Visharada Deepika Priyadashini with many music degrees locally ,internationally, social worker, awards winner, autographed vocalist in an effervescent voyage for four decades– by Sunil Thenabadu
Visharada Deepika Priyadarshani Peiris, a native of Kalubowila as the third child of the family. father, Sumanadasa Peiris was an engineer her mother Karuna Peiris was a retired nurse. She completed her education successfully at Anula Vidyalaya Nugegoda. She has one elder brother, Ajith Peiris and one elder sister, Ajantha Peiris who died when she was 3 years old very strangely, she had died on the following day she was born. Her youngest sister is Shalika Peiris. At early times, her mother too had sung for numerous programs over Sri Lanka Radio air waves. Mother’s sister Priya Gunawardena is also a singer. Hence it is obviously via the hereditary affiliations cum her innate talent that Deepika had achieved all her singing triumphs to unprecedented tall statures. Deepika is without doubt the most popular female singer in native Sri Lanka in the archives of our history. She is a teacher, musician, vocalist very well acknowledged for volunteer social work, conduction of music at regular intervals in a innumerable number of classes, workshops, seminars in order to enhance the familiarity and skills particularly of the underprivileged segments in less privileged children in inaccessible villages, conflict effected war-stricken areas. Deepika also takes the initiative to sustain programs such as coalition of care, education and support services. Deepika often participates actively in aids prevention programs , human rights ,women’s rights ,tsunami relief activities etc.
She had obtained Bachelor of Music Education (1st class) Vocal Visharadh, (1st class) from Bhatkhanda University in Lucknow , India in 1990 and Master of the Arts in Mass Communication from the University of Kelaniya in year 2007. Later she obtained Bachelor of Education in year 2002. On 15 August 2018, Deepika married longtime partner Chamika Herath, a banker by profession cum a renowned lyricist., Chamika had composed many famous songs such as ‘Maga Denethata Denatha Thea’ sung by Deepika. Chamika Herath is a professional banker formerly as Relationship Officer at Mashreq Bank,Doha Qatar having studied in PGDM ( marketing) at University of Sunderland presently attached to as an Executive officer in ANZ bank Melbourne,Australia.
At her school Anula Vidyalaya in Nugegoda , she had studied music under renowned musicians, Manjula Vithanage, B.Victor Perera and Visharada Nanda Malini. Having performed successfully in radio and television programs as a child artist, Deepika had later studied music under the acclaimed musician Dunstan de Silva. In the meantime, she met popular artist Athula Ransirilal at Kalubowila Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi Buddhist school. At the age of 10, Deepika had got the opportunity to sing ‘Sanda Mama’ and ‘Sangeetha Handawa’ at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
She started her illustrious singing career in year 1985 with the very popular song even to date ‘Aaju Thapara Lahila’ a duet sung for the television serial Bhagya directed by Vijaya Dharmasri which song is still a hit. The song became highly popular among the public and paved the way to her impending singing career. In year 1990, Deepika launched her maiden album ‘Sina Podak Wee’ as an audio cassette. By then she had already secured an appointment as a music teacher in a public school since 1989 including Panadura Gokarana Maha Vidyalaya for five years, Anula Vidyalaya for 10 years and another five years at prestigious Vishaka Vidyalaya Colombo 4.
In year 2006, she was privileged to perform in the world renowned Sydney Opera House on 3rd September and then in Melbourne Concert Hall also at many other venues in Australia . later on in the Camden Center in London. Very lately In September 2022 she sang in a concert at the Monash University auditorium in Melbourne to a packed audience. In year 2009, she was awarded with the most popular female singer awarded by Sirasa FM. In year 2020, she launched her fifth album, ‘Sudu Hansinee’ which comprised of 16 original songs. Some of her most popular songs including Kaviya Oba,Sina Podak Vee, Pembara Kumarana, Ahasai Oba Mata, Me Thani Yahane, Premayata Nim Him, Oba Heenayak Wage, Nubata Inne Mama Witharada, Boralu Aenena, Pithu Senehe Pidu, Kandulu Hela and Jayasiri Ma Hamuduruwane. She sang many children’s’ songs for the cartoon programs such as Ha Ha Hari Hawa and Behei Kyla Behei Kyla Ba etc. Deepika has confessed that there are many songs she has already recorded to the music compositions of Dr Rohana Weerasinghe which are yet to be released.To date Deepika has sung for four decades had sung songs for the lyrics of many famous lyricists like Dharmasiri Gamage, Sunil R Gamage, Kularatne Ariyawansa, Bandula Narayakkarawasam, Ratna Sri Wijesinghe, Mahinda Chandrasekera and new lyricists Iranganie Madduma Bandara Manike Weerasekera.The latter had composed lyrics for the song ‘ Mata Thaniyama Piyanaganna’ .The music compositions were mainly by Dr Rohana Weerasinghe, Suresh Marlyadde,Bathiya Santhush novices Karunaratne Wijeratne and Darshana Wickrematunga etc..It is pertinent to mention that Deepika also could compose music, for some of her own songs the music compositions had been by herself. She awaits impatiently to voice the song “Sambuddha Parinamaya” having the exclusive lyrics of Mahinda Chandrasekera who had who had written lyrics for many Buddhist songs.The latest music video released recently is titled ‘ Sanda Sisile Oba Sevane’ which too is destined to be a hit,
