Country is indebted to Pandith Amaradeva - President

Wimala Amaradewa, widow of Amaradewa, grieves during his funeral at Independence Square in Colombo on 4 November 4, 2016. – AFP

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena (C) assists in carrying the coffin of legendary musician W. D. Amaradeva during his funeral at Independence Square in Colombo on 4 November, 2016. – AFP

President Maithripala Sirisena, expressing condolences on the demise of Sri Lanka's renowned musician Pandith W. D. Amaradeva, said the country is indebted to the late great maestro who he said was an unparalleled genius in music.

"The country is indebted to him for the exceptional service he rendered to us by exploring the roots of local music to enrich it to an unprecedented high," the President said in his condolence message.

Pandith Amaradeva passed away on Thursday at the age of 88 after a sudden illness.

The full text of the President's message is as follows:

“The nation is stricken by the news of the demise of the great maestro W. D. Amaradeva. He was an unparalleled genius in music that we ever witnessed.

Maestro Amaradeva belonged to the generation of pioneers whose quest was the Sri Lankan identity and the indigenous character. The country is indebted to him for the exceptional service he rendered to us by exploring the roots of local music to enrich it to an unprecedented high.

Maestro Amaradeva reached the pinnacle of Sinhala music and brought our nation to fame. He was a true genius, blessed with innate wisdom refined in the school of life, and perfected by the association of scholars of language the arts and philosophy. Above all, his was the voice of the deep-seated Sinhala cultural self.

The two songs 'Sasara Wasana Thuru' and 'Rathnadeepa Danma Bhumi' distinguish the eminence of maestro Amaradeva. Though he has left us today after his magnificent contribution to the nation, the aura of his oeuvre will kindle and inspire us forever.

He was also the embodiment of simplicity and contentment in life. Although the voice that awakened a nation has been silenced today, it will continue to echo in the ears and infuse life into the hearts of the future generations too.

Maestro Amaradeva, may you attain the bliss of Nibbana.