It’s not every day the Prime Minister admits he’s a fan of your music.
That’s exactly what happened to Champion Lakes resident and Sri Lankan singer Nalin Jayawardena.
The senior citizen was inspired by the Australian Indigenous culture in his song writing, which led to him winning the title of Senior Citizen of the Year for the City of Armadale.
Mr Jayawardena was travelling on holiday when the official awards ceremony was held in January but was specially presented the award by the city last month.
He said it was an honour to be nominated by a community member for his work and was excited to receive the award.
“I was nominated for two awards in Armadale and both times I was overseas on holidays so I couldn’t come to the celebrations,” Mr Jayawardena said.
“I was happy to meet the mayor and see her because we voted for her.”
Mr Jayawardena received his award in recognition of a song he wrote in support of The Voice Referendum and his commitment to both the Indigenous and Sri Lankan Perth communities.
He had also received letters from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and federal Indigenous Minister at the time Linda Burney.
“I was over the moon to see the leader of the country who listened to my song and asked the minister to write a letter to me,” Mr Jayawardena said.
Mr Jayawardena migrated to the Perth from Sri Lanka in 1991 and has been living in the City of Armadale for more than 30 years.
He said his journey to Australia inspired him to write music about the Indigenous community.
“I think after migrating, we saw the history here and how Indigenous people were treated and all the trouble they have experienced,” he said.
“They get involved in the art and craft and my idea was to highlight the issues as a tribute to the Indigenous people.”
Mr Jayawardena said his songs were a collaboration between friends and family.
“My brother is a good musician too living in Maddington, so we get together with international Sri Lankan artists and it’s not just about one person,” he said.
“I get the track, and I do my voicing in my home studio and then I send it to Sri Lanka to get it mixed and mastered.
“The internet made is very, very easy for us to collaborate.”
Music has always been an interest for Mr Jayawardena with approximately 500 original songs produced and published.
“Singing and making music is my hobby, I am not living on it,” Mr Jayawardena said.
“Most of the songs, I have about 500 songs so far, are based on the community.
“It’s about community living standards or criticising the community if they are doing something they are not supposed to do.”
Mr Jayawardena was also awarded the Burt Volunteer of the Year award by member for Burt Matt Keogh last year.