Deepika was among 20 laureates of the Philippine Gusi Peace Prize 2012, the only Sri Lankan to have bestowed this prestigious award, for performing arts with her song Ma Thotin Ena in the Sinhala film ‘Saroja’. Gusi Peace Prize is a Manila, Philippine based award, recognizing individuals working towards global peace and progress, endeavouring for the attainment of peace and respect for human life and dignity. The award is given by Gusi Peace Foundation based in Maila ,Philippines. It is the Asian comparable to the global Nobel Peace Prize. The Gusi International Peace prize is awarded in memory of Captain Geminino Javier Gusi, a Philippino guerrilla who defied the Japanese invasion and later in his life, as a politician, campaigned for human rights. At this event Deepika made a very impressive speech in her own inimitable style which made the entire foreign audience mesmerized after Deepika expressed her enormous gratitude to the Philippine Peace Foundation Personnel. Deepika had made a very imposing speech at this awards ceremony:
”Peace has become the most sensitive subject all over the globe, in which contest she was indeed fortunate to participate in this grand event as a Sri Lankan. My small island country has agonized from brutal terrorism for almost thirty years. We have now attained at the tone off peace and harmony. She paid gratitude of the President for the unprecedented unstinted courage and backing rendered. As a citizen and vocalist, I have been very sensitive to the theme of peace and harmony among all human beings. I decided to sing to the innocent folks who lived in the border villages .I sang ‘Saroja’ seventeen years back when the whole country was under a dark cloud. The lyrics were by renowned lyricist Mahinda Chandrasekera , the music was by Dr Rohana Weerasinghe. The visual was initiated by Uplali Ariyasiri under the guidance of the SLRC. Even to day when I hear this sentimental song tears drop from my eyes.However we are now at permanent peace , but there are so many countries in the world who are suffering from ongoing wars .This award gives me strength to sing for the wounded hearts. I bow down my head to you for giving me this strength I do not consider this award as only to myself alone, I believe it is for me and also to my little country for prosperity .I will accept this prestigious award for me and on behalf of my country” .
During the Covid-19 lockdown period and after the birth of her twin sons Aashie Damsith and Agra Arjith Herath in January 2021 Deepika had been confined to home attending to the work of her new born twins.During this era she had confessed that she was deprived to even looking at her mobile to view messages. An invitation had been received by Mohan Weerasinge a Sri Lankan music fanatic domiciled in Melbourne to sing in a few concerts along with Dr Victor Ratnayake and Jagath Wickremasinghe.The motive of these concerts named ‘Yuga Dehan” was to felicitate Dr Victor Ratnayake for his contribution to music solely a decision of Mohan Weerasinghe a die hard fan of the legend, a tremendous gesture although he was not fit enough to sing.Despite numerous constraints Deepika too had attended taking with her two toddler sons who were very young as her husband Chamika was of the opinion she needed a change from the usual domestic chaos. For Deepika this was a blessing in disguise as she was celebrating forty years in this singing field. At this concert an official invited from the Cultural ministry of the state had presented mementos to the three participants.
Deepika also had made an excellent speech at the funeral oration in year 2020 of her beloved mother For her departing from mother is what she could not easily bear. She said with mother it was like a very rigid bond which was broken saying ‘ Giliheegiya”. She spoke at the funeral oration very emotionally with immense courage for her mother Karuna Peris, thanking the many who had attended the funeral sans any notice despite the Covid-19 related epidemic restrictions. After father’s death she had been very closely attached to her mother since year 1987.She also recollected the demise of her elder sister Ajantha Shiromamala when she three years old. When the mother entered hospital for the confinement it is this three year old sister had arranged the bag to be taken to hospital. Mother had seen a very bad dream where many clad in white clothing gathered in numbers around her dwelling. The sister had died on the following day 14th July after she was born in the wee hours of the 13th July. Which is indeed a very significant incident which she cannot be forgotten easily, been etched in her memory. .Her both her parents were staunch Buddhists had been very keen for her to attend ‘daham pasel’ regularly. Deepika even today recollects the human virtues she had learned from the temple. The monks in her temple had been like friends to her and mother for been so devoted. She reminisced three specialist consultants who had saved her life on three previous occasions conveyed her gratitude to the trio . Her mother had always advised all to love your fellow human beings dearly, her humanity had been always at tall elevations. Deepika’s mother had lived for 88 long years . As she was seriously ill and suffering after a major operation she lamented that she had with her twin boys had visited the Ruwan Weli Seya in Anuradhapura carrying her twin toddler sons had vouched to expedite her demise as Deepika could not view and bear her suffering. Deepika had herself added that this type of wish is usually not made in society.Deepika is happy as she had got married and has had twins to make her mother happy as she had settled in life. Finally Deepika added that her fervent wish was to meet her mother some day during the long journey be soft and swift through the ‘sansara’.
