DALREEN!...Mmm..let me reminisce.. Yes, Those were the days! Dal delighted her audiences with a varied selection of songs from Pop to Country to most everything she sang. She was one of the first Sri Lankan female singers to sing Soul. Along with the Guitar Groups who emerged at the time, her popularity soared as she went from success to success with The Fireflies, and The Spitfires.

I remember that most exciting musical stint she had in Vietnam with The Savages, where Dalreen sang her way into everyone's heart! Mind you, she had many a tale to tell of her experiences in Vietnam, and one thing struck me then - Wow! this girl had guts! I would listen with bated breath as she would relate how she and the group would wear helmets, travel in the Jeep from one camp to the other, to entertain the troops. She would hear the gunfire and the shelling, but no matter what, this Singer came on-stage, the Music played and the Songs were sung.

For this is Dalreen.... she loves her songs, she's got her special style, and when she sings she gives you all she's got. She's doing what she loves, and all you have to do is listen and enjoy! Keep on singing, Dal. Cheers and all the very best, my friend.

- Mignonne

Thirty some years ago I was an American GI in the City of Qui Nhon, Vietnam, a patient at the U.S Army Evacuation Hospital. While recuperating I would sit in the atrium next to a lily pond dreaming about going home to my friends and family as all soldiers do.
One afternoon, a young woman came to the atrium and also sat to look at the lilies. She seemed shy but friendly and I wondered if she spoke English. I introduced myself and was pleased that she did speak my language and for an hour or so we talked about the usual things that teenagers talk about, that is music. We knew and liked many of the same songs. She said that she was a singer with a band and was touring around Vietnam. She had a lovely speaking voice and I remember thinking that someday I would like hear her sing.

As the next afternoon arrived I found myself sitting by the lily pond hoping that she would show up again. She did. We talked a lot about the good things in the world and she seemed to have wisdom that is unusual for someone so young. We talked a lot about the true paradise that is Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and anyone who could hear her would have known that she truly loved her country. Listening to her describe the beauty of her homeland made me feel happy and joyful that there was such a place on earth.

After a few wonderful afternoon visits I realized that there was something very special about her and I would look forward to the next afternoon when we could sit and talk by the lily pond. She had a way about her that made me forget that there was a war going on around us, instead she reminded me of the many good things that happen in life. And so a friendship was born. After the fifth afternoon she did not show up again. Someone told me that she went home to Ceylon. I felt disappointed that I was not able say good-bye to my new friend, but she left with a small piece of my heart and she would never be forgotten.

As the years pass by I sometimes think about my ugly war experiences in Vietnam. Then I remember the lovely young woman I met by the lily pond and I'm reminded that as wars eventually stop, a true friendship never ends regardless of time or distance. In 1995, I found her name on the Internet. I learned that she has become a well-known singer in Sri Lanka and around the world. I wondered if she remembered those five afternoons in Vietnam. I wondered if she remembered that the song we both liked at the time was entitled 'The Letter". Truthfully, I wondered if she remembered me. So, I sent an e-mail message through a radio station in Colombo that graciously agreed to forward it on to her. In April 2002 I was delighted when my wife came from the mailbox and gave me a letter asking, "Who do you know in Sri Lanka?" I knew without looking at the envelope that it was from my friend Dalreen.

June 2003, my wife and I visited Sri Lanka for the first time. It is every bit as beautiful as Dalreen had described. We met up with Dalreen and her family and together we rekindled a friendship that began thirty-some years ago.

One evening as my wife and I enjoyed her performance I understood that something I found very special about Dalreen. As she sang, I felt her song was meant only for me. I'm certain, a few hundred others in the audience felt the same thing.
The best of everything to you Dalreen, my dear friend.

- Andre Bjornskov
   Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA

Dalreen holds a special place in my musical career. It was she who enabled my band and me to have our first break on her weekly television musical show.

I have performed with Dalreen , localy and overseas. She is an exceptional person, who has been very friendly, co-operative and understanding. I had the honour and previledge of handling the musical arrangements for Dalreens CD "The ultimate collection of Dalreen" recorded under the Torana label and also singing a duet with her on the same recording.

- Rajiv Sebestian - D.R. Entertainment

I first saw Dalreen's performance when she was singing with the Spitfires. Ever since, I have been an admirer of her singing. Years ago, when I was singing for a local band, Dalreen spoke to me regarding my singing, and the compliments she paid to me was a memorable moment in my brief singing career. I have been associated with Dalreen since the very first show organized by D.R. Entertainments " Back to the 70's". I have always wanted to include Dalreen in our shows as she is such a versatile and a talented singer and a great entertainer.

