“Aiya, Malli” on the world reggae stage

30/03/2021

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Interesting fact of past that most people don’t know about Jayasri brothers.

I share my views on “Jayasri” with a lot of pride as not only they are world-renowned musicians but as they are my relatives too. I had the pleasure of growing with them and within the family circle, they were known as Aiya, Malli. Even to date majority of the elderly relatives affectionately call them, Aiya & Malli.

Daily at dawn, they paddle the bicycle from home to the Naththandiya railway station to catch the train. I too join from Kochchikade railway station and get onto the same compartment. The destination is Marist Stella College Negombo. What fun we had traveling together to school, While Rohitha was an academic star in our school I and Rohan were known to be a little notorious. My mother’s frequently used term was “birds of same feathers flocks together” and she was right as usual, we flocked together looking for trouble.

Let’s go to the next chapter, since there are many shocking historical facts I don’t want to write.

They had a gift for music even as kids. I recall Rev. Bro. Milton who was a music lover himself gave them guitar lessons. They performed for the first time in front of an audience at a college event. They sand while Rohan on bass and Rohitha was at drums. It was indeed a good start for the twins to begin their musical journey and what a memory they left for the audience that day.

Our time was spent listening to a lot of pop music. Whether it be Rap Roots, Rock Reggae, or Dancehall we grew up listening to different types of music in that era. It would be too long to write all the good and embracing moments we encountered. Let’s leave that part to another day.

Uncle Jayalath, Rohitha, and Rohan’s father was a real cool guy. Respect and discipline were on top of his priority list. Things moved faster and methodically under his supervision. He financed and managed the band “Serendib” and everything was running like a Swiss watch. No wonder, uncle Jayalath was an ex-serviceman. Serendib saga continued and they became one of the best pop cover bands in Sri Lanka. They reached their peak in the early nineties and a temporary setback occurred when Anil, their keyboardist joined another musical band. Subsequently, they found Anton, whose skills were second to none. The real turn up took effective when Rohitha had to leave to Europe for higher studies. Younger twin brother Rohan, now been a season guy took over, with his father backing him up and started moving forward.

‘We actually talked musics… We grew up with it’

Successful years passed by. Then Aiya wanted Malli to come to Austria and join him. With the twins teaming up, Austria itself was to embrace a dramatic musical change. Twins were getting some exposure by now and they put their talents and experience to the practice. It worked and they were heading for success. The Austrians went crazy and went on to name them as the local Milli Vanilli.

Meanwhile I too had decided to move to Canada. I use to chit-chatting with them more often. I remember one-day Rohitha said, they are more focused on playing reggae versions in clubs and concerts. This was really good news for me since, instantly my mind said this would be the opportunity for them to move to the international stage one day. I believed this was a great move as the Caribbean music especially the versions from Jamaica was loved by all. Rohan and Rohitha’s skill and their unique style of music composing had many similarities to reggae music. As a result of that decision, their names are now besides the legends, UB 40, Alpha Blondy, Wailers, Morgan Heritage plus heavy rock bands like Scorpions.

Jayasiri’s finest moment came when they won the European Music Awards in 2003 and indeed it was a proud moment for all Sri Lankans and Maristonians.