C.T. Fernando

Cyril Tudor Fernando (Sinhala: සිරිල් ටියුඩර් ප්රනාන්දු), known as C.T.Fernando (Sinhala: සී. ටී. ප්රනාන්දු) (January 28, 1921 – October 17, 1977), was a popular Sinhala singer in Sri Lanka. He entered music industry in the 1940s. He was praised by critics for the themes and wording of his songs like "Vana Bamaru," "Bilinda Nelwa Ukule" and "Rosa Male." His other popular songs include "Lo Ada Ninde", "Gile Male Tarawa" and "Mariya Mawu Kuse."

Early life and Career

C.T. was born in Kadalana, Moratuwa and educated at St. Mary's College, Nawalpitiya. As a student C.T. showed interest in the arts participating in school dramas and singing with the local church choir. C.T.Fernando often won prizes for elocution, singing and drama, including a gold medal of oratory. He was a chorister in his local parish church, and later became the choir master of A.R.P. Messenger service in Colombo between 1942 and 1965. He later joined the Grand Cabaret to entertain the troops involved in world war 2 and further developed his musical talents.

In 1946, Fernando successfully auditioned for a position as grade one radio artist on Radio Ceylon. There he had his first popular song with "Pin Sindu Wanne," a plea to children to stop harming birds. The song was written by R. N. H. Perera.