She has bagged several awards including presidential award for the best singer. Apart from that she was awarded with the Binka Award by Japan during her illustrious career. In year 2015, her solo concert “Kaviya Oba” was held on 24 November at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall. Thereafter she performed at other venues locally and internationally to packed audiences in the subsequent years at intervals.
Apart from singing, Deepika is a Board Member of National Youth Service Council Sri Lanka and a Board Member of “Sadaham Sevana” International Buddhist Research Center and Consultant of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious affairs. In 2017, she won the Sumathi Award for the Best Singer for the theme song of television serial ‘Maada Obama Viya’ directed by Sahan Wijesinghe. Before that, she has been designated via nominations for the Sumathi Awards several times.
Currently, she has her own music school “Saundarya Shalikawa” housed in a comfortable hall located in Kalubowila which was started in 1993. Still new students are enrolled serving the musical industry immensely. reopenedThe school is open to all children of all ages and groups also for adults passionate about music. The training includes voice training, singing and other basic exercises, aided with her qualified team of specialists in the relevant fields. Her academy also provides opportunities for students who target the Indian music examinations. Presently in her music academy students in her ‘DEEPASHIKA” Aesthetic Academy, recommenced in May 2023 after a lapse of a few years owing to the Cocid-19 epidemic and her maternity necessities, are trained for the NVQ level 6 music examination which is a golden opportunity to develop musical skills. Also are trained for Bhathkande Sangeet Vidyapith examinations, Primary students, Grade 6-10 ,O/L and Adv Level. Also are trained in voice training, vocal warm up’s, musicianship courses .Also are taught to play musical instruments like violin, flute, guitar, tabla, keyboard, piano and sitar.The Deepashika aesthetic academy is located opposite the Kalubowila spar supermarket. Deepika could be contacted on +9470730477/+94716217639/+94112829045 via e mail ds.shalikawa@gmail.com. Deepika had commenced her music school initially in year 1993, during the covid-19 epidemic lockdown had conducted online classes for four years.Then her Deepashika Aesthetic academy had been inaugurated this May along with her team of experts. .Deepika preaches that many music fanatics instead of learning the basics of music.voice training are in haste only interested in singing in reality competitions which is a wrong concept. Deepika’s philosophy as her vision is that when every child is born the child automatically embraces the religion of his parentages, thereafter it is essential to grasp via performing art, music in general to be spiritually empowered to be a virtuous human being which is the mission of Visharada Deepika.This is common to every human being in any walk of life whether a doctor, farmer, office worker or in any other profession.
The concert “Daru Tharu Waruna” was held on June 3 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, Colombo which showcased the music abilities of the children of her music school. The first show was held in year 2003 which was held at the Maharagama National Youth Services Council. So far, Deepika has been executed six musical shows. The first concert was held in Canada. She also worked as a drug prevention consultant and involved in the social work of educating university students and youth about the dangers of drug abuse. Deepika has commenced her ‘Deepshika Foundation” along with some genuine individuals who identifies poor rural schools to which are provided music instruments , library , books , musical instruments needed for performing arts.She also a staunch member of ‘Heart to Heart’ foundation trust, founded with heart surgeon Ruwan Ekanayake when he was in service. Now after his retirement a young heart surgeon Dr Rajitha de Silva continues to take the initiative to provide heart valves, stents etc, to destitute heart patients enabling them to prevent heart attacks.The activities of this foundation need to be hailed. Deepika has composed and sung the theme song of this ‘Heart to Heart” foundation which she expects to be spread worldwide among the Sri Lankan community domicied overseas..The video of the theme song depicts how people could sacrifice social events like birthday parties pleasure trips etc, could donate such funds to bloat the foundation funds. In addition Deepika had contributed another theme song with video to the World Aides Organization too to educate the masses. Deepika also focusses on meditation teaching which has to be taught to people to relax which is essential for the human life to release stress which is quite common in Sri Lanka.In this context too Deepika has recorded a music video in support of her meditation teaching.
As a teacher she treats all children were considered as her own children. She used to contact parents to find faults in their children for which she endeavored to correct their faults. She believes marriage is a sacrifice and trust which she is now undergoing been a mother of twin sons born in year 2021 .She is full time mother now personally looks after the twin sons .She is a staunch Buddhist who is a firm believer of the Lord Buddha’s phrase” Dhammo Hare Chakkthi Dhamma Chari” which is really the truth as those who conduct self in Dharmaya is totally protected by Dhamma.
All her fans would wish Visharada Deepika Priyadarshini Peiris to continue in the same vein with her voluntary social work ,teaching music to students of all ages with good health and longevity.
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane ,email sthenabadu@hotmail.com
WhatsApp 0061444533242
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