C. T. Fernando

Cyril Tudor Fernando (1921–1977) was a popular Sri Lankan singer.

Fernando entered music in the 1940s. He was praised by critics for the themes and wording of his songs like "Piyumehi Pani Bothi", "Bilinda Nelawe" and "Rosa Male." His other popular songs include "Lo Ad Giles Male Tarawa" and "Mariya Mawu Kuse."

Biography

Early life and career

Fernando was born on January 28, 1921 in Kadalana, Moratuwa and educated at St. Mary's College, Nawalapitiya. As a student Fernando showed interest in the arts, participating in school dramas and singing with the local church choir. cite web|url=http://sumithwickramasinghe.tripod.com/id9.html|title=C.T. Fernando|accessdate=2007-11-12|date=2007|publisher=Daily Mirror]

In 1946, Fernando successfully auditioned for a position as grade one radio artist on Radio Ceylon. There he had his first popular song with "Pinsinduwanne," a plea to children to stop harming birds. The song was written by R. N. H. Perera.

Commercial artist

In 1952 Fernando branched out as a commercial artist signing with HMV subsidiary Cargills Company. He recorded many of his popular songs with the label including "Pinsiduwanne", "Suwanda Rosa", "Bara Bage", "Ambilimame", "Lo Ada Ninde", "Gilimale Taruwa", "Kimada Sumihiriye", "Amba Ruk" and "Bilinda Nelawe Ukule".

From 1959 to 1960 Fernando was rated the most popular singer in the country. He continued his recording career recording the LP "The Golden Voice of C.T. Fernando" with the Lewis Brown company. His recordings featured lyrics by Lalith S. Maithripala, Karunaratna Abeysekara, Sarath Wimalaweera and Wimaladasa Perera.

Fernando recorded a popular duet, "Pun Sanda Hinahenne," with Rukmani Devi. Another duet, "Selalihini Kovul Handa," was done with Lata Walpola.

References