I was been involved in "Dalreen A life of song" from the very begining, and I am confident that it will be a brilliant and an outstanding performance. Rajiv and I are honoured to be associated with this unique event and wish Dalreen and all her future endeavours every success...

- Damayantha Kuruppu - D.R. Entertainment

It gives me tremendous pleasure to wish you, the first Lady of Pop music on the Sri Lankan scene the very best as you reach another milestone in your dazling musical career. I have had the pleasure of working with you from those early days with the fireflies and also fondly recall the glory days when we really rocked Colombo! Your professionalism, your versatility and talent have given you a legion of fans from every walk of life.

So here's wishing you many more years of doing what you do best!

With love,
Desmond de Silva - London

I was first introduced to Dalreen by a College pal whose family were personal friends of the De Kretser's - Dalreen's parents. What began as fan mail from a music craze teenager has, today, turned into a strong bond of friendship.
I have been following Dalreen's musical career for many, many years and, it is not surprising that her music has been heard in all corners of the world!

Despite the many 'ups' and 'downs' in both, her personal life and musical career, Dalreen has maintained the same simple, unsophisticated way about her, acknowledging and recognizing her friends and fans, no matter what the occasion or place may be. Although her original compositions are sung by other Sri Lankan Musicians, it is my firm belief that the hallmark of Dalreen's success is largely due to the fact that she sings in her own inimitable style - even when signing cover versions of international artists. "A Life of Song" very aptly titled, has been organized to celebrate the many years Dalreen has dedicated to music - a life that has brought happiness to all who have heard her music.

I am delighted to send my warm and sincere good wishes to Dalreen. May God Bless you and shower you with His Choicest Blessings for many more years in Sri Lanka's Music scene.

- Bryan Nicholas

It's my great pleasure to come to know you personally. I have been a big fan of yours since I was 7 years old. On my 7th birthday, my dear father, late Mr. Milinda Wijeratne, bought me an audio record of yours with your picture on the front cover dressed up as a Kandiyan bride. My father was very much a fan of yours and he was very musical. He played that record repeatedly. Ever since, I have been enjoying your singing. I listened to that record over and over and learned to sing all those songs. My father encouraged me to practice his favorite song of yours "Apa Dedena Pamanak" and up to this day, I sing this particular song.

Since I learned your sensational singing style, I am asked to sing your songs at Sri Lankan parties. Not a single party would end without me singing the song "Tikki Tikiri Tikiri Sinaha Pala" and my friends over here in Minnesota USA sometimes call me "Minnesota Dalreen".

Your service over the period of three decades to Sri Lanka is tremendous and appreciated by mass. Our support and admiration will strength your continuous performances in many years to come. I am joined by my husband Jay, to wish you all the best and hope your show will be a great success.

With lots of love,
- Viranga & Jayantha Atukorala - Minnesota, USA

Keep on Singing! Best Wishes from the Suby Family.

Love you
- Husband Thabit Suby

We are proud of you & wish you many more years of singing

- Debbie & Joseph Waldner

Darling Dal,
Thinking of you celebrating your successful Music career. Wish we were all there with you. Anyway, good luck & all the best!
- Marilyn (Sis) Subash Shanon & Melinda (Nieces) Melbourne - Australia

I am so glad, I am here today in Sri Lanka to celebrate your successful career. Wish your dad was alive to see his girl who has made a big name in the music scene and as he would say "Keep on singing, don't stop Singing" You're gonna be a Star one day,You gonna make a lot of people happy when they come to hear your singing."

Love you!
- Mum Decima de Kretser

It was "Then" ... just over three decades ago, when the Gypsies were stepping in to the musical arena, a regular radio show was part of the Gypsies strategy to gain recognition. As if God sent, there appeared a young lady - the magical, mystical, Dalreen. Fresh and vibrant from her tour of Vietnam with the Savages, Dalreen teaming up with the Gypsies was signature to a long memorable association. Through the years, your performances with the Gypsies has stretched far and wide across the globe, creating a lasting relationship with the us, both as a real friend and a great performer.

"Now"... I am proud and privileged to be a significant partner, leading the Gypsies, in re-capping Dalreen's Life of Song... "Then to Now".

With all good wishes,
Sunil Perera.

You are not only my Mother you are my Very Best Friend...

To My Darling Mama,

I'm really proud to have you as my mother and I hope that in future I can be half as good as you are. I would also like to take this opportunity to say thank you for always being there for me when I needed someone to talk to! You are not only my Mother but my Very Best Friend. And I admire you as a singer.

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS.
- Thahani