Some people sing songs. Others make you feel them.

Dmitri Gunatilake is one of those rare performers who doesn’t just take the stage—she takes you on a journey. I’ve always admired how she celebrates Sri Lankan music with so much respect, heart, and authenticity. In a world that’s constantly chasing the next trend, she’s reminding us that some of our greatest treasures have been with us all along.

From sharing stages to those long phone calls about music, life, and everything in between, it’s always a pleasure catching up with someone whose passion is so genuine.

Her latest recital, “Mathakayan 2.0 – A Tribute to Sinhala Classics,” is more than just a concert. It’s an evening of memories, timeless melodies, and a heartfelt tribute to the legends who shaped our music. If you’re someone who believes that a great song never gets old, this is one show you simply shouldn’t miss.

Let’s catch up with Dmitri and find out what makes Mathakayan 2.0 so special.

Tickets are available on boxoffice. lk 

This concert is a celebration and tribute to local songs and artists from our golden era and these songs and this concept of remembrance which Mathakayan loosely translates to resonates with all the memories I and I’m  sure us Sri Lankans hold with these particular songs and a moment in time. Why now is because the first version of this was received well by my faithful supporters and have been requesting a repeat show, which gave me another chance to dive into more songs I couldn’t do in the first show and celebrate the many Sri Lankan artists and songs. 

2. “You’re taking on Sinhala classics. That’s a brave decision because people are emotionally attached to these songs. Were you excited… or terrified?”

Excited and terrified. I’m a singer who thrives on delivering the emotions the song calls for and letting my audience go through that journey with me. And it’s exciting to be able toperform these beautiful songs that resonates with the audience and for them to be taken back in time and remember a particular memory associated with the song. 

Terrified cos I want to do justice to the songs and artists who are the foundation of this industry. 

3. “Is this recital about recreating nostalgia, or are you hoping people discover these classics through your own voice?”

It’s definitely about recreating nostalgia as the name of the show suggests, and taking people on a journey or a moment in their life where these songs were significant but they will also be performed in a way for people to discover these songs through my voice and interpretation. 

4. “If you could sit down with one legendary Sinhala singer whose songs you’re performing, who would it be, and what would you ask them?”

There are several like C T Fernando, Milton and Clarence etc. Their songs had not only the most meaningful lyrics but also had beautiful unusual melodies to complement those lyrics. I would ask them what inspired them to create these songs. 

5. “Every artist has that one song that breaks them emotionally. Which song in this recital is the hardest for you to sing without feeling overwhelmed?”

There is a song I’m performing that speaks of your parents, in particular the mother and how regardless of what age and stage in life that you are in, you’ll always want her and that I can say is the most emotional piece for me to perform. 

6. “People see the polished performance, but what’s happening backstage five minutes before you walk on stage? Calm? Panic? Or controlled chaos?”

Personally calm because I need some quiet time alone to go through the entire program but I think in terms of my production team, definitely controlled chaos to ensure that everything is in place and the audience is comfortable. 

7. “You’ve grown so much as a performer. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself since your very first recital?”

That I am capable of more than I think that I am, that every problem has a solution, there's always room to grow and learnand that persistent and discipline will always be the key to success. 

8. “If someone has never heard you perform live before, what is the one moment in ‘Mathakayan 2.0’ that will make them say, ‘I’m so glad I came’?”

I think it’ll be the concert as a whole because I consider my concerts to be a special experience. An experience of feeling at home and a sense of familiarity. 

9. “Music has the power to take us back in time. Is there one Sinhala classic that instantly reminds you of your childhood or someone very special?”

Sinhala songs in general and specifically C T Fernando’s songs remind me of my first vocal coach the late Ms. Ruwani Seimon , who introduced us to these songs at her choir concerts. So these songs reminds of her , who I learnt to be the performer I am today and the childhood memories of performing in her choir ‘The Voices In Harmony’, 

10. “You’re performing songs that generations have fallen in love with. How do you honour the original while still making the performance unmistakably Dmitri?”

I am very strict on keeping the structure of the songs and not changing arrangement for the sake of change. I like to make it mine by the delivery of the song and perhaps changing the arrangement in terms of the verses and rhythm only where necessary. 

11. “What do you hope the audience carries home after the final note? A favourite song… a memory… or maybe a different appreciation for Sinhala music?”

I think it can be all. For existing and future generations toappreciate the beauty of our songs and culture and to appreciate what we have come from and what has made this industry. It is also to take you back to a moment in time and it is also to experience a favorite song delivered in a different way and at a different time in life. 

12. “Finally, why should someone cancel their plans on the 22nd of August and spend the evening with Dmitri Gunatilake and ‘Manayan 2.0’?”

The concert is going to be an evening to pause and take abreak from the every day hustle and take a moment to relax and bask in the beauty of nature and song. There’ll a collection of talented musicians on western and traditional instrumentation, with several guest performers like Voice Print and Rangi Fernando and few other surprise acts, which is sure to transport you back in time, leaving you feeling nostalgic and content at the end of the show.