Posted on

Malini Ranasinghe “suppadevi Maname Queen” Joint Recepient Of Certificate From The Guiness Book Of World Records Institution Unparalled Merit Yet Unsurpassed In Any Field In The Annals Of History In Native Sri Lanka

Malini Ranasinghe nee Silva pseudonym ‘Suppadevi Maname Queen’ born on 19th October 1943 has had her primary and secondary education at Girls High School in Kandy. In school she had been a very bright student though possessed immense innate talent sans any hereditary affiliations to art and culture. In her school as a tradition only English plays of Willaim Shakespeare were staged. But members of the Sinhala literary society including Malini were used to script Sinhalese plays similar to that of Shakespeare plays had staged purely having a deep passion and skills for drama. Malini had studied in the science stream despite having passion acting and singing to unprecedented tall elevations she had triumphed over the university entrance examinations to be elected to the medical college along with three other colleagues at Girl High School Kandy.The parents’ duo of Malini was totally against in her entering medical college in Colombo as there was, then not had a medical faculty in the Peradeniya university. Malini was thus deprived of achieving her dream of becoming a doctor .Nevertheless she was contented to abide by the decision of the parental duo in electing to follow a course in Biology at the Peradeniya university where the surrounding was conducive to her been not at all foreign. This decision later on surfaced the mode for Malini to portray the role of the first Suppadevi acclaimed locally and internationally as the second stage innovation of Professor Ediriweera Sarathchandra after his initial production of ‘Maname’.in year 1956 who was then an undeniable maestro in many fields in script writing, eminent author, looming character possessing an enormous knowledge in the Sinhalese vernacular as well as in many languages like Pali, Sanskrit etc. It is pertinent to mention that later Malini had been groomed and matured under the guidance of this legend for her future exploits. Malini’s parents had not known of her inborn talent for acting had not taken her to witness Sinhalese dramas. The ‘Maname’ drama was Professor Sarathchandra’s first drama endeavour accomplished in year 1956.After her amazing Suppadevi role in Sinhabahu Malini was delegated to portray the role of second Maname queen in the much acclaimed drama “Maname’.In the play Sinhabahu the role of Suppadevi was that of a ‘true lover’, who sacrificed all luxuries in life living in a palace in spite of having a vast love and attachment to his ‘King” father .In summing up it was not the usual monotonous character as one sees in many stage dramas which illustrates amply the proper duties of parents duo and siblings. 

On admission to the biological unit of the Peradeniya university the present day ragging was at a tremendously low retreat with novice entrants were asked to perform trivial acts like to sing a song ,to depict a dance. Offer a flower etc.Malini had been well known at her alma mater and other surrounding schools too as a versatile vocalist conversant for singing songs particularly of celebrated soloist Rukmani Devi when she had sung on request her mates and seniors to precision. Malini had also illustrated her skills amply while lodging in the Hilda Obeysekera hostel building. Her voice and the style of music was acknowledged by all including Terrence Ranasinghe who was in a senior batch of the Arts stream who happened to be the general secretary of the Peradeniya University’s Sinhalese drama board .It is said Terrence too had as a coincidence a true fan of Rukamni Devi having heard songs via music discs. It was during this time Professor Ediriweera Sarathchandra had been scripting his stage play ‘Sinhabahu’ deploying his expertise in the Sinhalese vernacular. Some actors and actresses had already been chosen for the play at that juncture from those in the second year overall students with the assistance of Terrence Ranasinghe and the President of the Sinhalese drama board KH Dharmadasa, The innate talents of Malini were conveyed to Professor Sarathchandra, it was revealed that he has had a young actress in mind to portray the role of ‘Suppadevi’ may have been one who had a stage voice , ability to dance too, which he has had in mind as precise, as acting of course he had the potential to develop any novice via rehearsing. On hearing of Malini singing prowess Professor had wanted her to be brought by the President- Secretary duo to interview when she had gone with her fraternity of around eight undergraduates to meet the legend whom Malini had never met for that matter seen his posture. To Malini’s astonishment he appeared to be small in stature, not a big made personality as she had believed but his face depicted ‘intelligence’ written all over. Malini had watched closely how the other girls rehearsed. Malini was naturally excited in front of this colossal celebrity was unable to think of a song when requested to sing.

