PM Harini Recalls Emotional Ties Between Dr. Sujatha Attanayake and Director K. Venkat

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a deeply moving speech as the chief guest at a felicitation ceremony held at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) on July 28, marking Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s remarkable 70-year career in music.

During her address, the Prime Minister shared a poignant memory featuring acclaimed filmmaker K. Venkat—who was tragically killed during the Black July riots—and his debut film ‘Maha Ræ Hamuwu Striya’. She recalled how Dr. Sujatha Attanayake’s soulful voice brought life to Karunasena Jayalath’s lyrics under the musical direction of M.K. Rocksamy.

Art as a Shield Against Tragedy

Reflecting on the country’s turbulent history, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized the crucial role artists play in fostering unity and raising public awareness to ensure that horrors like Black July are never repeated in Sri Lanka.

“Artists carry a profound responsibility to educate society and preserve humanity so that tragic chapters like Black July remain firmly in our past,” the Prime Minister noted.

The event was attended by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Chairman of the SLBC Prof. Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara, alongside prominent figures from the cultural and artistic communities.

Watch the video of the felicitation ceremony below:

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