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"SEBALANENI", a musical tribute to the war heroes of our country premiered on MTV World, New York on the 7th of May, 2010. Tremendous significance arose from the premier as it was the first time a Sri Lankan song was aired on MTV World. "Sebaleneni", a powerful and emotional song appealing to hearts of many Sri Lankans’, was produced by Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s National Mobile Service Provider as a tribute to the true heroes of our nation.
MTV New York, a channel devoted to music, features the most popular singers from around the world on its show. MTV has had a profound impact on the music industry and popular culture since its inception in 1981. ‘Sebalaneni’ being the first Sri Lankan video to be premiered on the Music Channel, places Sri Lanka in the limelight of the music industry.
Sebalaneni was composed and sung by Ranidu Laknage, a known powerhouse of Sri Lankan pop culture, and grown to become one of the most dynamic players in the growing Sinhala pop world.
Suren J. Amarasekera, CEO of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, stated "At a time when the war in the north was at a peak, Mobitel being the National Mobile Service Provider was on the lookout for an effective means of expressing our solidarity to these Contemporary Heroes of our Nation. We felt music would be the ideal platform for such a gesture and we identified a likeminded passion for such a venture in Ranidu. All proceeds from the song were in aid of our Ranaviru Fund and it is very heartening to know that this effort has now been recognized in the international arena as well, which in turn helps us to take this message out to our Sri Lankan diaspora as well. I would also like to congratulate Ranidu on his success with the song, and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel is truly proud to have been a part of this significant milestone".
Sebalaneni was written by Anuradha Uduwage and the track’s moving music video was directed by Subhash Pinnapola. The track featured real army personnel in the video, portraying an act of what the battlefield looked like during war.
Commenting on the success of the song, Ranidu Lankage, expressed, "This project was initiated as it was one very close to my heart. It was devoted to all those great heroes who dedicated their lives for our nation in establishing sustainable peace. My inspiration for this song came from my father Brigadier Lankage, and Major General Parami Kulathunga who was like a father figure to me." he further stated. " ‘Sebalaneni’ being featured on MTV New York is a great achievement for our country and I would like to thank Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel for their relentless support and commitment towards developing this song and video." (courtesy: The Island)
