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Milton MallawarachchiMilton Mallawarachchi
click on the name to go to tharumal yaya Milton's Page
The year was 1969. He was a smart young man of 25, fond of music. It was the heyday of lyricist Karunaratne Abeysekera. Musician Mohamed Sally was equally well known. The young man sang a song written by 'Karu', as he was fondly known, set to the music of maestro Sally. The words began thus: 'Oruwaka pavena re gana andure'. The song was an instant hit. Singer Milton Mallawarachchi was born.

For the past three decades his was a household name. 54 years was not an age for him to say goodbye. But he did last Tuesday leaving behind a voice which fans will continue to hear. Hundreds of memorable songs sung in a style of his own.

'Poojithayo' directed by W. A. B. de Silva was released in 1971. With the film, Milton became a playback singer. He sang in over a hundred films partnering the popular songstress, Angeline Gunatilleka in most of them.

At the 1984 Sarasaviya Film Festival, he was adjudged the best playback singer for 'Kendan Yannam' which he sang in Sena Samarasinghe's 'Aethin Aethat' (Neela Wickremasinghe became the best female playback singer for another song in the same film while Ajantha Ranasinghe was the best lyric writer, also for a song he wrote for the same film).

For many years, Milton was the most sought after vocalist at musical shows. At the Mahajana Sampatha draws when Ceylon Tobacco Company sponsored variety shows all over the country, Milton could not get off the stage singing one or two numbers. It was always a non-stop 'Encore" from the thousands who gathered at these shows. And Milton always obliged. There was no TV then. Seeing a popular artiste live was what fans waited for. And Milton was always among the top two or three.

Milton had a massive backing among young men and women who loved his romantic numbers. They got him to sing them over and over again. That is why his early numbers are still so popular.

A great cricket fan, Milton was often seen at a Test match or a One Day International whenever there was a foreign tour.

Following the father's footsteps, Milton's son Ranil, the eldest of four children, has started singing. We wish he too will be a great success as his father was.