Taking Sri Lanka beyond borders, Rakitha Wickramaratne, renowned percussionist who is known as the ‘International Sri Lankan’, has infused our art with meaning and purpose, earning intentional recognition to crown our aesthetic grandeur on a global pedestal. With a vision to embrace fresh concepts driven by unwavering commitment and determination, he inked another chapter in [...]
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Taking Sri Lanka beyond borders, Rakitha Wickramaratne, renowned percussionist who is known as the ‘International Sri Lankan’, has infused our art with meaning and purpose, earning intentional recognition to crown our aesthetic grandeur on a global pedestal. With a vision to embrace fresh concepts driven by unwavering commitment and determination, he inked another chapter in his journey with his new aesthetic spectacle – ‘BeRakitha’. The aesthetic showcase unveiled to the public on October 30 at the MAS Arena Hall at Royal College Colombo.
A group of distinguished Sri Lankan artists, including Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Mahesh Denipitiya, Channa Wijewardena, Chandana Wickramasinghe, Sahan Ranwala, Aruna Siriwardena, Upula Madushanka, Billy Fernando, Lahiru Perera, Charitha Attalage and Eranda Bandara were part of this aesthetic experience. The event showcased how music can enrich lives and create opportunities while exploring the role of modern technology in expanding the boundaries of rhythmic arts, introducing new trends and seamlessly blending singing, instrumental, and rhythmic practices to deliver an immersive cultural experience. It was an enriching and aesthetically pleasing evening filled with joy, warmly appreciated by the schoolchildren, teachers, and fans in attendance.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the largest Percussion Rig in Sri Lanka, which is a 35-million-rupee masterpiece specially custom-made for Rakitha by world-leading brands LP, DW, REMO, InEarz Audio, Vater Percussion and PAISTE. This marked a rare instance where such a percussion rig with Kandyan inspiration, was crafted specifically for an artist.
Here’s a glimpse into the achievements and milestones of Rakitha Wickramaratne, reflecting the aesthetic legacy he has bestowed upon Sri Lanka throughout his 20-year journey in rhythm and music.
1. 2004 – ‘SAGA’ by Royal College, Colombo
2. 2007 – ‘NAADRO; Percussion Ensemble
3. 2007 – LP (Latin Percussion) Brand Endorsement
4. 2017 – ‘Bera Fest’ (International Drum Festival in Sri Lanka)
5. 2023 – ‘Tech Bheri’ (New Innovation for Sri Lankan Traditional Drums)
6. 2023 – Contributed for background music of movies under A.R. Rahman’s Music Direction
Rakitha expressed his appreciation for everyone who came to witness and experience the Rhythmic mantra of the ‘International Sri Lankan’ while also inviting them for future experiences of this scale.
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Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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