There’s vibrance and elegance. A blend of rich tones that captivates and gives an electrifying rush to the senses. It’s Eranga and Prianga!

Eranga and Prianga both come from musical backgrounds. Eranga’s father Leonard Weerasinghe, used to sing at the famous Tower Hall and her mother was a classicaly trained pianist. Her brother Sohan is one of the most popular singers in Sri Lanka along with his Band the Experiments. Prianga was musical from his young days and played the guitar. They met in the 60s when Prianga was introduced to Eranga’s family in far away Bundala. There was an instant connection between these two music lovers over their shared passion. Three years later they were married and living in Rugam near Batticaloa. This peaceful rural setting gave rise to the formation of the uniquely rich harmony
that is experienced by the duo’s fans to this day.

In 1965, upon hearing Eranga and Prianga when they were singing at Lewis Browns, Tony Fernando recognized the talent of the young couple and invited them to sing at the Sundown Dances held at the Coconut Grove at Galle Face Hotel. There on the couple sang dance tunes every Sunday, putting on a lively performance of Sinhala and Western songs.

Two years later the duo made an adventurous decision to travel to Great Britain overland. They formed a group of very talented Sri Lankan musicians and sang their way to earn their living and cover travel expenses. This spontaneous, impulsive nature made their songs even more vibrant. They sang in Bombay, Karachchi, Teheran, Istanbul, all the way to Athens, Germany and Paris. As their audience grew diverse so did their songs. They added Greek, German, Turkish and French songs
to the mix which made their audience feel a special bond to the music sung in their mother tongue by this eastern couple. An African love song, a Hawaiian rhythm, an Italian ballad, Calypso or American blues you name it they sing it! At present they sing in fifteen different languages. Their songs are truly an exotic blend! “Podi Nona” a song made famous by the duo and “Mavage Premaya” were recorded for a single play vinyl by Sooriya in 1976.

Making their mark along the way they reached the UK and was signed by BBC. They held concerts in and out of London. Had their only son Dinuke and after a few years moved to New York, via Honolulu. They have recorded with EMI in London at the world famous Abbey Road Studios and with David Frost’s Agency The Noel Gay Artistes. But this contract didn’t last due to disagreements with management about changing their style and names. Eranga and Prianga had already created
their own unique style of music and this is what their fans still love.

Later they moved to Hawaii representing Sri Lanka at the PATA Conference where they met the great Harry Belafonte. They sang for him and he invited them to come to New York. They have lived there since and had their solo concert at the United Nations. They have also performed at all the Resorts in the Catskills. They visit Sri Lanka frequently. They keep singing to this day entertaining the generations of hearts they have won over. Eranga and Prianga have made their mark on an international level with their rich combination and sensational performances. Their lives speak of the heights one can achieve with a little adventure, spontaneity and a lot of love.

WRITTEN BY THARAKA RANCHIGODA

EDITED BY NADEESHA PAULIS