She did not like to sing a Rukmani Devi song as it would not be liked by the Professor. Only at the third time she had responded having asked the Professor whether to sing a song of Sinhabahu that was practiced by some already selected. Malini had sung it impeccably to impress Professor who had unanimously decided to elect her for the role of ‘Supradevi”.She had been requested to be present at rehearsals daily at 5 pm. According to Professor’s view she was bestowed with all fundamentals of face, frame and voice was designated after an interview in which she sang a song she had heard at rehearsals also a Rukmani Devi folk song, bringing the audience to tears. Terrence and Malini were married just one year after graduation, a Bachelor of Science degree. Malini was attached to as a biology teacher at Kandy Grammar school attached to the department of education, where she was also the Assistant Principal. Also performed as the sectional head in Biology .This was the first phase of her illustrious artistic journey which led to be inscribed in the Guiness Book of World records along with her husband Terrence Ranasinghe for portraying the role of ‘Suppadevi’ and ‘Narrator ( pothegura) over five thousand times during three decades locally and internationally. This certificate worth its value in gold which cannot be gauged as it was the first of its kind bestowed on any individual or individuals leave aside artistes in the annals of Sri Lanka’s history. After Malini was selected along with the rest of the cast have had to rehearse for a gruelling eight months while also attending to lectures which was a a bit of a hazardous task but Malini navigated over them magnificently The inaugural show was held at the Peradeniya Sarasaviya wale indoor auditorium on the 31st August 1961 to a packed audience amidst a shower when many were drenched .The spectacle of Sinhabahu was witnessed by Malini’s parents too on invitation. Though the duo was exceedingly overwhelmed they had not given much encouragement as university academic exertion was precedent to them.After the first showing there were so many accolades from many quarters. All songs Malini sang like ‘Aseta Nethe Dakinata Puthe”,” Gal Lena Bindala”,Anna balan Sanda” ,”Kumatada Sobaniye” .”Muhudu Pathule’ etc while she was portraying protagonists, are admired and sung even today after a period spanning six decades. Malini was later described as an ‘Opera’ singer cum actress as a highest homage for her portrayals and singing.

Legendary actress Malini Ranasinghe demands no specific foreword to admirers of the Sinhala theatre as the first Suppa Devi in Dr Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s eminent theatre production ‘Sinhabahu’ when it made its unveiling in year 1961.To the first post-independence era, the names Suppa Devi and Sinhabahu was synonymous ,became not just domestic names but comprehensive footings illustrative of a novel cultural personality that emerged ..She was born to the parents duo ,father was an entrepreneur while mother was Principal of Junior school of Pushpadana Maha Vidyalaya Kandy. Malini Ranasinghe nee Silva had appeared stage dramas in Maya Devi as ‘Doragama Hamine’ initially in year 1982 and Sudu Karal depicting the female lead role effectively portrayed, in plays by K. B. Herath, winning the best supporting actress award for her `performance in Sudu Karal , it’s for her acting in Dr Ediriweera Sarathchandra’s Sinhabahu, Maname and Wessanthara that she’s best reminisced, her portrayal in Sinhabahu holds out above among them. In addition Malini also, did the background singing in five of Sarachchandra’s dramas after which after portraying roles in Sinhabahu, Maname in the 2nd production as the ‘Maname Queen’, Pematho Jayathi Soko and Vessanthara she had released a compact disc containing all songs she had sung in Professor’s dramas.. Malini had participated in radio plays in addition had portrayed roles in three films and nine teledramas. The three films been Ayoma of Parakrma Niriella when she portrayed the role of Swarna Mallawarchchi’s aunt,’Hemagiri’ of Vijaya Dharmasri as the aunt of Vasanthi Chathurani, then in ‘ Yakshaweshaya as the mother of Sanath Gunatilleke.In a television dialog Malini had lamented that she evades accepting contracts for films as it is very time consuming unlike in stage dramas and tele dramas as significant time is consumed as she is compelled to devote more time to her family which is foremost to her. Relatively in regard to films, Malini had portrayed more roles in Teledramas which are Dharmasiri Pathiraja’s “Hiru Daruwao”,Chandrarathna Mapitigama’s “Irata Handana Mal”,Sudath Devadiri’s ‘Amba Yaluwo’,Bandula Vithanage’s”Diriya Duwa”,Jayalath Manoratne’s “ Sekku Gedera”, Sathischandra Edirisinghe’s “Tikiri Nilame”, Sudath Senaratne’s “Mawakage Geethaya”,Tikiri Ratnayake’s “Sudu Araliya”, also portrayed a role in the English teledrama “Village by the Sea”. Most acclaimed teledrama had been “Mawakage Geethaya”, “Sekku Gedera” and “Amba Yaluw”. Apart from so many felicitations Malini had received several awards. for her portrayal in ‘Maya Devi” Malini has won several awards like at the State drama festival, Sama drama festival, Central province arts festival and Dharmaraja College arts festival.

