Radio
Corea joined the Commercial Service of Radio Ceylon in 1964, lending his voice to the popular children's program Kiddies Corner. The American presenter, Craig Thompson, was unwell at the time, so Corea who was visiting Radio Ceylon was asked to step in, by his cousin Vernon Corea, despite having no prior broadcasting experience. He proved to be a natural, however, and lost no time in establishing himself as the most sought after commercial broadcaster. The impact of his voice and style before the microphone captivated the hearts of listeners. He joined Radio Ceylon at a time when the station was ruling the airwaves, right across the Indian sub-continent.The announcers of Radio Ceylon enjoyed star status in South Asia.
Corea climbed the management ladder and in the 1990s he was appointed Director-General of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation. While there, he succeeded in bringing a resurgence to Sri Lankan radio. Corea has been given numerous tributes and awards through the years. He is included in the list of notable individuals from the island of Sri Lanka.
Vijaya Corea is widely recognized as a pioneer in the introduction of Sinhala pop music at Radio Ceylon and the English Service. He was the one man who allocated time for indigenous songs at Radio Ceylon, via his radio programmes such as Saturday Star and Lanka's Talent in Focus. He has continued that effort throughout his career and has extensive knowledge of the history of Sinhala pop groups and songs. Musicians of that era could not hold an event without Corea, as his presence was an absolute must for the introduction.
Many professionals and others still recall how, in their youth, they would skip or delay attending classes in school and university to listen to Vijaya Corea's Morning Show programmes aired over radio.
Vijaya Corea has introduced over one hundred pop musicians to the recording studios at then-Radio Ceylon. As one of his protégés, the late Stanley Peiris, recounted:
| “ | Way back in 1969, Vijaya Corea travelled to Kandy to compere at a dinner dance. The band in attendance was the "Fortunes" led by me. He was moved by the unique blend of the twin saxophone by myself and Rangith. This demonstration was very appealing and Vijaya urged me not to hide in the hills of Kandy anymore but to call over in Colombo to give him the break. In the meantime, Vijaya got in touch with Gerald Wickremesuriya of the "Children's Book Shop" who produced records for his "Sooriya Label." It was a time Clarence and many other groups had come out with Sinhala pop songs that hit the beams everywhere. Therefore, Gerald was reluctant to record instrumentals which was something new.
Vijaya was a man able to convince the impossible. This was another rare talent in this versatile compere who reigns the scene for over four decades. Finally Gerald agreed to have me and my band "The Fortunes" for a "test" at his Sea View Avenue home in Colpetty one morning. But Gerald wanted Vijaya to be there to prove the talents of this young man Stanley. Myself and boys started and up went the thumb of Vijaya Corea and Gerald responded with a smile that confirmed Stanley and his boys had a future. |
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The "Fortunes," led by Peiris, played a popular composition by Clarence Wijewardene, "Kalu Kelle," on the twin saxophone. Wickremesuriya was convinced that the group would go far. While Peiris was directing music for Upul de Almeida's son Jude, he remarked with gratitude to the elder de Almeida, "If not for this man Vijaya, I would not be directing music for your son."
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