Two Pillars of Sri Lankan Music Pass Away: Greta Jeanette and Chandradasa Bogoda

Greta Jeanette de Silva – A Trailblazer of Sinhala Gramophone Music

Mrs. Greta Jeanette de Silva, the first female singer of the Sinhala gramophone era and the country’s pioneering female ballad vocalist, passed away at the age of 99. Born in Kattuwa, Negombo, she began her musical journey at just eight years old, singing her first duet with legendary artist Mohedin Beg.

In 1938, she made history when the Lanka Film Company recorded her performance of “The Four-Handed Dance of the Birds and the Four-Legged Creatures”, marking the first gramophone recording by a Sri Lankan female artist. Her timeless hits, including “Muni Nandana Siripada Vadim Samanala Kande” and “Dul Sal Vane Lakal”, remain beloved classics in the Sinhala music canon.

Her remains lie at her residence in Negombo, and the funeral will take place tomorrow at the Roman Catholic Cemetery.

Chandradasa Bogoda – A Multifaceted Musical Maestro

Meanwhile, the music community also mourns the loss of Chandradasa Bogoda, who passed away at the age of 88. A respected composer, singer, music teacher, director, lecturer, and writer, Bogoda's contributions were as diverse as they were influential.

He was the creative force behind many of the popular songs performed by his sister, veteran vocalist Indrani Bogoda. Among his memorable compositions are “I Am Tormented by the Mistake of Falling in Love”, “My Eyes Are Full of Tears”, “Neela Varana Neela Kobeiyo”, “Sitha Diyarel Sala”, and “Ma Piya Theroyani”. He was also the brother of the celebrated singer Rohana Bogoda.

In a further loss to the Bogoda family, the funeral of veteran violinist Janaka Bogoda, father of Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation Music Director and veteran violinist Dinesh Bogoda, is also scheduled for tomorrow at the Matara General Cemetery.

These towering figures of Sri Lankan music leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers.