Few things have moved me as the letters to the press of 'Karuna' who, I presume, is the widow of the late Kanthi Wakwella, the popular singer. There's must have been a rare bond of love, for this lady to keep reminding the public, year in and year out, of the lilting melodies of Kanthi Wakwella.

There was a time when Kanthi Wakwella’s place was in that galaxy of the most talented radio artists. He, along with a few others, dominated our small world of music. Snatches of his songs used to be on the lips of music fans. A day would not pass without a song or two of Kanthi being broadcast over Radio Ceylon.

Kanthi Wakwella was a gay songster who, in his day, made his contribution in music to dispel the dullness and drabness of life. How well I remember his slightly nasal voice pouring out songs that many listened to in spellbound silence. His songs deserve to be preserved from oblivion. I think songs such as Sanday Tharuwane, Galana Halena, Vandimu Vandimu and Buk Masaya Apa Hera Yanawa are melodies that must be preserved for posterity.

Kanthi Wakwella is no more, but his memory lingers on in the hearts of his dear widow and in some music lovers, one of whom is this humble writer. He made life endurable to a large class of people in his day - that is no small achievement. We, Sri Lankans are notorious for having short memories.

The least we could now do is to pay a belated tribute to his memory. The broadcasting corporation is well-known for honouring artists of the past, be they vocalists, poets, musicians or painters. I hope that they will take steps to pay a posthumous tribute to Kanthi Wakwella. One hour devoted to his songs and to presenting a sketch of his life will be welcome. Such a step, no doubt, will serve to bring comfort and consolation to his widow. What Bernard Shaw said of England is true of this country as well; Sri Lanka does not deserve the great men born on this soil. They give of their best to the land of their birth, and when their end comes they remain unsung and un-honoured. This is in contrast to India where the very great as well as the not so very great are appreciated and rewarded.

Mahinda Rajapaksa, our President, has won name and fame for being a friend and patron of artists, savants, writers, scientists etc.

He will, I am sure, not wish a great singer to be relegated to undeserved oblivion. I hope and pray that those who serve him will draw his attention to this letter.