Malini has received many accolades, appreciations and felicitations from several quarters like Pandit WD Amaradewa, Literary giant Buddhadasa Galappatthy,Dr Ediriweers Sarathchandra, all members of Radio 4EB Sri Lanka group station in Brisbane, Fans in Brisbane , Dr Jayalath Manorathna, Buddhadasa Galappatthy , Cine Tharu Reyak 2018, when launching Suppra devi Katha wasthuwa in Colombo, Life time achievement Diamond award organised by Oz Lanka in Brisbane,Sri Lanka Army , all present at her book launch ‘ Suppadevi” etc. There had been several newspaper articles in Sinhalese and English newspapers on her during the past. Despite portraying roles locally and internationally Malini had portrayed vital roles in “Mawakage Geethaya”, Amba Yahaluwo”. and Sekku Gedera” as television dramas.

On 05th February year 2014 Malini paid a huge tribute to mentor Professor Ediriweera Sarachchnadra at the “Punchi Theatre’in Borella in organising “Sarath Chandra Abi Nandana” reminiscing the legendary professor for his immense contribution to art in Sri Lanka which was a tremendous gesture to in conveing gratitude. Malini Ranasinghe launched her official website to coincide with her seventy fifth birthday on 19th October 2018.

Only a very few of our artists have written biographies after their tenures. In the theatre, Henry Jayasena comes to mind but hardly anyone else, and no female celebrity one could think of. Therefore, Malini Ranasinghe’s extensive, narrative-packed biography comes as a landmark. Reading it is like going back to not just another era but to a unique philosophy. She had endeavoured with a lot of perseverance to complete her book titled ‘Suppadevi’.At the book launch she had mentioned the names of many who had come to her rescue, namely Buddhadasa Galappathy, Jackson Anthony, Dr Gunadasa Amarasekera ( chief guest),Nalan Mendis, Bandula Nanayakkarawasam,Nimal Ekanayake, Sarath Amunugama. The foreword and acknowledgement had been written by Buddhadasa Galappaththy and Tillekeratne Kuruwita Bandara.Her brother in law Dr Jayalath Manorathna, just after recovering from his ailment had inserted a series of poems containing meaningful lyrics very useful to the society.A special mention was made to publisher Prem Dissanayake who had made shouldered the entire responsibility. The book had been edited by a literary giant Buddhadasa Galappaththi, but the story is her own scripted to precision included just a collection of famous ,not, many illustrations from the theatre picture appear in the book, It is that circumstantial nature which makes this account extremely understandable. That, plus the completely relaxed, laid back nature which is the characteristic of the author’s narrative. These are stories, but centered on realities, not fantasy. Nor does she have any cleavers to crush. Malini Ranasinghe comes across as someone to whom life was kind-hearted, starting with a happy childhood followed by a love affair which led to an affable marriage, with the proper breaks coming at the proper moment in her life.

Prof. Sarachchandra

Many of those stated are no retentive in the public recall. The story starts with her school days and centres around her parents, siblings and the café owned by her father, a successful entrepreneur running a cafe in Colombo.

