetha Samire
1999Nagaran
2000Ginigath Madhusamaya
2000Anuragaye Ananthaya
2000Pem Kekula
2001Oba Koheda Priye
2001Wasanthaye Kunatuwak
2001Kumari Bambasara Handu Daa
2002Seethala Ginikandu
2002Magul Sakwala
2003Vala in London
2003Sudu Salu
2004Sumedhaa
2004Left Right Sir
2004Premawanthayo
2005Sanduni
2005Alu Yata Gini
2006Eka Malaka Pethi
2006Nilambare
2006Rana Hansi
2007Ran Kevita
2007First Love Pooja
2008Wada Bari Tarzan Mathisabayata
2008Pitasakwala Kumarayai Pancho Hathai
2008Ai Oba Thaniwela
2009Ali Surathal
2009Juliya
2009Kanyavi
2012Wassanaye Senehasa
2014Raassa Kale
2015Sanjana
2015Aathma Warusha

Notable lyrics

Ajantha Ranasinghe has wrote more than 400 lyrics to singers across several generations.