Sons of Sri Lanka: Ananda Samarakoon: The Tragic Symphony of a National Treasure

 

"The tragedy of an artist's life is often a silent symphony, unheard and unsung, echoing the depths of a creative soul."

Ananda Samarakoon, a name synonymous with the Sri Lankan national anthem, remains an emblematic figure in the island's artistic and cultural history. His life, interwoven with the fabric of Sri Lanka's national identity, is a poignant tale of patriotism, innovation, and tragedy.

Born on January 13, 1911, as Egodahage George Wilfred Alwis Samarakoon, he was the second of four sons to a Christian family in the village of Watareka, Padukka. His father, Samuel Samarakoon, was a chief clerk at British-owned Maturata Plantations, and his mother, Dominga Peries, nurtured the family with care.

Samarakoon's educational journey began at Wewala School and continued at CMS Sri Jayawardenepura College, Kotte (Christian College, Kotte). It was here that his Sinhala Guru, Pandit D.C.P. Gamalathge, ignited the spark of linguistic prowess in young Samarakoon.

Details of Samarakoon's marital life are scarce, reflecting the private nature of his personal affairs. However, it is known that his life was marked by personal losses that deeply affected him.

During Samarakoon's time, Sri Lanka was a melting pot of cultural revival and political transformation. The late 1930s saw a surge in patriotic sentiment as the country moved towards independence. This period was marked by a collective effort to establish a distinct national identity, separate from colonial influences.

Samarakoon's struggles were both personal and professional. The loss of his only son in 1945 left him grief-stricken, leading him to seek solace in painting and music. Professionally, his efforts to create a unique Sri Lankan musical identity were often met with resistance from traditionalists who favored established Indian musical forms.

The creation of "Namo Namo Matha" in 1940 is wrapped in a poignant layer of irony. It was never intended to be a national anthem but rather the concluding piece in Ananda Samarakoon's collection titled 'Geetha Kumudini'. The muse struck Samarakoon aboard an aircraft as he journeyed back from India, where he had been absorbing the teachings of Shanti Niketan for a brief period of six months. It was the aerial view of his homeland that ignited the spark of inspiration within him. Financial constraints prevented him from publishing 'Geetha Kumudini', leading him to part with his manuscript, exchanging his labor of love with printer R.K.W. Siriwardena for a mere pittance.

In a time of national pride and cultural significance, the call for a song to represent the nation's spirit was answered by many. Among the entries, a particular composition stood out, submitted not by the composer himself, but by his devoted wife and brother as Ananda was in India at that time.

This composition, "Namo Namo Matha," resonated with the essence of the nation and was chosen to be the anthem. The composer, Ananda Samarakoon, was awarded a generous sum of Rs. 2,500 for his masterpiece. However, this amount was destined not for his pockets but to the printer, as Samarakoon had previously relinquished his copyright. Thus, the financial reward for a creation that would echo through the ages was humbly foregone.

In the year 1956, S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike ascended to the position of Prime Minister, buoyed by a surge of Sinhala nationalist sentiment. However, the initial enthusiasm for the new government, which was affectionately termed "Apey Aanduwe," soon faced a multitude of challenges. The nation was rocked by political protests, labor strikes, ethnic conflicts, and a spate of natural calamities including floods, fires, and landslides.

Amidst these tumultuous times, a search for culprits ensued, leading some factions—possibly with hidden agendas—to target the National Anthem. In a wave of superstitious fervor, "Namo Namo Matha" was blamed for the nation's woes during Bandaranaike's tenure. This sparked a fierce campaign against the anthem.

Critics argued that the musical notations of "Namo Namo Matha" brought misfortune, with the initial "Na" being labeled as a harbinger of bad luck. The anthem's "Ganaka," or rhythmic pattern, was also accused of casting a negative influence over the country. Specifically, the 'gana'—the arrangement of the first three syllables and their respective lengths—was deemed inauspicious. The anthem's opening sequence, 'na-mo-na,' with its short-long-short pattern, was declared to be an unlucky gana.

It was then that the administration led by Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike took the decisive step to amend the anthem. Consequently, the revised version, featuring the phrase 'Sri Lanka Matha', debuted on Independence Day in February 1961, marking a new era in the country's history.

The alteration, made without his consent, was a blow to Samarakoon’s artistic integrity and deeply wounded him.

On April 5, 1962, Samarakoon ended his life by committing suicide, at the age of 51, one year and a few months after Namo Namo Matha became Sri Lanka Matha, a tragic culmination of his struggles. The alteration of his beloved anthem's words is said to have contributed to his despair.

The maestro was baffled by the uproar demanding alterations to the National Anthem's lyrics. In his final correspondence to Dudley, the then Opposition Leader, penned prior to his tragic overdose, he expressed a profound disenchantment with the harshness of society, ultimately declaring his unwillingness to remain a part of it.

Apart from the national anthem, Samarakoon's contributions to Sri Lankan music are significant. His songs like "Ennada Menike" laid the foundation for artistic Sinhala music, marking the golden age of his musical career in the early to mid-1940s.

Samarakoon's life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. His artistic achievements were often overshadowed by personal tragedies and professional challenges. Despite these, he remained dedicated to his vision of a culturally rich and independent Sri Lanka.

Ananda Samarakoon, a visionary whose melodies transcended the boundaries of time, left us with a legacy that continues to resonate within the heart of every Sri Lankan. His life, though marred by tragedy, was a testament to the enduring spirit of an artist who loved his country deeply. As we remember him, let us not forget the silent symphony he composed, a melody of freedom and identity that will forever echo in the annals of our nation's history.

"Here lies a man who was the voice of a nation's soul, a composer of freedom's song, and an artist whose canvas was the heart of Sri Lanka. May his memory be a beacon of inspiration for generations to come."