“Malini Ranasinghe’s lengthy, narrative-packed biography comes as a milestone. Reading it is akin to going back to not just another era but a culture”

A science graduate, her time at the University of Peradeniya led her to meet two influential figures in her life. Dr Ediriweera Sarachchandra, who invited her to be part of her theatre group, and her future devoted husband and fellow Sinhabahu actor Terence Ranasinghe

Thereafter, her life was centred around Kandy, where she began her career as a schoolteacher. Her in-laws were well versed in English literature an author herself had studied in English medium both at school and university). Her intense affection to her parents is apparent in the room dedicated to author about their final days.

She had written with identical fondness about her tenure in the theatre. Precisely, Sinhabahu became the pivotal point of her life. The opportunities and enthusiasm which rotated across this play and Maname, Dr Sarachchandra’s revolutionary effort, penetrates these pages. Though she had preliminary concerns of singing the tricky elevated notes of Sinhabahu, she succeeded to conquer them with effortless ease. Dr Terence Ranasinghe her spouse was the narrator (Potheguru) in this creation, Jayashri Chandrajith was the lion, Nissanka Diddeniya was Sinhabahu and Yashodhara Sarathchandra was Sinhaseevali.
Extravagance in reminiscence is predictable in this sort of story, to the writer as well as the reader. But there are episodes to prompt many that all wasn’t well with the country, for example when she wrote how her school principal rose to armed JVP gunmen in 1971. But the storyline doesn’t turn dark anywhere. There is an all-prevalent sense of generosity and excellent feel reading through the book.

As all good things must come to an end, the writer and her husband said goodbye to Sinhabahu in 1992 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre . To fill the void, Malini dedicated on time at home, starting with home restoration. The author finally strikes a gloomy message towards the end, when she writes at length about the illness and death of her husband, and the isolation which encircled her subsequently, with their children domiciled overseas to Brisbane.

However, she does not procure herself in this darkness, while the final chapter is dedicated to cheerier reminiscences of her time as Suppa Devi, and we learn that the names of Malini and Terence Ranasinghe were included in the Guinness Book of Records as the “Most Durable Actor-Actress Duo.” also etched in the memories of all fans of stage plays.The certificate issued by the Guiness Book of World records had been posted to them .Malini had initially received a telephone call to her school confirming the achievement which they had made public via the internet. Malini is also a lyricist had added another feather to her already decorated cap by proving her prowess. The songs which she had penned have been sung by her daughter Dr Kanchamala nee Ranasinghe, Saman Lenin and Dilini Thisari with the title’ Mehi Ipida-Thaththa.

Malini’s daughter Kanchamala had been a bright student in class like the mother had entered the Medical College at the Peradeniya University to fill the void that deprived her mother. While in school she too had participated in school plays and in inter school drama competitions having excelled in singing of course with inherited hereditary affiliations with her innate talent.The dwelling had been close to the Peradeniya Sarasaviya indoor open air auditorium. From Kanchana’s young days she had been used to visiting the open air theatre often which was in walking distance.Many artistes had been known to Kanchanamala as they used to visit their dwelling many times for drama rehearsals. When the cast was to travel outstations very often the ‘Nattya “ bus was a common site. Kanchanamala had later in life had confessed that she was following her mother in portraying many roles mostly the Guiness Recording breaking achievement of the Sinhabahu drama. She had disclosed only after about twenty six years she had conveyed her wish to mother. During her tenure in school in the year 1993 had portrayed a character in the drama ‘Samudra Devi” when she was just sixteen years old.For this role she had been bestowed with a award as the best actress. Kanchamala had passed out as a MBBS doctor in the early decade of 2000.She had been working in hospitals having not much of leisure cum relaxation. She was awarded a scholarship to Australia for her post graduate studies which had successfully completed while doing part time in surgeries had returned to Sri Lanka in year 2014. After her return Kanchamala had surprised her mother saying she had a frenzy to portray her mother’ role of Suppadevi to which she had consented. She had contacted Madam Lalitha Ediriweera had arranged a meeting. She had lent her fullest assistance in providing rehearsals and providing lodging at her home. The play ‘Sinhabahu was exhibited at the Elphinstone theatre in year 2019 where she received accolades from many more or less portraying the Suppadevi role neck to neck with mother Kanchanamala had thanked many who assisted her in particular Jude Srimal who had coordinated. Malini Ranasinghe though Kanchamala had most humbly that added that she cannot challenge her legendary mother or imitate Suppadevi. During her visit to Sri Lanka Dr Kanchanamal had recorded some songs too having inherited mother’s skills.Among the songs that were recorded are “Hedakara Dangakara Kirilliye” to the lyrics of mother Malini Ranasinghe. One other song is titled “ Seevali Ma Molakati Diyani” was also recorded to the lyrics of Buddhadasa Gallapaththi and music by Navarathna Gamage,

