Umara Sinhawansa, born 14 March 1987, is a Sri Lankan singer, entrepreneur songwriter, music producer, and audio engineer. She gained prominence as a frequent collaborator with the musical duo Bathiya and Santhush before establishing a career as a solo artist. In 2017, she founded the music academy Umara Music Studio (UMS).[1]
Sinhawansa was born to Tony and Ayesha Sinhawansa in 1987 a family of professional musician.[2][3] She has one sister, Umaria, who is also a singer, along with two brothers. Her great aunt is Rukmani Devi.
She was educated at the Muslim Ladies' College in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and went on to represent the country in three international singing competitions.[4] She won third place at the 2011 Crimea Music Fest and first place at Sri Lanka's All-Island Singing Competition, alongside her sister.[5][6]
Career
At the age of ten, she made her first professional recording with her sister Umaria, and gave her first public performance at the age of 13.[7] She later collaborated with the singing duo Bathiya and Santhush.[8] Her singles include "Wassanayata", "Shaheena", "Sihina Ko", and "Malak Thibuna", a duet with Chithral Somapla.[8]
After returning to Sri Lanka in 2017, Sinhawansa launched her academy, Umara Music Studio (UMS),[9] which provides music and vocal training to students of all ages.[5][10]
Public opinion was divided.[12] Critics accused her of distorting the lyrics by changing the word "matha" ('mother') to "mahatha" ('mister').[13] Others criticized her operatic and westernized singing style, arguing it deviated from traditional performances of the anthem.[14] Public figures, such as fellow singer Ashanthi De Alwis and MP Chamathka Ratnayake of Samagi Jana Balawegaya defended her.[15]
On 31 July 2023, Public Administration Ministry Secretary Ranjith Asoka issued a gazette announcing a probe to investigate the alleged distortion of the national anthem.[17]
On 2 August 2023, Sinhawansa apologized on social media regarding the controversy.[18][19]
Awards and accomplishments
She represented Sri Lanka at two international singing competitions held in Kazakhstan and China.[2]
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