Lyricist Gen. Kamal Gunaratne (left) sharing the inspiration behind ‘Loveena’, seated next to singer Chitral Somapala

• A melodic tribute to Mount Lavinia’s historic tale

Amidst an atmosphere filled with reverence for history and creative brilliance, a remarkable song, Loveena, penned by Defence Ministry Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, was unveiled recently at Mount Lavinia Hotel. The much-anticipated release event brought together an array of dignitaries, artists, and history enthusiasts, celebrating the harmonious convergence of music and the captivating tale behind the creation of the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel.

A song rooted in history

The newly composed song, Loveena, serves as a touching homage to the historical roots of the majestic Mount Lavinia Hotel. Revered for its captivating architecture and timeless charm, the hotel’s inception is said to be inspired by a true story of love and affection. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, renowned not only for his military prowess but also as an outstanding lyric writer, poet, and author, artfully weaves the narrative of Loveena with his creative genius.

During the launch of the song, Gen. Gunaratne highlighted his passion for composing songs that evoke patriotism and celebrate love and affection. He shared the motivation behind Loveena, stating: “The tale of Mount Lavinia Hotel is not merely a historical account but a testimony to the enduring power of love. Through Loveena, I aimed to capture the essence of this story, intertwining emotions that resonate with the heart of every Sri Lankan.”

Harmonious voices of Chitral Somapala and Kanchana Anuradhi

A song of such grandeur demanded voices that could effortlessly convey its emotional depth and cultural significance. This responsibility was entrusted to veteran artists Chitral Somapala and Kanchana Anuradhi, whose celestial vocals breathed life into Loveena.

Chitral Somapala expressed his gratitude for being a part of this exceptional project. He stated: “It’s an honour to lend my voice to a song that commemorates the essence of Mount Lavinia’s history. Gen. Gunaratne’s lyrics are profoundly evocative, and I believe Loveena will resonate with listeners, taking them on an enchanting journey through time.”

Kanchana Anuradhi, renowned for her soul-stirring performances, shared her experience working on Loveena, saying: “Music has the power to transcend barriers, and Loveena is a testament to that. The song’s composition and Gen. Gunaratne’s evocative words made it a pleasure to record. I hope our rendition does justice to the profound love story it portrays.”

Patrons of the arts

Among the distinguished guests at the launch event was former Navy Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, known for his unwavering support for the arts. His presence highlighted the significance of the song’s historical theme and the importance of preserving Sri Lankan heritage through various artistic expressions.

Ulugetenne praised Gen. Gunaratne’s artistic prowess, remarking: “As a nation, we are fortunate to have leaders like Gen. Gunaratne, who not only served our country with valour but also contributed significantly to our cultural heritage. Loveena serves as a poignant reminder of the love story that played a role in shaping one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.”

The launch event was graced by prominent figures from various domains, who came together to celebrate the release of Loveena. Kotalawala Defence University Vice Chancellor Maj. Gen. Milinda Peiris, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Chief of National Intelligence Maj. Gen. Ruwan Kulatunga (Retd), Ananda College Principal Lal Dissanayaka, and renowned artists, including Kamal Addararachchi, Channa Wijewardena, and Shriyantha Mendis, were among the esteemed guests who added prestige to the event.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Chairman Sanath Ukwatte expressed his gratitude to all those who graced the occasion, emphasising the significance of preserving history and cultural heritage.

A timeless melody

As the echoes of Loveena resonate through time, it serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the importance of preserving the stories that define us. Gen. Kamal Gunaratne’s poetic brilliance, coupled with the mellifluous voices of Chitral Somapala and Kanchana Anuradhi, has given life to a song that shall etch its place in the hearts of listeners for generations to come.

As the event drew to a close, one couldn’t help but reflect on the enchanting tale behind Mount Lavinia Hotel, now immortalised in the ethereal notes of Loveena. The song stands as a tribute to Sri Lanka’s rich history and artistic heritage, reminding us all of the power of love and the magic of music.

PHOTOS Lalith Perera