A musical discourse titled “Suwanda Jale Pipi Kumuduniye” was held on February 8 at St. Vincent’s Home, Maggona, located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, to commemorate the 28th death anniversary of Ramon Magsaysay Award-winning priest Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, OMI — a towering figure in Sri Lankan Catholic literature and sacred music.
Often described as the “Nobel Prize of Asia,” the Ramon Magsaysay Award was among the many honors conferred on Fr. Jayakody, who was widely recognized as a poet, musician, author, journalist, and priest. His contribution to Sinhala Catholic hymnody and literature remains unparalleled.
The commemorative event took place in front of the chapel of St. Vincent’s Home, a historic institution administered by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI). The venue held special significance, as Fr. Jayakody served as parish priest in Maggona nearly eight decades ago. It was during this period that much of his celebrated creative work was composed.
The title of the musical evening was drawn from the opening line of a hymn he wrote in 1948 while serving in Maggona. Likewise, the well-known theme song of the tribute cassette “Nelum Pipila,” produced by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation — “Mamath Malak Nam Pipi Suwanda Vee” — was also written by him in Maggona in 1945.
Fr. Jayakody holds a unique place in Sri Lanka’s cultural and ecclesial history. He was the first Catholic priest to receive the State Literary Award and the first to be honored with the national title “Kala Shuri” by the Government of Sri Lanka. He remains the only Catholic priest in the country to have received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.
The tribute concert traced his 54-year musical journey, beginning with his first Marian hymn, “Sapiri Sama Asiri Soma” (“Full of Grace”). Sixteen selected hymns and songs, representing various stages and genres of his vast body of work, were presented during the evening.
The event was held under the patronage of Fr. Roshan Silva, OMI, Provincial Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and drew a large gathering of clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
Speakers during the discourse reflected on Fr. Jayakody’s legacy and vision. The compere highlighted that while his deep love for Sinhala folk poetry and language sometimes led to him being narrowly labeled a “nationalist,” such interpretations fail to capture the breadth of his mission. His patriotism, it was noted, should not be reduced or misappropriated but understood within his broader commitment to faith, culture, and unity.
It was emphasized that the most fitting tribute to Fr. Jayakody is not merely admiration but the continuation of his “musical mission” — developing a form of sacred art that integrates the liberating spirit of theology with a cultural identity that fosters harmony among Sri Lanka’s diverse communities.
Fr. Shanil Jayawardena, OMI, remarked that the commemoration was not intended to turn Fr. Jayakody into a mere icon or “statue,” but to inspire the living continuation of the “Jayakody Legacy” (Jayakody Subhavithaya) for present and future generations.
The event was organized by Fr. Jude Saparamadu, Director of St. Vincent’s Home, together with the OMI community. Vocal performances were rendered by Rev. Fr. Ajith Ruwan, Rev. Fr. Alanka, Rev. Fr. Savindu Senaratne, Rev. Sr. Timeli Low, Shashika Srimali, Merishan Perera, Akila Nimanthi, Nethasha Silva, and Isumi Dihansa. Musical accompaniment was provided by an orchestra led by Lakshan Perera.
Through song and reflection, the evening celebrated not only the memory of a remarkable priest but also the enduring resonance of his music in the spiritual and cultural life of Sri Lanka.
