On the basis of its originality, the Cabinet of Ministers has authorized designating the song “Danno Budunge Sri Dharmaskandha” as a national treasure.
On the suggestion of the Special Committee, which was constituted pursuant to Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena’s directives, the approval was given.
The Prime Minister’s Office claims that “Danno Budunge Sri Dharmaskandha” has gained popularity since the beginning of time and has influenced the nation’s thoughts and aesthetic ideals for more than a century.
This song, which has been consistently used to express national pride and historical awareness, can be regarded as a crucial element in the study of the regional music genre and will serve as inspiration for the nation’s musicians.
The development of national identity will be uniquely impacted by this. Until the official selection of the current national anthem, there is evidence that this song was used as the national anthem during celebrations and other events.
The song “Danno Budunge” from John de Silva’s Sirisangabo stage play (1903) depicts the historical consciousness influenced by the surroundings of the modern Anuradhapura era. Vishwanath Lauji, the composer, is responsible for the music.
The Special Committee, which the PM created, has determined that there are no obstacles, either legally or otherwise, to designating this song as a national treasure. The committee has also made it clear that it is unaffected by the nation’s intellectual property laws.
K.D.N.Ranjith Ashoka, secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, is in charge of the Special Committee.
The other members are Somarathne Vidanapathirana, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of the Department of Archeology, Bhagya Katudeniya, President of Hela Haula Srinath Ganewatta, Chandra Nimal Vakistha, President of the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress, literary scholar Sunil Sarath Perera, musician Lionel Gunathilake
