News
Lanka’s nightingale is no more but her music and legacy will continue to inspire
View(s):Veteran playback singer and cultural icon Deshamanya Latha Walpola, widely known as the “Helaye Geetha Kokilaviya” (Nightingale of
Sri Lanka), passed away last night while receiving treatment at the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital. She was 91.
Born Matharage Rita Genevieve Fernando on November 11, 1934, in Mount Lavinia, she later became known by her stage name Latha Walpola. Encouraged by her mother, she began singing in her school church choir and went on to join the Radio Ceylon choir at the age of 12, marking the start of a remarkable seven-decade career.
Her first solo broadcast song, ‘Kandulu Denethe Vehena’, was aired in 1947. Over the years, she recorded thousands of songs and provided playback singing for more than 600 Sinhala films.”
Her death marks the end of an era in Sri Lanka’s music and cinema history, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Sinhala song and film music. Some of her most famous songs include Namo Mariyanee, Seethala Duruthu Mahe, Shrini Wibusitha, Me Jeewanaye Mulu Sansare, and Oba Prema Raja Mage.
During her long career, she sang thousands of radio and film songs, including many memorable duets with her late husband, Dharmadasa Walpola, which became classics of the golden era of Sinhala cinema.
Her outstanding contribution was recognised with many honours, including the prestigious Deshamanya title, the country’s second-highest national award, as well as several Sarasaviya Awards and lifetime achievement honours in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Dharmadasa and Latha Walpola had four sons and two daughters.
Latha Walpola’s music and legacy will continue to inspire generations of
Sri Lankans.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!