January 05, Colombo (LNW): Veteran journalist and acclaimed lyricist Chandrasena Thalangama passed away last night at the age of 71, leaving behind a distinctive legacy that bridged literature, journalism and modern Sri Lankan music.
Born in Thalangama in 1944, he entered the field of journalism in 1980, writing under the name Thalangama Chandrasena. For decades, his thoughtful prose and sharp observations earned him respect in media circles, even as another creative passion quietly took shape alongside his reporting.
Though he had been writing lyrics drawn from personal experiences and social realities for many years, they remained largely unnoticed until musician Charitha Atalage recognised their depth and musical potential. That collaboration marked a turning point, with his debut song Sansaraye Ma released in 2017, launching an extraordinary second career at a stage of life when many consider slowing down.
From that moment, Chandrasena Thalangama’s words struck a powerful chord with younger audiences. Songs such as Kuveni, Dura Akahe, Navum Kale, Dole and Duwe by Charitha Atalage, Soya Ava and Naadagam Gee by Ridma Weerawardena, and Radhavani by Supun Perera showcased his ability to move effortlessly between themes of love, history, identity and contemporary society.
He was particularly admired for refining lyrics that once relied on crude or dated language, reshaping them into thoughtful, poetic expressions without losing their popular appeal. His work demonstrated that meaningful songwriting could still thrive in modern music.
Chandrasena Thalangama’s journey stands as a rare example of a creative dream fulfilled later in life. His influence on Sri Lanka’s contemporary music scene endures, carried forward through songs that continue to resonate deeply with listeners across generations.
