Harshana
Dissanayake

A Childhood Shaped by Music

The musical journey of Harshana Dissanayake began long before he stepped onto a stage. According to his early-life story, he was already responding to rhythms while still in his mother’s womb — a beautiful beginning to what would later become a remarkable journey in Sri Lankan music.

Music was deeply rooted in Harshana Dissanayake’s family. Both of his parents were music teachers in their village. Harshana’s mother, Edirisinghe Menike Herath, and his father, Jayathilaka Dissanayake, played an important role in creating the musical environment that surrounded his childhood.

Growing up in a home where music was part of everyday life, Harshana was naturally exposed to rhythm, melody and traditional Sri Lankan musical culture from an early age.

Harshana’s Early Education

Harshana Dissanayake began his primary education at Dambadeniya Madhya Vidyalaya. Harshana later continued his education at Wickramashila National School, Giriulla, where his interest in music began to develop into a serious passion.

It was during his time at Wickramashila National School that Harshana formally started studying Music as a subject. This became a significant turning point in his life, opening the door to a deeper understanding of musical expression and performance.

Meeting Sunil Dayananda Konara

During this important stage of his musical development, Harshana Dissanayake had the opportunity to meet renowned musician and music educator Sunil Dayananda Konara.

This meeting became an important influence in Harshana’s musical journey. Under the guidance and influence of experienced musicians, his natural talent began to develop further, helping him build the foundation for the distinctive musical identity that audiences would later recognize.

Harshana’s early education, family background and exposure to respected musicians all contributed to shaping Harshana Dissanayake as a Sri Lankan singer and musical artist.

Moving to Ananda College, Colombo

After completing his education at Wickramashila National School, Harshana Dissanayake entered Ananda College, Colombo, continuing both his academic and musical journey in the capital.

Harshana’s transition to Colombo marked another important chapter in his life, bringing him closer to a wider musical environment and creating new opportunities for his development as a young artist.

Early Musical Works

Harshana Dissanayake’s early career became associated with memorable Sinhala songs that connected strongly with younger audiences and families. Among his notable album works are:

• Iren Handen
• Pichcha Kekulu

Harshana’s voice also became recognized through Sinhala cinema, including songs featured in popular films.

Film Songs

One of the most memorable songs associated with Harshana Dissanayake is “Iren Handen”, featured in the Sri Lankan film Sooriya Arana. The song remains one of the notable works in his musical journey and is widely associated with his voice.

Harshana also performed “Meka Sonduru Lokayak”, associated with the film Samanala Tharu. Harshana’s repertoire includes a number of Sinhala songs that have continued to be remembered by listeners across generations.

The Beginning of a Lifelong Musical Journey

From a childhood surrounded by music to formal musical education and his early experiences with respected musicians, Harshana Dissanayake’s childhood laid the foundation for his career in Sinhala music.

Harshana’s journey reflects how family, education, mentorship and a natural connection with music can come together to shape an artist. Today, the name Harshana Dissanayake continues to be associated with Sinhala music, memorable melodies and a distinctive vocal presence in Sri Lankan entertainment.

From Ananda College to the University of the Visual & Performing Arts

Following his education at Ananda College, Colombo, Harshana Dissanayake took another important step in his artistic journey by entering the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo.

Harshana’s university years became a significant period of growth, not only as a vocalist but also as a musician and creative artist. During this time, Harshana completed his degree in Applied and Folk Communication, while being exposed to a diverse range of subjects and artistic disciplines that broadened his understanding of music and creative expression.

Discovering Different Dimensions of Music

University life introduced Harshana Dissanayake to new dimensions of music, including music composition, Sinhala literature and different genres of music.

This period allowed him to explore music beyond singing. Harshana’s exposure to composition, literature and different musical traditions helped him develop a deeper understanding of melody, lyrics, storytelling and musical arrangement.

The combination of his academic knowledge and practical musical experience played an important role in shaping the artistic identity of Harshana Dissanayake.

A Period of Memorable Songs

Some of Harshana Dissanayake’s memorable songs were created and performed during this period of his life. Harshana’s university years marked a particularly creative chapter, during which several songs that would become associated with his musical journey began to emerge. Among them are:

• Dän Ithin Samuganna
• Heena Pene Hema Raakama
• Sara Sip Sayuru
• Nathara Una Gagak
• Thanipangalamē

These songs reflect a period in which Harshana’s voice, musical understanding and emotional interpretation continued to develop.

Music for Cinema

Harshana Dissanayake’s connection with Sinhala cinema also grew during this stage of his career. Harshana’s involvement in film music opened another creative path, allowing him to combine his vocal abilities with storytelling through cinema. Among the notable film songs associated with this period are:

• Siri Raja Siri — “Sara Sip Sayuru”
• Kusa Paba — “Madura Wasanthe”

These works became part of Harshana Dissanayake’s growing contribution to Sri Lankan Sinhala music and film music.

Developing an Identity in Sinhala Music

The years following Ananda College and his time at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts were more than an academic chapter for Harshana Dissanayake. They were a period of artistic exploration, experimentation and personal growth.

Through music composition, Sinhala literature, different music genres, songwriting and film music, Harshana continued to discover his own musical identity.

This chapter played an important role in transforming the young artist who grew up surrounded by music into the Harshana Dissanayake audiences would come to recognize through Sinhala songs, film music and live performances.

