Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Tuesday described veteran musician Dr Victor Rathnayake as a “priceless treasure to our nation” at a ceremony organised by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) to mark his six-decade contribution to the country’s musical heritage.

The event, titled “Subhawita Githaye Situvarayano…Abhinandabhishekaya of Dr Victor Rathnayake”, was held at the Kumaratunga Munidasa Auditorium under the patronage of the Prime Minister. A portrait of Rathnayake was unveiled at the SLBC headquarters in recognition of his longstanding service to Sri Lankan music.

Addressing the gathering, Amarasuriya recalled Rathnayake’s landmark solo concert “Sa”, regarded as the most frequently staged solo concert in Sri Lanka, and said his music had nurtured her own appreciation of the Sinhala language. She highlighted songs including ‘Kurullanta Gee Gayanna Obe Kata Handa Denna’ and ‘Sangava Ganu Mena Sonduriya’ for their subtle portrayal of love, and referred to his compositions for the film Sarungale as works that helped bridge cultures.

“Truly, as a nation, we are extremely fortunate to have received a priceless treasure like you,” she said, extending wishes for his continued good health and long life following his 84th birthday on 18 February.

The Prime Minister also launched an initiative through the SLBC to honour living legends in the arts, despite ongoing challenges in the media sector.

The ceremony was attended by senior ministers, officials, family members and invited guests, including Minister of Buddhasasana Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Deputy Mass Media Minister Kaushalya Ariyarathna, and SLBC Chairman Uditha Gayashan Gunasekara.