Rukshan Perera, A Musical Journey, 21st June

As the evergreen and debonair Rukshan Perera prepares to celebrate a special birthday, we wish him much success in the years to come.  Undoubtedly, this multitalented maestro can look back at the last seven decades and say: "I've had the time of my life".  And who can deny that?  

And so it is that Colombo looks forward to Rukshan's Birthday Concert at the Bishop's College Auditorium on 21 June 2026 - and what a night that promises to be!

Although music has been an integral part of his life, there is more to Rukshan than music.  He has enjoyed a successful career in IT, has traversed the world both for work and music, is a genuinely doting family man, enjoys fun/travel/adventure, and is most certainly a friend for all seasons.  He is an activist, a humanitarian and a philanthropist, and strives every day to make it a better, more meaningful world.  

But let's face it - music is indeed his big love.  This composer, director, recording artist, performer and multi-instrumentalist is widely recognised as an innovative artiste who continuously pushes musical boundaries - and how!

Amongst other things,  Rukshan's claim to fame is that perhaps he is one of the few people I know who can whistle a two-part harmony simultaneously.  Furthermore, he might well be the only person in the world, allegedly, who can jazz-scat in harmony - something delightfully unique.

Rukshan's mother, a music teacher, introduced him to his first piano lesson at the tender age of 5 years, and from that point onwards there was no looking back for Rukshan.  Coming from a musical family, not only did he enjoy learning to play multiple instruments, but the performing stage was a big part of this musical journey, starting as a young teenager and continuing to this day.

Rukshan has performed in a dozen countries covering all continents, be it an international music festival, international jazz festival, or other concerts, dances, and special events.  

Thank you for your music!  We eagerly await your concert on 21 June 2026 at the Bishop's College Auditorium - and look forward to enjoying many more of that in the years to come.

Rukshan's talent and versatility is beyond amazing.  After the death of his 'hero' - Michael Jackson - Rukshan composed and recorded a tribute titled 'You are the World' and presented it to Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson.  Rukshan has also composed songs for 3 Nobel Laureates Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzi, and Dr Muhammad Yunus, in admiration of their profound contribution to society.

To date, Rukshan has composed hundreds of songs in multiple genres - Pop, Jazz, Blues, Fusion and Acapella arrangements.  He has released a CD of his English originals, 2 live DVDs from his concerts, and a music DVD describing Rotary values through songs, and another promoting moral values to young children through a national program.

What is outstanding about Rukshan is that he has always been driven by a vision to use music for a greater purpose, be it social conscience, charity, or even teaching ethics to a younger audience.  And his life's ambitions have not gone unnoticed.

As recently as last month on 16 May 2026, Rukshan was honoured with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, as well as the PRIDE OF SRI LANKA AWARD, bestowed by the Business World International Organisation.  This must surely have been a moment of pride and achievement, on the eve of his milestone birth anniversary.  There have been numerous other accolades, not only in Sri Lanka but in the USA too, where Rukshan received the prestigious President's Award from the USA-Sri Lanka Foundation, and SERVICE ABOVE SELF, the highest individual honor conferred by the Rotary International worldwide.

It is fair to say that Rukshan Perera's musical journey over the past seven decades serves as a testament to artistic excellence, national service and social commitment, echoing across the oceans from his beloved Sri Lanka out into the big, wide world.  He has created a legacy of cultural leadership and civic responsibility and, despite his exceptional international exposure, he stands tall as a true son of Mother Lanka.

Audience can look forward to a vibrant and memorable evening of music, featuring much-loved songs by the Bee Gees, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Santana, Clarence Wijewardena, and Rukshan’s finest creations of jazz, East-West collaboration, and a cappella performances. With creative arrangements, lively moments, and something for every musical taste, the concert promises to be both entertaining and uplifting. Most importantly, the event will raise funds for the RCU Loyalty Pledge scholarships, helping deserving children pursue their education. It will be an evening of music, joy, and purpose—celebrating a remarkable journey while supporting a meaningful cause.

A limited number of tickets are still available. Get yours from Bishop’s College (11 239 1265) or the Royal College Skills Centre (077 318 0365). For more information, call 077 783 7401.

Happy Birthday Rukshan.  As they say, make sure you age with insurmountable joy, fun-loving mischief, inspirational audacity and a damn fine story to tell.  

Thank you for your music!  We eagerly await your concert on 21 June 2026 at the Bishop's College Auditorium - and look forward to enjoying many more of that in the years to come.

DUSHY PARAKRAMA 

Friend and Fan

A limited number of tickets are still available. Get yours from Bishop’s College (11 239 1265) or the Royal College Skills Centre (077 318 0365). For more information, call 077 783 7401.