"Me Ape Deshayai" (Sinhala: ; Tamil: ; "This Is Our Country") is a Sri Lankan trilingual charity and patriotic anthem originally released in early 2005 in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Composed by pop duo Bathiya and Santhush (BnS) in partnership with the Capital Maharaja Group (MTV/MBC Media Network, Sirasa TV) and M Entertainment, the song was created as a national unity and relief initiative to support the network's humanitarian platform, Sirasa-Shakthi Sahana Yathra.
Over two decades, the anthem has been re-recorded, rearranged, and remastered at Stein Studios on several occasions. Notable releases include a multi-artist recreation in 2019 under the campaign slogan "Our Country First" (Sinhala: ; Tamil: ), a 4K visual remaster for Independence Day in 2023, and a youth ensemble remake in 2024.
Background and humanitarian context
The 2004 tsunami and Sirasa-Shakthi Sahana Yathra On 26 December 2004, a catastrophic tsunami struck Sri Lanka's coastline, causing severe loss of life and massive property damage. In response, the Capital Maharaja Group mobilised its humanitarian platform, Sirasa-Shakthi Sahana Yathra, which collects and distributes emergency aid to affected communities during national disasters.
To foster national solidarity and raise morale during recovery efforts, MTV/MBC Media Network commissioned a unifying anthem in late 2004, which was broadcast across Sri Lankan networks in early 2005.
Original 2005 release The original 2005 version concluded with the official national recovery slogan, "We Shall Rebuild" (Sinhala: ). The lead vocal lineup comprised Bathiya and Santhush, Sangeeth Wijesooriya, Shanika Wanigasekara, and Ashanthi De Alwis, collaborating with an ensemble of local Sri Lankan musicians.
Lyrics and composition
Trilingual lyrics Written to reflect Sri Lanka's multicultural composition during national emergencies, the song features verses written in three languages:
Sinhala lyrics: Sydney Chandrasekara Tamil lyrics: Iyathurai Gajamugan English lyrics: Chevaan Daniel
Musical attributes Categorised under the World genre on global music databases, the track is composed at a tempo of 65 beats per minute (BPM). The arrangement features prominent melodic lines and acoustic instrumentation paired with moderate valence and danceability, creating a solemn yet encouraging tonal quality.
Re-creations and production history
2019 "Our Country First" recreation On 2 May 2019, Maharaja Entertainments and Sirasa TV published a revamped single release of "Me Ape Deshayai" across digital streaming platforms (including Shazam, Apple Music, Spootify, and YouTube). Recorded and produced at Stein Studios, this version was anchored by the campaign slogan "Our Country First" (Sinhala: ; Tamil: ).
The musical arrangement was updated by Ashan Fernando. The multi-generational ensemble of performing vocalists included:
Bathiya and Santhush (BnS) Latha Walpola Sunil Perera (The Gypsies) Ashanthi De Alwis Umara Sinhawansa Lahiru Perera (La Signore) Natasha Rathnayake Sanka Dineth Sarith & Surith Bachi Susan Corine Almeida Sohan Weerasinghe Nihal Nelson Ishaq Beg Shanika Wanigasekara Theekshana Anuradha Chevaan Daniel Gayan Gunawardhana Dasun Madushan Nadini Premadasa Dhammika, Sivakumar, Nilakshi, Mahindakumar, Sahithya, Nuwan, Ashan Fernando, Olu, Ishini, Roven, Saman, and Rooney.
2023 4K Independence Day remaster On 4 February 2023, for Sri Lanka's Independence Day, M Entertainments released a remastered 4K visual version on YouTube. Produced at Stein Studios, this release paired the 2019 vocal ensemble audio with upgraded high-definition visuals.
2024 youth remake On 26 December 2024, marking the 20th anniversary of the tsunami disaster, Sirasa TV released a remake featuring prominent contestants from The Voice Sri Lanka and The Voice Teens Sri Lanka. Featured vocalists included Miyuru Somarathne, RAMIYA Prenirsha Thyagaraja, Imesha Thathsarani, Sheron Silva, Roy Jackson, Deborah Almeida, and Chamika Gayathri.
Cover versions and live performances "Me Ape Deshayai" is frequently performed during civic commemorations, disaster remembrance events, and televised media broadcasts. During Season 2 of The Voice Teens Sri Lanka, Team Abhisheka performed a televised live cover of the track during the Final 24 Live Shows round.
Track listing
Digital single (2019 / 2023)
"Me Ape Deshayai (Our Country First)" – 4:18
Release history +Release history of "Me Ape Deshayai"YearTitle / EditionPrimary sloganPublisher / LabelFormat2005Original Tsunami Relief Version"We Shall Rebuild" ()M Entertainments / MTV–MBCTelevision/Radio Broadcast2019"Our Country First" Recreation"Our Country First" ()Stein Studios / Maharaja EntertainmentsDigital download, streaming, YouTube2023Independence Day Special (4K)"Our Country First"Stein Studios / Maharaja EntertainmentsDigital download, streaming, YouTube2024Youth Remake (Voice Stars)—Capital Maharaja Group / Sirasa TVDigital download, streaming, YouTube
See also
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami in Sri Lanka Bathiya and Santhush Music of Sri Lanka
References