A Foundation for the Artist He Became

Harshana’s university years provided Harshana Dissanayake with both knowledge and experience that would influence his later career. The combination of formal education, musical exploration and real-world creative opportunities became a strong foundation for his continuing journey in Sri Lankan music.

From the classrooms of Ananda College and the University of the Visual & Performing Arts to recording studios and the world of Sinhala cinema, this was a defining period in the evolution of Harshana Dissanayake as a singer, musician and creative artist.

A New Chapter in Harshana Music

In 2024, Harshana Dissanayake began another important chapter in his musical journey by establishing the Harshana Dissanayake Music Academy.

The academy was created with a vision that goes beyond music education. Through the academy, Harshana has been able to share his knowledge, experience and musical understanding with a new generation of aspiring artists, creating opportunities for young talents to develop their abilities and contribute to the future of the Sri Lankan music industry.

For Harshana, music is not only about creating songs — it is also about passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

Creating Music for a New Generation

This period became another creatively significant chapter in Harshana Dissanayake’s career. During this time, a number of memorable songs were created and introduced to audiences, including:

• Unmada Chithra
• Mathakai Mata Thama
• As Amapaneki
• Mana Bandana Roopa Sobhave
• Bamburun Wadeewa
• Adaren Wage

These creations further reflected Harshana’s continuing contribution to Sinhala music, combining his experience as a vocalist with his understanding of melody, lyrics and musical expression.

“Kusum Pipena Wasanthe” – An 18-Song Album

One of the notable achievements of this period was the release of “Kusum Pipena Wasanthe,” an album featuring 18 songs.

The album represents another significant body of work within Harshana Dissanayake’s musical journey, bringing together a collection of songs that showcase his continued creative involvement in Sinhala music.

Alongside his album work, Harshana also expanded into digital music releases. “Premaniya Handaawa” was released as a digital album during this period, reflecting the changing landscape of music consumption and the growing importance of digital platforms for Sri Lankan artists. Listen to his releases.

Contributions to Sinhala Cinema

Harshana Dissanayake’s work during this period also extended into Sri Lankan cinema. Harshana’s voice became part of several major film productions, contributing background vocals and songs to films including:

• Jangi Hora
• SinhaBahu
• Weli Pawura
• Puduma Skole
• Sooriya Arana / Tsunami

Harshana’s involvement in cinema allowed him to explore another dimension of musical storytelling, using his voice to complement the emotions and narratives presented on screen.

Recognition for “Buduwariya”

One of the most significant milestones in Harshana Dissanayake’s career came through the film “Tsunami.”

Harshana’s contribution to the song “Buduwariya” earned him the Presidential Award for Best Singer of the Year, marking an important recognition of his contribution to Sri Lankan film music.

The award became a defining achievement in Harshana’s career, recognizing not only his vocal performance but also his continuing contribution to the development of Sinhala film songs and Sri Lankan music.

Inspiring the Next Generation

With the establishment of the Harshana Dissanayake Music Academy, his journey entered a new phase — one focused not only on creating music but also on developing future musicians.

From performing and recording songs to contributing to cinema, releasing albums and mentoring young artists, Harshana Dissanayake continues to build a musical legacy that connects different generations.

Harshana’s journey represents a continuous relationship with Sinhala music — from the songs he creates and performs to the young musicians he now helps guide through the Harshana Dissanayake Music Academy. For academy enquiries, get in touch.

Music, Family and a New Generation

Today, Harshana Dissanayake continues his musical journey with a vision that extends beyond his own career. Through the Harshana Dissanayake Music Academy and his family, he hopes to build a lasting journey in music — one that can continue across generations.

For Harshana, music has always been more than a profession. It has been a part of his life, his identity and his family. Harshana’s present chapter reflects that same connection, bringing together his work as a musician, educator, husband and father.

A Family Connected Through Music

Harshana Dissanayake is married to Lakshana Lakmini, who continues to be an important part of his personal journey.

Their family welcomed its newest member, Megha Dissanayake, bringing another beautiful chapter to the Dissanayake family story. Megha is now one and a half years old.

A Life Shaped by Music

For Harshana Dissanayake, music is not simply a career — it is a way of life.

Harshana’s journey began with his parents, who were the first people to introduce him to the world of singing and music. Growing up surrounded by music, Harshana received his earliest inspiration and guidance from his mother and father. Their influence became the foundation upon which his lifelong relationship with music was built.

Beyond his family, Harshana has had the privilege of working with many talented and respected musicians throughout his journey. Harshana considers the opportunity to learn, create and perform alongside different generations of musicians one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Music as a Way of Life

Over the years, music has gradually become an inseparable part of Harshana Dissanayake’s identity. From singing and songwriting to music composition, film music, live performances and mentoring young artists, every chapter of his journey has continued to bring him closer to the world of Sri Lankan music.

Through his work and the Harshana Dissanayake Music Academy, he now hopes to share the knowledge and experience he has gained throughout his career with the next generation.

For Harshana, the future of music should be diverse, creative and open to different forms of expression. Harshana’s vision is to help create a musical world for the next generation that is enriched with different genres, styles and musical experiences.

A Vision for the Next Generation

The journey of Harshana Music is therefore not only about the songs that have already been created. It is also about the music that is yet to come.

Harshana Dissanayake hopes to inspire young musicians to explore different genres, discover their own voices and contribute new ideas to the ever-evolving Sri Lankan music industry.

Music should continue to grow, evolve and be passed from one generation to the next.

From the lessons he received from his parents to the experiences gained by working with generations of musicians, Harshana carries forward that simple belief.