Lankika Perera
Born on 30th September 1952, Lankika grew up in the coastal suburban town of Morotuwa with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Peries. She was first exposed to music in school (Princess of Wales College) where she won the 1st prize at a competition aged 9 years. She also sang in the choir of the local Methodist church. Her maiden recording was for a Christian program on the radio, for the Sinhala service of then called Radio Ceylon.
During the early 70’s Clarence was accommodated at Lankika’s house by her brother Wijith who was a member of ‘The Moonstones’. Being in love with Lankika, Chanaka the bassist of ‘The Moonstones’ used to visit her frequently and Lankika often had many evenings full of music.
‘The Moonstones’ split up and Clarance, Chanaka and Lankika’s brother Wijith decided to form a new band.
Debut
Pleased with young Lankika’s voice by having heard her sing at home for pleasure with Chanaka, Clarence offered her to join as the female singer of his newly formed band ‘The Golden Chimes’, which she gladly accepted.
Her first ever record was with ‘The Golden Chimes’ on the Sooriya label, with the EP titled “The Dynamic New Sound of the Golden Chimes” bearing the catalogue number CHB 022.
Journey
In 1970 Chanaka proposed to Lankika, and the two were united in holy matrimony on 1st December 1971. Clarence composed the song “Ran Seenu Handawee” dedicated to Chanaka and Lankika’s wedding.
“Sihina Pethum Wimane” was composed by Clarence in dedication to Lankika’s first son born in 1972.
Despite the departure of Clarence Wijewardena as well as Dixon Gunerathna from the band in May 1973, Lankika and Chanaka continued the band. “Molaketi Puthuni”, “Malai Welai”, “Sandai Tharui”, “Bethlehem Pure”, “Puthu Nidiyay”, “Sihina Sagare” and “Hiru Negila” includes few of songs sung by Lankika and The Golden Chimes.
During late 70’s when Chanaka was abroad, Lankika continued new creations with the band releasing four new songs including the song “Guwan Yanaya” with melodies by Priya Peiris and lyrics by Karunarathne Abeysekara. She has also released CD’s of Gospel songs, titled “Yesusge Geetha” and “Yesusmen Mithurek”.
Next to being a full time member of the everlasting and evergreen ‘Golden Chimes’, Lankika also took up a “day job” at the Bank of Ceylon in 1972, from which she retired in 2011 as a Manager of Organization and Methods division at the head office.
As a mother of two and now also proud grandmother Lankika continues to devote her time to both her music and her family.
To mark the celebration of “The Golden Chimes” completing 45 years in 2015, ‘CELEBRATION SING-ALONG’ concert including Anil Bhareti and Rukshan Perera was held on 23rd August 2015, at Ramadiya Ranmal Holiday resort at 6.30 p.m., compered by Vijaya Corea.
