Premasiri Kemadasa ‘Surin’, a unique and unforgettable figure in Sri Lanka’s music industry, left an indelible mark with his innovative musical blends that captivated both young and old, as well as international audiences. Master Kemadasa, known for his distinctive musical taste, tirelessly worked to elevate Sri Lankan research music to new heights. His immense knowledge, experience, and creativity paved the way for a remarkable musical journey, leaving a legacy that has persisted even 16 years after his passing on October 28, 2008.
Today, his daughter, Gayatri Kemadasa, continues his mission, striving to enhance the art of music her father championed and take it to the international stage. Despite her efforts, she recently faced a significant setback due to an incident involving Rohitha Bogollagama, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and former Minister of Foreign Affairs. This incident not only embarrassed Gayatri but also brought disgrace to Sri Lanka.
On May 12, 2024, a special music concert was held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in England, organized by a local university. Gayatri Kemadasa was invited to perform, marking a prestigious opportunity for her and Sri Lanka. The event, attended by around 500 people, including British nationals, members of Parliament, ministers, and other dignitaries, was a significant occasion. Rohitha Bogollagama was invited as the chief guest, and his participation was highly publicized.
However, Bogollagama suddenly announced that he would not attend the event, causing great embarrassment for the organizers and Gayatri. In Sri Lanka, such an occurrence might be overlooked, but in Great Britain, it reflects poorly on the country’s image. The absence of the High Commissioner, who had been repeatedly reminded to attend since March 27, 2024, was a significant oversight, and attempts to contact him on the day of the event were unsuccessful.
Gayatri even reached out to Minister Bandula Gunawardena, who in turn contacted Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri and other officials, but to no avail. When Gunawardena finally spoke to Bogollagama, he falsely claimed ignorance about the event. Despite numerous reminders and communications, including emails and WhatsApp messages, Bogollagama failed to attend, further tarnishing Sri Lanka’s reputation.
Adding to the scandal, Bogollagama, known for past corrupt activities, had moved his family to Britain using his official position. His son, Dakshitha Bogollagama, also accused of corruption, resides in the official residence and has been involved in various illicit activities, including a recent incident involving prostitutes at the residence. Such actions have not only brought shame to Sri Lanka but have also raised serious questions about the appointment of individuals like Bogollagama to diplomatic positions.
This chain of events underscores the need for responsible and ethical representation in foreign service. The incident involving Gayatri Kemadasa, who sought to uplift Sri Lanka through her music, highlights the detrimental impact of appointing unsuitable individuals to key diplomatic roles. It is imperative to address these issues to restore the country’s reputation and ensure effective diplomatic representation.
