Veteran musician and vocalist Dr. Victor Ratnayake has decided to terminate the ever popular ‘SA” musical programme next month. The three-day final shows will be held on July 18, 19 and 20.

The July 18 show will be held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Performing Arts Theatre in Colombo with President Mahinda Rajapaksa due to participate as the Chief Guest, the 19^th show at the Maharagama National Youth Services Auditorium under the patronage of Pandit W. D. Amaradewa and the finale at the Lumbini Theatre on July 20 with Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne as the Chief Guest. Interestingly the first ‘Sa’ musical concert was held at the Lumbini Theatre on July 20, 1973.

This is probably the first time in the country’s music history that a solo musical event that was held more than 1450 times, is being brought to a halt voluntarily.

Victor’s input to the local music industry is manifold both as a singer and musician. Inspired by his father Rathnayake Veda Mathathaya who was a talented Noorthi singer, young Victor studied the subject under many professionals,

He studied singing and various instruments under musician Cyril Perera at the M.G.P. Institute in Mulgampola in his teens. In 1963, he began attending the State Music College, now known as the Institute of Aesthetic Studies. He wrote his first song, an ode to Lord Buddha, in 1964; it received play on Radio Ceylon.

Api Okkoma Rajawaru, Adaraye Ulpathawoo Amma, Mohen Mulawela, Daiwayogayain Nowedo, Sihil Sulang Relle, Sihina Sathak, Guru Para Dige, Adawan Desin, Neela Bingu Kela, Kurullanta Gee Gayanna, Thani Tharuwe, Api Ethta Ethata, Thotupala Aine, Mal Pokuru, Sangawa Ganu Mena…… are just a few songs that one would remember instantly as you mention the name of celebrated musician and singer Victor Ratnayake.