W.D. Amaradeva

Sri Lankabhimanya Wannakuwattawaduge Don Albert Perera (වන්නකුවත්තවඩුගේ දොන් ඇල්බට් පෙරේරා; டபிள்யூ. டி. அமரதேவா; 5 December 1927 – 3 November 2016), better known by his adopted name Amaradeva, was a prominent Sri Lankan Sinhalese vocalist, violinist and composer.

Primarily using traditional instruments like sitars, tablas and harmoniums, he incorporated Sinhala folk music with Indian ragas in his work.

Many consider his contribution to the development of Sinhala music as unmatched; hence, he is occasionally cited as the "Maestro of Sri Lankan Music" (හෙළයේ මහා ගාන්ධර්වයා).

In 1945 Amaradeva won a gold medal at a music and violin contest held by Jana Kala Mandalaya Amaradeva's fame that was limited only to the Koralawella, started spreading over other areas.

Because of his increasing popularity, several schools offered him scholarships.

Amaradeva entered Sri Sumangala College, Panadura after completing his primary education with a scholarship for English.

In the mid-1950s, Amaradeva in his Janagayana project consulted experts of the Kandyan dance tradition like Panibharatha, Kiriganita, Gunamala, Ukkuva and Suramba in his path to understand what constituted Sinhala folk music.

Noting that it mostly revolved around a single melody, he decided to add verses that would lead up to the central melody which would now be a chorus thus forming two parts (unseen earlier in traditional Sri Lankan music) removing restrictions that had existed earlier.

In doing so, he created a uniquely Sinhalese music style that stayed true to folk tradition while incorporating outside influences.

His work was vital in the creation of the "sarala gee" genre practised subsequently by artists like Sanath Nandasiri, Victor Ratnayake, T.M. Jayaratne, Sunil Edirisinghe and Gunadasa Kapuge etc.

He has also represented Sri Lanka in many forums including the UNESCO 1967 Manila Symposium.

In 1972, Amaradeva composed the music for the Maldivian National Anthem (Gaumii salaam) at the request of Maldivian Government.

The University of Kelaniya conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Fine Arts) Honoris Causa in 1991 and the University of Ruhuna and University of Peradeniya conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa in 1993 and 1998.

Amaradeva received numerous awards, including the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001), Indian Padma Sri Award (2002) and Sri Lankan "President's Award of Kala Keerthi" (1986) and Deshamanya Award (1998).

In 2003 the French government awarded him the prestigious honour; Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Notably he still remains the most popular artist as confirmed by Nielsen Media Research findings.

Amaradeva died at the age of 88 on 3 November 2016 due to heart failure.

A state funeral was held by the government, followed by a week of national mourning.

Amaradeva was born the youngest of seven children to a carpenter, Wannakuwatta Waduge Don Ginoris Perera, and Balapuwaduge Maggie Weslina Mendis at Janapriya Mawatha in Koralawella, Moratuwa.

Perera was a Buddhist while Mendis was a Methodist bringing both Christian and Buddhist values and music traditions to the family.

Amardeva was introduced to music at a young age by his father who crafted and repaired violins at Moratumulla Wadu Kaarmika Vidyalaya (Carpentry School).

Amaradeva would often strum the violin while his mother sang hymns.

Another family influence was Amaradeva's elder brother who taught Indian classical music to him.

Amaradeva was presented with his own instrument on his seventh birthday which was a Japanese made tin violin by his father.

Amaradeva obtained his early education under Ven.

Malalankara Nayaka Tero of the Koralawella temple.

With the development of his musical talent, Amaradeva was asked to recite poems at the temple; he was subsequently picked to lead the village choir.

He was first entered into Sri Saddharmodaya Buddhist mixed School in Koralawella.

The principal of that school, Mr. K. J. