Empower the future, strengthen the freedom of our children with Maliban Gold Marie ‘Nidhahase Ran Daruwo’
We can identify the song, Sakala Bujan kota kalisan as one of those songs that is known throughout generations, dating back for five decades. Even though the experiences expressed through the song, which was written by Melroy Dharmaratne of “Dharmaratne Brothers”, an iconic musical band of 1960's and 1970's, were based on the past society, it is evident that it has not failed to remain as one of the famous songs among children of this day and age. This wonderful children’s' song ‘Sakala Bujan’, which was sung by then a very young child, Shiromi Fernando, became ‘Punchi Suran’ teaching many important lessons to the world over time. How did ‘Sakala Bujan’ become ‘Punchi Suran’? Melroy Dharmarathne, the owner of this song, joined us in conversation to explain how and why. 
As a song Sakala Bujan became Punchi Suran not just literally. The content has changed itself entirely. I would like to see this as a rebirth of the song rather than a change of it.

Why was the original song changed like this?

This song which was written by me was based on a child who does domestic chores at a house. Basically, it was about a child servant or child labour. Back then there was not much attention given to child labour. But today it has changed drastically. The concern and the attention on children is very high, in addition, child labour has been banned legally. Children expect and deserve happiness and freedom. They love it. So, with this change of circumstances, however much the song is famous it does not really suit the present-day society. 

The brand, Maliban Gold Marie approached me with the proposal to amend this song to cater to the hopes and wishes of today’s society, especially considering the freedom expected by all children and to commemorate world Children’s' Day. Children are like flowers; we always say it and I strongly believe in that and therefore I could not ignore this proposal by Maliban Gold Marie. Because as adults our responsibility and our duty is to provide our younger generation, our children, with the best, most suited things in life. 

And I believe 'Nidahase Ran Daruwo' fund, which will be created through this song will do an invaluable service to the children of this country. We are so glad that Maliban will be dedicating 50 cents towards this fund from each Gold Marie packet they sell. This fund will contribute towards many things that will ensure a brighter future for our kids such as taking measures to safeguard their future, giving them the best possible education, assisting in developing their personalities and attitudes, and protecting their rights, the rights of children. I am so glad I could give my creative contribution towards an act done in good faith for our children.

From Left to Right: Melroy Dharmarathne, lyricist of the original version ‘Sakala Bujan’ and Kushani Peeris, Senior Marketing Manager - Maliban Biscuits PVT Ltd

Will the new ‘Sakala Suran’ reduce the popularity of the original version?

Like I said before the original is now a part of history. And it is not quite compatible with the present day. The only difference is with the lyrics. The original refers to a child who is a domestic servant, but the new version refers to a child who grows up in a very happy and free environment. Children love happiness and their freedom and therefore I believe children of today's society will love this new version too. And I would like to request not only children but their dear parents also to enjoy this new version of this song. 

Kushani Peeris, Senior Marketing Manager - Maliban Biscuits PVT Ltd shared her thoughts as to why the company decided to move forward with this song in celebrating world Children’s Day. 

Unlike any other year, this Children’s Day would be very valuable for our kids because with the current context they are house bound and so their lives are very routine, and they have no social life where they could play or have a good time with their friends. Mental and physical wellbeing is very important for their future. 

Maliban Biscuits PVT Ltd is a product made for children, with a trusted history of nearly seven decades throughout generations. We can identify Maliban Gold Marie as a product that contains all the rich nutrients which are vital for the growth of a child. Our founder's main intention was to introduce a trustworthy product with a great quality to children. Maliban Gold Marie was introduced just for that purpose. And even today Maliban prioritizes the happiness and independence of kids and is dedicated towards fulfilling the vision of our founder. Sakala Bujan became Punchi Suran, symbolizing what we stand for, the happiness and freedom of children. To make this change a reality, the dedication shown by the creator of this famous song, Melroy Dharmaratne is very commendable. He had a good understanding about this and with the intention of inculcating good attitudes in children he gave us his consent and the opportunity to amend his creation. And that is how Punchi Suran was born.

The Nidahase Ran Daruwo Fund will be dedicated to uplift the freedom of children could be recognized as the main objective of this amendment. We have ensured that a contribution of 50cents will be made towards this fund from the sale of each packet of Maliban Gold Marie. Through this fund, which starts with this song, we hope to brighten and safeguard their future, while also sharpening their talents and skills, develop their attitudes and personalities and providing more opportunities for their creativity. We would like to mention that, on behalf of world Children’s Day, we as Maliban are dedicated to providing the best for our children while ensuring them a prosperous future. We also like to make this an opportunity to acknowledge and express our gratitude to everyone who supported us in various ways towards realizing this meaningful cause that will be strengthening the future and the freedom of children.