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Dharma Sri Kuruppu (Dharmasiri Kuruppu)
Personal Life:

Mr. Kuruppu Mudiyanselage Dharmasiri Kuruppu (Born: 3rd January 1919 Death: 18th August 1997) (Pen name Dharma Sri Kuruppu) was an eminent poet, song writer, politician and a published writer from Sri Lanka. He was born in Mudduwa, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka to Kuruppu Mudiyanselage Kiribanda Kuruppu and Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Somawathi (from Kurunegala, Sri Lanka). His lineage is traced to Kuruwita Akuranmatuwagala Abhayanayaka Kuruppu Mudiyansea prominent and warrior nobleman involved in the freedom struggle against the Dutch.The books “Katuwana Matara Hatana” by Rev. Bhikku Kirielle Gnanawimala and the “Dutch Political Council” by J. H. O Paulus chronicle some of heroic work of the nobleman.

Mr. Dharma Sri Kuruppu was the eldest child of 5 children. His siblings were Mr. Sumanasiri Kuruppu, Mrs. Premawathi Kuruppu (Samarasinghe), Chandrawathi Kuruppu (Wijeratne) and Mr. Chandrasiri Kuruppu. His father Kuruppu Mudiyanselage Kiribanda Kuruppu was a clerk at the Magistrate court of Rathnapura. His mother Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Somawathi was a loving housewife.

Dharma Sri Kuruppu was educated at Sivali Vidyalaya, Rathnapura. He married Miss. Sitha Dharmawathi Perera of Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4 on 24th of July 1950. He had eight children (Ram Wimaladharma, Rashmi Chandraguptha, Indira Upalawarna, Lalani Asoka, Tissa, Mahinda, Somikelum and Harshadeva) and was fortunate to see fifteen of his sixteen grandchildren.

Career:

It is during his school years; barely 17 years; when he first started his writing career. His first writings were published on the “Sinhala Bauddhaya” (Sinhala Buddhist) newspaper under the editorship of Mr. Hemapala Munidasa. Later in 1940, he ended up being the sub-editor of the same publication.Simultaneously he was also the sub editor of “Sinhala Jathiya” (Sinhala Nation) newspaper under the editorship of Mr. Piyadasa Sirisena. In 1947 he became a sub editor of “Lankadeepa” (Times of Ceylon Ltd) under the editorship of Julius Lanarole and under the direction of D. B. Danapala. He was a member of the first batch of sub editors for Lankadeepa. He was also fortunate to witness and be the official news correspondent of Lankadeepa newspaper and report the events at the Independence of Ceylon on February 4th, 1948. See newspaper article ….. Between 1950 and 1960 he became the editor of “Illakkaya” (Aim) magazine and the sub editor of “Jathiya” (Nation). Later in 1953 January 3rd, he became the owner and editor of “Aththa” (Truth) newspaper. During this period he was also the editor of “Sinhale” (Sinhala) and “Vinivida” (Transparent) newspapers.During this period he also published several famous articles on “Lankadeepa” newspaper such as “Ape Puduma Minissu” (Our Strange People), “AviddaPaya” (Walked Feet), “Maa Danna Minissu” (People I know),”Keerage Powla (Keera’s Family). Many of this poems are published in current Sri Lankan educational textbooks (Ref; “Kumarodaya” third year). He also was the first to publish a routine poetic editorial column which addressed present day social issues with political satire and humor. This unique editorial was published for many years and was called the “Sihipada Bandun”. He was also the founder editor of the “Dinakara” newspaper; the first official party newspaper of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in 1956. On September 2th, 1959, Mr. Dharmasiri Kuruppu was also unfortunate to witness the assignation of then prime minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. S.W.R.D. Bandaranayake; the 4th Prime Minster of Ceylon. It also during this year, the song “Alokaya Hama ThenaPathirei” (Light will spread everywhere) composed by Mr, Dharma SiriKuruppu was sung by Mrs. Rukmani Devi the nightingale of Sinhala music and included with the famous movie “Daiwayogaya” (Fate). He also represented Ceylon during the celebration of Cuban Revolution in Havana Cuba, in January 1964. While staying at “Havana Riviera” hotel, he composed a short poem overnight and it was translated and published on the El Mundo Newspaper of Cuba. His poem was appreciated and praised by President Fidel Castro.

