Achala Solomons

Achala Solomons is a Sri Lankan lyricist, composer, and performer whose words sit behind some of the most enduring songs of the modern Sinhala pop and “romantic opera” era, particularly his long collaboration with singer Kasun Kalhara. He is also widely known for writing and performing the theme song of the teledrama Koombiyo (2017), one of the most acclaimed Sri Lankan television productions of its decade.

Career and breakthrough

Solomons built his reputation through his lyric writing rather than as a front-of-stage star, and his strongest body of work comes from his partnership with Kasun Kalhara. He penned the words for several of Kalhara’s best-loved recordings, including Sanda Mithuri, Melaa, and Math Mal Sena. These songs, many associated with Kalhara’s Romantic Opera project, helped define a melodic, lyric-driven style of Sinhala love song in the 2000s and 2010s.

Signature songs and collaborations

Beyond Kasun Kalhara, Solomons has written across the wider contemporary scene. He provided the lyrics for Giniyam Rae and Kathandare, both produced in the orbit of Iraj Weeraratne, and for Anawakiyak recorded by Mihindu Ariyaratne. His pen has carried songs for a broad set of voices, from Iye As Wala and Nawathi Methakin to Adare Prarthana and Aaley Katha.

Style and themes

Solomons’s writing favours plain, emotionally direct Sinhala built around love, longing, and memory, the everyday vocabulary of the modern Sri Lankan love song rather than ornate classical diction. That accessibility is part of why his songs travel so well among younger and diaspora listeners. He has also worked in film and television music, with screen credits that include the teledramas and films Koombiyo and Sarungal, extending his name beyond the recording studio into Sri Lankan screen culture.

Notable songs on Lyrics-lk

• Sanda Mithuri
• Melaa
• Math Mal Sena
• Iye As Wala
• Nawathi Methakin
• Giniyam Rae
• Kathandare
• Anawakiyak