That is how we recognise talent; only after death.

One must thank Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne (The Island, LeisureLand 5/12) for her full page, illustrated article on Rohana Beddage, another rare gem in a pit of mud and sand, who says, "If I had not become an entertainer, I would have become a farmer." This humble maestro, who does not mix politics with art, something which most artistes in this country are guilty of (maybe because politics is the most profitable business today for both laymen and clergymen, this barefooted but sure-footed ‘gamarala’ who entertained us unceasingly when the two main TV channels were the state Rupavahini and ITN which have now fallen by the wayside as servile trumpets of the establishment, this man, Rohana Beddage, is one who can think out of the proverbial box, as Rochelle beautifully explains.

Beddage’s famous lines from his famous ballad ‘Maamai Banai’ sums up the fate of the truly talented, ‘Haththalamay wechcha deta mak korannada’ which can be translated as ‘woth to do, woth to do!’ (The words of the French Professor who returned to his group of English speaking students after a surprise visit to his wife who was in the arms of a stranger!)

Rochelle refers to Beddage’s wit, which is as sharp as ever. Referring to the limitless number of ads which very badly interrupts programmes, Beddage says, "ara kawudo kiyuwa wage, mey ads tika balaaganna bey naattayak hinda’ (as someone mentioned, I am unable to watch the ads due to a tele-drama)." By the way, I know so many families that use the remote control to watch another programme during ads. Please try it! That’s what the remote control is for.

Rohana Beddage’s great talent can be attributed to the rhythm of life, to use Rochelle’s words, the sound of birds, the wind blowing through the paddy fields, streams flowing, living with nature.

For an artiste to be successful financially in Sri Lanka, he must act the clown, prostitute himself and please the masses. Switch on your TV and you will see such artistes promoting meatballs and sausages to CDMA phones.

Like Premasiri Khemadasa, Rohana Beddage is a musician par excellence. But they will always be with empty pockets.