A dream, A Ceylon – man could dream In nineteen – fifty nine, Has now become A reality And here he’s in this land: The land He longed to see Someday, The land of pure sun shine, The land of sugar And of rum, The land of cigars Worth the sum, The land of music Song and dance, And what more The land of beauty, That eyes could see! The land of revolution A heaven On earth This Cuba is! In it a nation lives With comforts And with human ease. and that this nation wants Is nondurable peace, To stand On its own feet, In spite of threats And a blockade, too, That come from states Across the sea. In a world of thoughts in a world that’s built on thoughts and thinking, Our thoughts fly high Like the kites in the sky In Habana City – In a territory Fresh and free

-Dharma Sri Kuruppu- (The one man delegation from Ceylon to attend the fifth anniversary celebrations of the Cuban Revolution on January 2nd 1964.) Habana Riviera Habana Cuba January 12th 1964 In 1967 Radio Ceylon became a public corporation. Hon. Dudley Senananyake who was the Prime minister of Ceylon ceremoniously opened the newly established Ceylon Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) along withthe then Minister of Broadcasting, Hon.Ranasinghe Premadasa. The first management team of CBC comprised of Mr. Neville Jayaweera (Director General), Mr.Dharama Sri Kuruppu, Mr.A.L.M.Hashim, Mr.Devar Suriyasena, Mr.K.A.G. Perera. Mr.DharamasiriKuruppuwas also an accomplished writer and had many books published under his name. The most notable Sinhala language books are the “Amaragana”,”Premashika”,”Nawayugaya”, “Guththila Viththi”, “Udarata Manike”, “Nisadas Kaiya”, “Bandaranayake Charithaya”, “Sirima Rajaya Peralu Sati ”, “Sigiri Sindu”. He also published a book in English language titled, “The Battles On”. Mr.Dharama Sri Kuruppu was the composer, song writer and the director of the “Mahaweli ballet” (The Mahaweli River Dance) which debut in 1970. He created the ballet to commemorate the anniversary of 22 years of independence from the British rule. The Mahaweli ballet was performed at the Torrington square, presently known as the Independence Memorial Hall. This performance was the first open stage (three level stages) concert, consisting of more than two hundred performers. The Mahaweli Ballet soared to critical acclaim, and was even praised by Prime Minister Mr. Dudley Senananyake.At the request of the prime minister, theMahaweli Balletwas performed at different provinces in Ceylon such as Kandy, Anuradhapura and Kurunagala. The stage play “Sihigiri Hasna”(about Letter from Sigiriya)which debut in 1977 was directed and composed by Mr.Dharama Sri Kuruppu. The play was produced by Mr. Simon Marawanagoda. The stage play consisted of over one hundred actors, dancers and musicians. This play gained much acclaim across the country and was also praised by Dr. Arthur C. Clarke. During this time he was also the editor of newspapers “Jayamawath” (Roads of Success) and “Swarnana Bumee” (Land of Gold). Last Days:

Later in his life he spent most of his time as a doting grandfather to many of his grandchildren. Still he never forgot to write a short poem with every correspondence with his children. On August 18th, 1997 at the age of 78 years, he bid farewell to this world; peacefully and surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. His wife (Mrs. Sitha Kuruppu) passed away Three days after the death of Mr. Dharma Siri Kuruppu. Information/ Images by: * Harsha Kuruppu (Son) * Somikelum Kuruppu (Daughter) * Athula Karunananda (Son in law) * Indira Kuruppu (Daughter) * Ram Wimaladharma Kuruppu (Son) * R.B. Wilmet (Friend)

Created by: * Rukshani Kuruppu (Grand Daughter)

www.dharmasrikuruppu.com