Draft:Lelum Ratnayake

Lelum Ratnayake (born December 17, 1972) is a Sri Lankan musician known for his work as a music composer, singer, drummer, and percussion player. He is the younger son of Victor Ratnayake, a notable figure in the Sri Lankan music industry. Ratnayake's career includes a variety of musical activities, such as performing in advertisements and musical programs from a young age, composing music for other artists, and participating in television programs.

Early Life and Education
Lelum Ratnayake was born into a musical family that provided him with a rich cultural and educational background conducive to his early interest in music. He received his primary and secondary education at D.S. Senanayake College in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where he excelled in both G.C.E. Ordinary Level (O/L) and Advanced Level (A/L) examinations. Furthering his education abroad, Ratnayake attended George S. Henry Academy in North York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he completed his O.S.S.D.

Growing up in a musical household, Lelum was introduced to the music industry as a studio musician during his school days. His talent in singing was recognized early on, earning him top placements in Inter-School singing competitions.

Career
Lelum Ratnayake's professional music career began at the age of 9, singing for advertisements and musical programs on National TV. His involvement in music deepened as he sang in albums for renowned music directors by the age of 10. A significant milestone in his early career was singing a song for the acclaimed children’s tele drama "Amba Yaaluwo" at 13.

As a skilled percussionist and drummer, Ratnayake has played in recording sessions for numerous celebrated music directors, including Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe, Dr. Victor Ratnayake, and many others. His talent has been showcased in popular reality shows like Sirasa Super Star.

In 2005, Lelum Ratnayake collaborated with his brother Jayantha Ratnayake on the album "Esala Nil Sanda," composing and arranging about ten songs. His prowess as a drummer and percussion player has led him to perform with top-tier singers and bands, both locally and internationally.

Lelum Ratnayake's composition skills have been sought after by renowned Sri Lankan artists, contributing to his reputation as a respected music composer and director. His solo album, "Lelum," released in 2013, further cementing his position in the industry.

International Tours and Performances
Lelum Ratnayake has toured extensively as a drummer and percussionist, bringing Sri Lankan music to audiences in the United States, Canada, Italy, Norway, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Zambia, Japan, and Australia. His international exposure and experience have enriched his musical style and broadened his influence in the Sri Lankan music industry.