All followers of Malini Ranasinghe would wish he good health and longevity and thank her for all the entertainment she had given the public for over five decades.They would undoubtedly also wish Kanchanamala to successfully carry the baton from the mother and entertain the vivid audiences in Australia.

Posted on

Kanchanamala (Kanchi) Ranasinghe-multifaceted Genius Highly Qualified Medical Doctor ,lecturer,vocalist,charity Worker, Dramtist In Sinhabahu At Peak Of Celebrity

Dr Kanchanamala Ranasinghe known popularly as Kanchi among her family, friends, patients and admirers is a multifaceted authoritarian charisma has at her relatively young age navigated over many traits as a consultant clinical doctor for which she has the highest post graduate certification Kanchi with her multifaceted competences, traits, and talents retain a diverse temperament with expertise in multiple fields. Kanchi has immense hereditary affiliations inherited from her parents who were both scholars and dramatists. The duo Malini and Terrence Ranasinghe then residents of Peradeniya both have honorary degrees in Biology and Arts from the University of Peradeniya .Mother Malini had been selected to the medical faculty in Colombo, as then there had been only this solitary medical faculty in Sri Lanka , her parents had objected to accepting this offer as she had to be away from home. Mother Malini instead had followed a biology degree to become a BSc graduate. While in the first year in the University her talents in singing had been acknowledged to be nominated to portray the role of  the first “Suppadevi” character in the popular stage play “Sinhabahu” ,later as the “Maname Queen”  thereafter in other stage plays in Professor Ediriweera Sarathchandra’s innovative conceptions. Father Terrence Ranasinghe had portrayed the role of Narrator ( Pothegura).The duo over the years had performed the same roles over five thousand times in the play , locally and internationally to be recognised by the Guinness Book of world records institution, who had awarded a certificate for the most durable theatre performers the first time in any field a Sri Lankan duo has been bestowed with this honour in the annals of our history. It has been asserted by Kanchi that she had followed the triumphs of the parental duo having gazed at their stage performances very intimately having resided in the close proximate to the Peradeniya Sarasaviya open air auditorium.  

Kanchi was invited to be the chief guest at her alma mater sports meet in year 2018 after a lapse of many years since leaving school, though she domiciled in Brisbane.  Kanchi had affirmed in a television dialog that both parents had assisted in her and brother’s studies whenever the duo could, particularly mother had helped her in her science subjects. She reminisced that the duo very often left for Colombo early morning on days they had shows, to join the “Nattya’ bus in Colombo who had invariably returned to the family base in Peradeniya late night. During her tenure in school she had portrayed an important female heroine role of ‘Samudra Devi’ in the stage play ‘Samudradevi” for the inter school drama festival in year 1993 when she was barely sixteen years old ,staged at the Elphinstone theatre in Colombo, where for the role she portrayed as “Samudradevi” she was bestowed with the ‘best actress’ award amply demonstrating her inherited hereditary and innate talent, the theme song of the play “Himi Oba Dakuman” had added the much needed spice to her protagonist.  This play had been subsequently staged in many cities and shown on the state television channel Rupavahini too. Kanchi had entered the medical faculty at the Peradenya campus in year 1996 had passed out in the year 2001 as a MBBS doctor. While at University she was chosen to represent Sri Lanka in a cultural talent contest and participated in the International University Talent Competition in Tokiyo, Japan in 1996 Kanchi had performed her internship period in Kandy area as a Clinician , General Practitioner having also served as a lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine ,University of Peradeniya before moving to Australia for higher medical credentials in the year 2005 via a scholarship. Kanchi had joined the academic staff of the school of medicine, University of Queensland teaching, taking part in the examination processes too until year 2012 while continuing her post graduate research. Kanchi still serves as an Clinical Examiner for the medical school at the University of Queensland.  

