Research Topic: Unearthing Ancient Melodies: Sunil Santha, the Father of Modern
Sinhala Music
This research paper abstract highlights the interdisciplinary exploration by Sri Lankan musicologist Sunil Santha, who transformed ancient Sigiri graffiti into songs that resonate with modern Sinhala music. Conducted by the Sunil Santha Samajaya’s Research & Development Directorate, the study focuses on four specific Sigiri graffiti pieces that Santha adapted into Sinhala music in 1966, bridging ancient and modern cultural expressions. Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its frescoes and graffiti, gained a fresh musical dimension through Santha’s work, initially decoded by Prof. Senerath Paranavitarana in 1940 but unexplored musically until Santha’s innovations.
Sunil Santha’s compositions—’Hamal Maru Yahassayo,’ ‘Sihi Raju Yasasa Piri,’ ‘Saraga Mala,’ and ‘Sirilak Diwe Pihiti Siri Bara Sihigira’—draw from indigenous poetic structures, Buddhist traditions, and traditional drumming patterns. By merging archaeology and musicology, Santha introduced these ancient texts to the public in a musical form, preserving Sinhala cultural values and expressing artistic heritage through sound. His work underscores the interplay of cultural anthropology and artistic creation, securing his legacy as a cultural pioneer in Sinhala music and a bridge between Sri Lanka’s ancient and contemporary artistic landscapes.
Abstract-Sunil-Santha-SAMAJAYA-RD-Capt.HarshaCapt. Harsha Govinda Koralearachchi presented the above research paper at the ICH International Research Symposium in Sri Lanka.
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