J. A. Milton Perera

Milton was born on May 5, 1938 the son of J. A. Edwin Perera, also known as Tabla Podi Appuhamy, an accomplished tabla player. Inspired by his father, Milton became proficient on the tabla at a young age.

Milton was married to Kalyani Perera, who had been an actress. Their wedding was celebrated on 26 September 1969. They had four sons - Priyankara Perera, Chalaka Chamupathi, Arosha Asanga and Pamoda Piyushan. Milton died on October 24, 1991.[1] In memory of Milton, Priyankara Perera and Chalaka Chamupathi Perera continue to perform J.A Milton Perera's songs.

Eldest son Priyankara Perera is married to renowned actress Dilhani Ekanayake and they have one son Dilmin Perera.[2]

His second son Chalaka Chamupathi Perera is married to Padmi Ranasinghe, and they have one daughter Anjana Dasuni Perera and one son Chamath Chamupathi Perera.[3]

In 1940, Milton sang his first song for Radio Ceylon, "Alehi Bendi Jeewitha". It was written by Aloy Gunawardena around a Mohamed Sally melody. He subsequently had several popular songs on the radio, "Podi Kale Api Denna," "Oba Wewa Wewa Pahana Mage", "Sikuru liya Komala liya" and "Kalyaniye."

Milton debut to playback singing came with a song on Kurulu Bedda (1961). In his 30 year career in the field, he provided his voice to actors like Gamini Fonseka, Joe Abeywickrama, Tony Ranasinghe, Vijaya Kumaratunga, Ananda Jayaratne, D. R. Nanayakkara, Anthony C. Perera and Stanley Perera in such films as Adata Wediya Heta Hondai, Dheewarayo, Yatagiya Dawasa, Allapu Gedara, Bicycle Hora, Daru Duka, Sarawita, Ataweni Pudumaya, Chandiya and Deiyange Theenduwa.

• Milton Perera - මිල්ටන් පෙරේරා Songs on line