Dr Kanchanamala (Kanchi) Ranasinghe possesses MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), FACRRM (Fellowship of the Rural and Remote College of Medicine), FRACGP( Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of general Practitioners), FARGP ( Royal Australian College of General Physicians), EMC , CWH, MPhil ( Master of Philosophy) and PHD (  Doctor of Philosophy, University of QLD ) which is the highest postgraduate achievement one could achieve. These qualifications Kanchi had obtained at a relatively young age and a brief period is now also a sought after specialised General Practitioner in QLD. During her tenure in QLD after her PhD having moved west to St.George suburb , where she works in a variety of subspecialties including Obstetrics, Rural and Remote Emergency Medicine and General Practice .Kanchi had thereafter worked at the Royal Children Hospital in Brisbane . Kanchi had worked in many Emergency units in Toowoomba hospital, Redlands hospital and Prince Charles Hospital, in the Sunshine Coast too. where she had positively triumphed over  her FACRRM, FRACGP and FARGP through General Practice training in QLD. Kanchi intends to continue her work in teaching ,research and clinical medicine with superior emphasis in patient and medical education. Kanchi had emphasized and reiterated in media discussions that giving a patient hearing to the related ailments should be the priority of any physician , as of course his calling on  the medical officer is to obtain redress for his ailment.  

In Australia , a week in July every year focus  on  attention  to ‘infant mental health’. The authorities of SBS Sinhala radio in Brisbane had invited  the consultant, senior lecturer at the school of medicine Griffith university her in this mid year for  Dr Kanchanamala( Kanchi)  Ranasinghe to narrate its dire significance to make awareness among all Sri Lankans.It is so important for every infant ,dubbed those below one year in age needs to begin life in a positive conducive  manner. To narrate its dire importance to make an awareness among all Sri Lankans down under and those back home. She revealed that all believe that only elders and children suffer from mental health disorders. But not so, as all infants during the first year too suffer from mental stress, owing to many factors like , lack of sleep , restlessness etc.Through research studies it had revealed about seventy percent who were diagnosed with mental health disorders later in life had been affected as infants or in their childhood. . It is of paramount important that the infants are given maximum attention, as it is during this time their brain cells starts to develop. . It has been now proved that a major cause of mental deceases had been initiated from what they had carried from infant age. It has been researched and found from year 2009 to year 2019 before the covid-19 catastrophe period “disability adjusted life years” had increased from eighty million to one hundred and twenty five million due to mental health conditions. This figure  may have increased to unprecedented tall elevations to date with other restraints like prevalent wars, food catastrophes and other factors. It had also been researched and found that one among eight persons in the world suffer from some sort of mental disorders. In this scenario it important to identify the factors that lead to infant health obsessions.    

Dr Kanchanamala was also invited by the 4EB radio in Brisbane to speak on “Stress and its long-term effects” in June this year as focussed by the World Health Organisation. For all the ‘stress’ is on the incline owing to many impediments encountered like problems at work, home issues, children’s’ matters, financial concerns which obviously offer growth to stress. She attributed ‘stress factor’ to six causes for fatalities, which are the foremost triggers of deaths in the world. These deceases are cancer, heart attacks, accidents, deceases in the alimentary canal, cirrhosis, and perpetrating suicide. The reasons are from our own thinking for a prolonged time with which certain functions in the body transforms .She stressed that there is a huge adaptive capacity for human beings but owing to overthinking of a prevailing issue will perhaps lead to stress. In a research made by the Global Organization for Stress in a survey it had revealed the seventy five per cent people are subjected to mental stress. The only way to reduce this alarming number is to help each other. The presenter of the program was flabbergasted when Kanchanamala said there is stress among the infants too. It is during the first three years the brain of a child begin to develop. All activities of adults are observed by the child up to the age of three years. The child needs maximum care and attention during the first three years,This foundation has to be laid rigidly in infant age by offering all his vital needs in a loving , kind way. Kanchanamala categorized stress factor as ‘acute’ stress and ‘chronic stress’.

