Dilanjan Seneviratne's Lyrics Run From Aaye to Hithuwakkaraya
Ten releases across six years | Yohani, Medhavi J and Sana | Pettah Effect, Red Bull Records, Creator Records and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 anthem | brand songs for Sri Lanka Tourism, Royal Cashew and DIMO Retail
Today, Dilanjan Seneviratne's lyric credits span ten releases, from Yohani's original Aaye on 27 August 2020 to two singles that premiered together on 18 September 2026. They cover Sinhala, English and bilingual songs, three record labels and an ICC anthem, alongside brand songs written for campaigns.
He has written and analysed lyrics in Sinhala, English and Hindi since long before his first credit. The writing began in earnest with the Pettah Effect label.
Highlights include:
Aaye, 27 August 2020: lyrics for the song the Sunday Observer described as Yohani's debut record on the Pettah Effect label. Yohani produced it in her home studio.
Sitha Dawuna, 8 September 2020: Yohani with rapper Hiyum, produced by Chamath Sangeeth. Dilanjan wrote the rap Yohani performs on the track.
Merry Christmas Baby, 21 December 2020: lyrics he wrote in November 2019, set to Yohani's melody, with music, mix and master by LAK at Pettah Effect Studios. Yohani introduced it as her first original English music video.
Moving On, 11 November 2021: released through Red Bull Records, switching between English and Sinhala. He wrote the lyrics, and wrote, directed and produced the video.
Kella, 8 December 2023: Yohani's debut album of fourteen tracks, eleven in Sinhala and three in English. He wrote the lyrics for nine of its fourteen tracks and co-wrote two more, Eh Hithe and Submerged, and he was the album's creative producer.
Diamonds, 22 March 2024: Edward Maya and Yohani on Creator Records. He co-wrote the lyrics with Dorian Micu, Miruna Iova and Adrian Eduard Radu, and led the business side of the collaboration.
Out of This World (Yohani Version), 7 June 2024: the Sri Lanka version of Sean Paul and Kes's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 anthem. He co-wrote the Sinhala lyrics with Murshad Huvais and Lucky Lakmina.
Punchi Ruchiranani, 18 September 2026: the lead single from Sadde, Yohani's third album, composed, produced and mixed by Shenal Maddumage and mastered by Misjah at 24Mastering.
Beyond Yohani, his words have launched two other voices. Sirakariya, Medhavi J's debut single on the Pettah Effect label, premiered on 9 February 2021 and carries his lyrics and his direction.
Hithuwakkaraya, premiered on 18 September 2026, is Sana's single from her debut album I'm 18. Shenal Maddumage composed, produced and mixed it, Misjah mastered it at 24Mastering, and Nawin Kutti directed the video at Havelock City Mall.
His brand writing includes:
You're My Paradise, Sri Lanka Tourism: the tourism song released in March 2022 under #SOSRILANKA.
Moments Made Magical, Royal Cashew, 18 April 2023: sung by Yohani, written by Yohani and Sheran Dilantha with lyrics by Dilanjan, produced by Mugundan Shamy at Pettah Effect. He also directed the film, with WYLD Global as the creative agency.
Switch On Happiness, DIMO Retail: a brand song for DIMO's retail business.
Kella went on to be submitted for consideration in Best Global Music Album at the 67th Grammy Awards in October 2024.
