Lankan music legend Pandit Amaradeva dies

Legendary Sri Lankan singer and composer Pandit Amaradeva, receipient of many international honours including India's Padma Sri award, for his contribution to music, died today of a heart attack.
88-year-old Amaradeva, born W D Albert Perera, was rushed to Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital here after suddenly falling ill. He died shortly after, the ColomboPage reported.
The music composer drew inspiration from classical Indian ragas as well as Sri Lanka's own rich traditions of folk music and went on to create a music that is quintessentially Sri Lankan.
His contribution to the development of Sinhala music is considered unmatched.
The musician has been the recipient of several awards including the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001), Padma Sri Award (2002) and Sri Lankan President's Award of Kala Keerthi (1986) and Deshamanya Award (1998).

President Maithripala Sirisena condoled his death on Twitter, saying "Maestro Amaradeva, it has been an honour to have you in our lives. May you attain Nibbana."
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is currently touring Hong Kong, described him as a "symbol of Sri Lankan classical music".