As an example in acute stress were quoted as by an athlete who is to about to commence a one hundred metre dash or standing in an unsafe area when hormones are discharged instantly in assisting to navigate over these constraints. In chronic stress people have been living over a long period like having financial issues, domestic problems, children’s matters unsolved, basic needs, family conflicts who had been forced to live on with them. In these instances, the nervous and hormone system makes severe changes to the body. This would lead to increase of cholesterol in the body which may lead to heart attacks, also headaches which would affect the muscles, also increases the possibility to lead to diabetes. In a survey carried out in Australia seventy two percent had confessed that stress factor had affected their health drastically. Some sixty per cent had said it had affected their thinking capacity too. Eight percent of the university and students in TAFE institutions have admitted that they suffer from mental stress .But unfortunately only a fewer percentage had obtained assistance to get over  situation  which could be evaded by consulting physicians to explain their ailments. The main symptoms of chronic stress are one who likes to live in isolation, lose temper, live in frustration, get excited abruptly, If a doctor and a proper psychologist is not consulted the patient would face severe physical and mental consequences. They are prone to get addicted to smoking, liquor, drugs which will lead to more destruction. Her advice is to meet the family physician regularly by speaking to him/her about their anxieties. In Australia there are many institutions to help those like lifeline, black talk institute, smiling line, coping with stress etc. Kanchanamala also briefed to make aware that by taking prescribed drugs alone for high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol would not be sufficient but  has instructed to obtain advise from the family physician to maintain good mental health which is paramount to managing physical health as well. She advised all to stay away from the traditional monotonous life deviating from them by taking part in sports, art, music. mixing with friends etc which is vital for good mental health.  

Kanchi apart from excelling in many areas of medicine enjoys engaging in sports and in the field of performing arts emulating her legendary parents’ duo of course having inherited genetic affiliations to them. She had affirmed that she loves art , music more than to her medical profession saying it is her comfort zone.. Since she was a little kid she had been following the feats of the parents by viewing their stage dramas very meticulously with tremendous curiosity. Many fellow artistes of her parents have had the recurrence to visit their dwelling for practices also she had been visiting the Peradeniya Sarsaviya open air auditorium located close to their home whenever time permitted. Kanchi had closely watched every movement of her mother performing the role as the “ Suppadevi”. Though Kanchi has had in her innate thinking to perform this role one day had not divulged to the parents. She had kept it very covertly for nearly twenty six years .She had remarked that she had known all the stanzas of the ‘Sinhabahu’ play by heart. After she divulged her interest to portray her mother’s role of “Suppadevi” , her mother was very astonished had instantly consented .Kanchi had communicated with  Madam Lalitha Sarathchandra about four years back conveying her willingness to portray the role of “Suppadevi”.At the first instance she had been asked to sing a song which had soothed Madam Sarathchandra who had complied,  had got her to take part in rehearsals. Of course Kanchi knew very well it is a huge challenge for her decision as she had two young school going children, to travel from Australia, taking leave from her busy medical profession were not that what could be navigated over simply. Kanchi made her debut as “ suppadevi” portraying the same role as her mother on the 6th of Juy 2019 at Elphinston theatre and on the 13th at Lionel Wendt. She had been given the proposed dates of future ‘Sinhabahu’ stage plays to be staged for which she had hoped to travel to Sri Lanka.In December year 2019 she had travelled to Sri Lanka with her family. She had been invited to the SLRC’s popular Saturday evening program “Thala Bashana” the other guests were well known Chandani Hettiarachchi, Lankika Perera, Rohan de silva and Madhavi Anthony at which time she had  portrayed the “Suppadevi” character five times including the last one at the Lionel Wendt art theatre after which Kanchi had received many accolades from numerous quarters .  Kanchi elaborated to the presenter Thanuja Jayawardena on how she was selected for her role of “Suppadevi” for  the stage play ‘Sinhabahu’.At this program Kanchi sang two songs “Ira Paya” and “Raja Maduraka” very strikingly comparable to that of a veteran. During her visit she mother and her two children ,daughter Aravindi and son Previne were invited to the program “Rise and Shine” in a English ‘EYE’ television channel at which both children sang English numbers which the duo is familiar in. This was an emphasis and an illustration showcasing the talent of three generations implicated in art via hereditary affiliations. During that visit she had launched three of her songs “Nubata Ehenne Nehe”, ( music by Nalaka Anjana Kumara), official music video ”Rosa Mal Dothe”  (music by Dharshana Wickrematunga),”Gav Ganan” music video ,music by Dharshana Wickrematunga, all the lyrics were penned by Nayanasena Wanninayake. which were in addition to one other song already recorded and released. The trailers of the songs were played during this interview. Her next song yet to be launched is ‘Sanda Pahan” a duet with Nalaka Anjana Kumara for his music composition, lyrics by Sunil R Gamage.This song along with many others are to be staged in Sri Lanka as a Musical Show on 7th of January called “ Sahan Pahan Re” at the Lionel Wednt Arts Theatre in Colombo.    This musical show is planned with much enthusiasm and will showcase contributions form many veteran artists . Sanda Pahan Ra musical show will be presented by – Narada Wijayasuriya – Award winning Lyricist, Renowned writer and Outstanding presenter, Music Direction and Invited Singer – Maestro Nalaka Anjana Kumara, Co- ordination – Buddadhasa Galapaththi, Organising – Jude Sri Mal, Visuals – Sanjaya Hemasiri, Invited Performance – Geeth Premachnadra and wife Swarnamali – Chitrasena Dance Academy. Tickets could be obtained from Jude Sri Mal –+777363633 or from the Lionel Wendt Office – (+94) 11-2695794, Lionel Wendt Art Centre,18 Guildford Crescent, Colombo 007

