Hailing from Moratuwa, christened as Halpeliyanage Morris Joseph de Silva, Freddie’s love was for singing and dancing. A chance meeting with Sri John Kotelawala at a party, where Freddie performed the song “Bar Bar Bar” with an accompanying dance, paved the way for his first recording “Mottapala” at Radio Ceylon.

Since then he has sung more than 100 songs including such famous hits, “Kundumani”, “Pankiriththa” and “Paraviya Wage”.

In 1963, he entered the silver screen through “Suhada Sohoyuro” and went on to become one of the most popular comedians of Sri Lankan cinema during the 70’s through the 90’s taking part in over 300 films.

Amongst the hundreds of films which featured Freddie, “Kolamba Sanniya” marks Sooriya’s one and only recording of him: the song “Dum Bara Bage” with music by Sunil Shantha & the song “Rasa Kaka” with music by Nimal Mendis. Fr. Marcelline Jayakody penned lyrics for both songs.

In 1989, Freddie was awarded the lifetime Ranathisara award.

Born in 18th May 1938, Freddie passed away at the age of 63 in 29th October 2001.

“Freddie Silva: He took our breath away and we did not care” by Revata Silva, The Island