Pix by Jayashanka Fernando

“The music and songs from the 1970s, a period considered as Sri Lanka’s golden era in music, is unforgettable. The singers, lyricists and music makers were all great and they are all legends,” says Nalin Perera, the leader of one of the country’s much sought after musical bands, Marians. 

The band leader, singer and musician was speaking about their upcoming show titled ‘Eda Wagemai’ with Marians  which will be held from 7 pm onwards on November 23 at the BMICH.

On the cards are songs of evergreen singers, like as Paul Fernando, Milton Perera, Wally Bastiansz, Clarence Wiewardena, C. T. Fernando and Anton Jones. The show is presented by Aquinas College of Higher Education, Colombo 8.  The grand evening of music is going to be band’s final show for the year 2024. 

Celebrating a 36-year long journey in music, Nalin is extremely contended about his music career. He started his music career with a group of schoolboys at St Mary’s College Chilaw, their alma mater. He witnessed different phases and trends in Sri Lankan music. In 2006 they did ‘unplugged’ taking open air music show to the indoors with quality sound and music. This was a crucial decision in his music career and something new that they introduced to music in Sri Lanka. The show brought them huge success and this trend was captured by other musical groups. 

“Having started with Clarence Wijewardena, who  is slated as the Sinhala Pop king, we featured many yesteryear singers and classical singers like Victor Ratnayake while honouring those who penned words to him like K. D. K. Dharmawardena and Premakeerthi de Alwis,” Nalin said expressing his gratitude to the legends of Sri Lankan music.

However Marains did add lot of colour to the music of 70s while preserving their original quality, a reason why all their shows become ‘sold out’.

“Surviving 36 years in the industry was not an easy thing. I gave something to the industry, especially with the unplugged shows and it is still in demand,” Nalin explained. 

However Nalin is of the view that he would not continue for many more years and he is getting ready for retirement in a few years from now. “I am not a politician, but a musician. I don’t want to stay in the limelight until I die. For everything there is a time,” he said.

 “I am 55 years now and I am a grandfather. I am planning my retirement and I want to be with my family. At the end of the day what’s most important is your family and those you love,” says Nalin who has imprinted a special milestone in Sri Lankan music history. 

Celebrating 35 years in the music industry, Marians was honoured with a postage stamp when the Postal Department issued a special commemorative cover for the a postage stamp featuring the popular band ‘Marians’.

Having dedicated his life to music, Nalin now feels that he missed his home and family “I really want to go back to the family and stay with them and give my full support and love. At the end of the day we are not taking anything from this world. And everything is not money, popularity won’t last and we have to do the right thing,” said Nalin in a thoughtful note. 

Started in 1988, Marians at present comprises Nalin Perera as the leader, his long standing partners Prasanna Rosa, on lead guitar and Ruwan Fernando, on rhythm guitar, with the others in the group being Chaminda Silva, on bass, Dileepa Mangala, on keyboards, Subash Punyasoma, on drums, Jayantha Kandabadage- Percussionist, Shehan Jayasooriya- Saxophonist and Shivantha Fernando on vocals.

Marians enjoys popularity both here and abroad. Next year the band will travel around the world performing in Dubai, Japan, Germany, France Italy, USA Canada, fly to Italy and end 2025 in the United Kingdom.