The students of the Commerce Section of Holy Family Convent, Kalutara organized the singing competition ‘NinNada’ and the final was held recently when the 'Queen of Sinhala Music', Latha Walpola was felicitated in appreciation of the services she had rendered to popularize the Catholic hymns during her days.
Speaking at the occasion former editor of Sarasaviya and current Editor of Arogya Deepthi Fonseka said that at present all music lovers back singers who are famous for singing other people’s tunes but the students of Holy Family Convent by felicitating Latha Walpola have shown an example to music lovers to bring back their old memories.
“The present music lovers tend to forget the past singers who have done valuable service to music lovers of this country when they reach old age.
But the Familians of Kalutara through this felicitation also has shown the way to pay honour to their elders”, said Deepthi.
They showed their talents by not only singing their competitive songs but also took the opportunity to sing the songs sung by Latha Walpola in her very presence.
Latha Walpola, a past pupil of the Convent was under the tutelege of late Rev. Fr. Marceline Jayakody who was a high class musician. She had to face many obstacles but it was Fr. Jayakody who sorted out matters for Latha Walpola to continue singing after consulting Cardinal Thomas Cooray, said Depthi.
Vishvadee Arsekularatne won the ‘NinNada’ Junior Singing category, with Jayani Nimesha and Shalani Kavisha as runners up. In the Senior section Isuri Theekshana was the Best Singer while Nimesha Sajini and Nilindi Tissera were placed second and third. Vajira D. Ratnayake provided music.
Principal Rev. Sister Priyanthi Jayatunge also presented a memento to Latha Walpola.
Pix: Jude Samantha