It is pertinent to quote that  Dr Kanchanamala leads a team of doctors in Brisbane.In collaboration  with FSOQ ( Federation of Sri Lanka Organizations in Queensland) work in coordinating for the  Sri Lankan community in Australia  when mother Sri Lanka was in dire straits for want of emergency medicines while in the acute catastrophe situation recently,. The group is extremely reliable does all activities with absolute transparency. Along with Dr. Kanchi, Dr. Akila Samarakkody, Dr. Sisira Gunaratne works in the Brisbane Doctors team and from FSOQ Prof Jayasiri Weerawardena (President), Jayantha Weerasekera (Secretary), Sidath Wijethunga, Uditha Manage, Darshika Koggalahewa, Sumith Dissanayake work on this project with the Sri Lankan Community and all of the affiliated organisations of FSOQ. The suppliers of medical drugs in Sri Lanka were communicated, when they could not supply them to the related hospitals. Overseas suppliers were too contacted when needed to supply the urgently needed life saving critical drugs. The reputed companies like ‘Venus remedies ltd”, “SLIM pharmaceutical (pvt) Ltd” “ABS  Pharma services (pvt) ltd were initially asked to furnish quotations,A sum of AUD 34283.42 were remitted amonunting to over eight point five million rupees to the above pharmaceutical companies. This process will continue until the government hospitals receive adequate supplies of urgent medical drugs. For more details one could log on to the FSOQ website. Dr Kanchanamala also has commenced her own youtube channel Youtube via which all details could be found.  

From the foregoing genius Dr Kanchanamala’s multifaceted feats including her charity work where she remains on low profile not willing to speak on much.She needs to be hailed and applauded  to unprecedented tall elevations perhaps unparallel to many. Which are, very well demonstrated having accomplished an abundant of achievements ,navigating over all triumphs with consummate comfort at such a relatively young age . Having qualified in all possible post medical examinations v.i.z, MBBS, FACRRM, FRACGP, FARGP ,EMC,CWH , MPHIL and PHD ,sharing her immense knowledge educating medical students by also rendering an immaculate service to many patients been a specialised general practitioner. Having completed the highest medical qualifications she devotes more time for her passion in singing also in rehearsing for the ‘Suppadevi” role in the stage play ‘Sinhabahu’ emulating her mother legendary Malini Ranasinghe.There is no doubt all her friends, patients, students, fans  in Sri Lanka and Australia would wish her a booming success in her all impending endeavours which would no doubt would continue in the same vein and passion..