Singing sensation, teacher in music Tharanga Sampath triumphs in aesthetic arena.
Tharanga Sampath hails from the rural beautiful small village Palugollagama in Galenbidunuwewa in the North Central Province. Born on April 04th 1984 has had his primary education at the primitive less known Palugollagama Vidyalaya ,Tharanga had possessed innate music fever though not inherited via his ancestors. From his young days Tharanga had dreamt of becoming a singing star which to date he has achieved to an unprecedented tall height been known to many among audiences and in the music field.
Tharanga had entered Visual and Performing Arts University in year 2006 to follow a diploma course in eastern music focusing primarily on voice training and vocals as the main subject.Prior to entering the University talented Tharanga had achieved a number of milestones in the musical arena. In years 2003 and 2004 had participated in the ‘Munchi ,‘SLRC and Swarnavahini organized ‘Thurunu Shakthi Sangeetha Charikawa” , in which he had excelled obtaining highest marks among students in these all island schools contests, still as a teenager.Also while in the University Tharanga had participated in the inaugural grueling “Derana Dream Star” season I contest conducted in years 2008/2009.Among over one hundred thousand participants Tharanga had been placed 12th which indisputably a unique triumph. It was during this era that Tharanga got recognized ‘as a star in the making’ when he received ovation,acclaim and recognition in abundance from fans locally and overseas. After this triumph at the dream star contest Tharanga had received many invitations to sing in various concerts becoming a sought-after vocalist.
In the year 2010 Tharanga with MM Entertainments /Vibration music company commenced recording twelve songs for his first music video album “Etha Sithijaya”.This CD was launched in year 2011.Gaining experience and confidence in the singing expertise Tharanga organized solo concerts “Jana Gee” taking priority.
Simultaneously after passing out with a diploma in Eastern music Tharanga joined government service in year 2012 having been assigned to AGA’s offices, Provincial offices but soon realized it was not his area.Then he opted to find employment as a teacher to teach music to students which was undoubtedly his preferred theme.Initially his appointment was to Villachchi Siddhatha Vidyalaya, then Galnewa Madya Maha Vidyalaya and thirdly at Walisinghe Harischandra Maha Vidyalaya and to date as the devoted music teacher at Nochchiyagama Vidyadarshi Maha Vidyalaya.
Tharanga had entered for his secondary education from 8th standard to Galenbindunuwea Taxila Maha Vidyalaya up to his “O”levels.But as he was keen to learn music had opted to attend Anuradhapura Niwaththakawethiya Maha Vidyalaya to prepare for the University entrance examination.
Having all the above milestones Tharanga had been well recognized by many medias having invited him for many programs and interviews.As a consequence of the triumphs at SLRC had invited Tharanga to sing in the popular “Sihinayaki Re” programs presented by Mahesh Nissanka.In fact during the past four months Tharanga had been requested to sing in three such programs which of course should be exclusively for his singing proficiency.
Tharanga is married to Sandamali Ekanayake ,she is also a graduate from the same University ,visual and performing arts having completed her diploma in Eastern music and violin as a main area.She too teaches in Government school.The duo is blessed with two children a daughter Sethumli Gayara Rathnayake and a son Yehas Manujaya Rathnayake.
It is learnt reliably that the school Tharanga presently teach music namely Nochchiyagama Vidyadarshi Maha Vidyalya is very poor in resources, also the students come from destitute families facing many constraints.One ambition of Tharanga is to form a band for the school which had deprived the school for years unlike the counterparts in Colombo schools like DS,Ananda, Nalanda etc are equipped with musical bands, instruments in abundant proportions. Tharanga’s intention is somehow to navigate over these constraints and to make the students to triumph in the music arena like him to become ‘ stars’ one day. We all wish Tharanga in his humble wish and endeavor.Tharanga could be contacted on whatsApp.001194718308646…
Sunil Thenabadu in Brisbane