Rukshan’s creativity knows no boundaries. Unconfined by genre, he is a composer, director, multi-instrumentalist, and performer who continually delights audiences with surprise after surprise—through Acappella creations, East–West collaborations, harmony scatting, original compositions, and beloved hits from the 70s.

This remarkable versatility was on full display on 21 June 2026 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium, where Rukshan celebrated his 70th birthday with a captivating presentation of his musical journey playing the guitar, piano, scatting, harmonica, and singing. This year, the event raised funds for Loyalty Pledge, providing much-needed scholarships for deserving students of Royal College.

The evening opened with what Rukshan is best known for - scatting with the guitar. Performing his original piece “Cool Cats,” a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald and George Benson, he mesmerised the audience with his effortless ability to scat with and without the guitar, even layering in his distinctive harmony scat.
He then invited two members of his original band of cousins to revisit “Kalamediriyo,” the very first composition they performed at the age of 12 on CBC, presented by Dr Vijaya Corea.

The stage next welcomed director Soundarie David’s Soul Sounds Academy Choir, who performed “Eka Mawakage Daruwo,” a composition that has earned two gold medals at the Asia Pacific Choir Games. This is one of the many songs Rukshan composed for a national program he conceptualised to instil positive values in children through music and performing arts. Supported by the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan and the Ministry of Education, the program is now active in nearly a thousand schools, fostering civic-minded, responsible future citizens.

A standout moment was Rukshan’s creative rendition of “Olu Pipeela.” Seated at the piano, he introduced his interpretation before seamlessly blending in the distinctive motif played in harmony by the brass section, flute, piano, harmonium, and guitar. This East–West collaboration featured Sureka Amarasinghe on flute, Jananath Warakagoda on harmonium, and the Colombo Brass Ensemble.

The mood shifted to nostalgia with a lively Bee Gees medley, joined by drummer Lelum Rathnayake and guitarist Primal Liyanage. The audience enthusiastically joined in, illuminating the hall with phone lights.  Rukshan then presented an Acappella medley of Clarence Wijewardena’s songs, joined by acclaimed choir director Sanjeev Jayaratnam, his two sons, and Melantha Perera.

A dramatic high point followed with “Nursery Rhapsody,” his tribute to Freddie Mercury in the style of Bohemian Rhapsody, which Rukshan described as one of the most challenging arrangements for the band.  Adding theatrical flair, Melantha Perera appeared as Michael Jackson, complete with signature moves and moonwalk, delivering a spirited performance of “Billie Jean.”

Rukshan continued with his original composition “What Time Is It?”, creatively mimicking the chimes of a grandfather clock through intricate piano chords, leading into an impressive solo.  He then transformed Jim Reeves’ “He’ll Have to Go” into a playful exchange of a couple’s telephone argument, blending scatting with expressive saxophone lines. This was followed by the humorous Acappella composition “Mage Molei,” where he poked fun at himself.

International beatboxer Julius Mitchel took the stage next, astounding the audience with his remarkable vocal percussion. Rukshan followed this with a nostalgic reinterpretation of “Ma Bala Kale,” humorously recalling school-day discipline from the 70s.

The celebration continued as Natasha Rathnayake performed “Amazing Grace” and Stevie Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday,” inviting Rukshan and his wife, Piyum, on stage to cut the birthday cake.  Returning to his original works, Rukshan presented “Sri Lankan Blues,” capturing the longing felt by those living abroad, before Piyal Perera added a playful Sinhala twist to the piece.

The program then transitioned to a Beatles segment, where archival footage of “All My Loving” gave way to a live medley performed by the band. Another highlight saw Clifford Richards theatrically portray a tipsy elder in “Seeya Biwwa Wine,” adding comedic charm.

Rukshan next dedicated “Devarak Thuna” to those who struggle with mathematics, followed by an electrifying performance of Santana’s “Oye Como Va,” featuring a Brazilian jazz pianist Joao and Dulip Wijesinha.

Closing on a nostalgic note, Rukshan paid tribute to the Golden Chimes and Super Golden Chimes, ending the concert with a composition by his musical hero, Clarence Wijewardena.

The concert was a rich tapestry of genres—jazz, Acappella, fusion, blues, 70s, and more—woven seamlessly together. Time seemed to stand still for the audience, fully absorbed in the experience.
We wish Rukshan many more years of creativity, innovation, and musical excellence.

Happy 70th Birthday, Rukshan!