A question for ‘Lionel Wendt’ users…Is Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa Mw not as posh as Guildford Crescent?

Though Guildford Crescent was popularly referred to as the ‘Lionel Wendt road’ in 2009 it was renamed as Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha to honour the late musician who did yeoman service to place Sri Lanka’s music on the world map

Street names are an important element that adds to a country’s history and heritage. A street name is also part of an individual’s memory, sometimes shaping their identity based on a location that they lived in. By renaming a particular street for instance it may contribute to the erasure of memory. Historians and anthropologists indicate that many streets in Colombo which were named during colonial times were renamed during and after 1956 to support the nationalist agenda of the then government.  The Guildford Crescent for example was popularly referred to as the ‘Lionel Wendt’ road from time to time as people were more familiar with the venue rather than the name of the road itself. But in 2009, Guildford Crescent was renamed as Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha to honour the late musician who did yeoman service to place Sri Lanka’s musical landscape on the world map.  

TheTransformation in 2009 

However, in January this year, Dr. Khemadasa’s family raised concerns over the fact that the Lionel Wendt continues to maintain the old nomenclature, 15 years after it was renamed. In a bid to seek an explanation as to why the famous theatre house continues to use the previous street name, Anupa Khemadasa, Dr. Khemadasa’s daughter, posed several questions to its management via an email. 

In her email, Anupa explained that the Lionel Wendt has been an integral part of her childhood, with memories intertwined with the cultural richness it embodies. “Having studied at Ladies’ College, the route to school invariably led past the Lionel Wendt, a symbol of artistic vibrancy. It is in this spirit of shared cultural appreciation that I write to you today. 

“In 2009, the road on which Lionel Wendt stands underwent a transformation, being rightfully renamed Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha to honour my father’s profound impact on Sri Lanka’s sonic landscape over a career spanning more than half a century. While this change was a significant milestone, I have observed that Lionel Wendt has not updated its promotional material to reflect this transformation. The continued use of the name Guildford Crescent raises questions and concerns.” 

The email further states that Guildford, as history notes, was an English governor, and in the context of present-day Sri Lanka, it represents a colonial legacy. “I find myself perplexed that an esteemed cultural institution like Lionel Wendt, which plays a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary cultural narrative, has opted to retain the name associated with colonial rulers rather than embracing the name of a distinguished cultural figure,” Anupa said in her email. 

“Around the world, it is commonplace for institutions to adapt and evolve, particularly in acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have significantly impacted society. Renaming roads and spaces in honour of such figures is a global practice that fosters a sense of pride and cultural identity. Numerous examples from various countries attest to this trend,” the email read. 

“I write to you not to criticise, but to seek understanding. I am genuinely curious if there are specific reasons behind Lionel Wendt’s decision to maintain the old nomenclature. Is there a reluctance to embrace the name of a cultural luminary, or are there other considerations that I may not be aware of,” Anupa questioned while adding that cultural institutions play a crucial role in shaping societal narratives and fostering a sense of identity.  

“No intentional decision to not use new street name” – Ameer 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Akhry Ameer, Manager at the Lionel Wendt Art Centre said that they don’t have any mandatory specifications for show producers to print the full address on tickets or on any other publicity material. “We only provide our spaces for events. It is the producers who print the material and they only specify Lionel Wendt Theatre. It is probably because everyone knows where it is. 

There is no particular reason as to why they are not using Dr. Premasiri Khemadasa Mawatha as the address. On the other hand, we hardly communicate on letterheads and we are still using our old stock. Personally, I have been coming to Lionel Wendt since my younger days and to me the instant recall is Guildford Crescent; just like we use the old names of many other roads that have been renamed in the recent past. There has been no intentional decision to not use the new name of the road. In fact, a number of theatre patrons have commented to staff that it is strange the road wasn’t named after Lionel Wendt, even though he dedicated his house and land as a location to showcase art and culture,” he added.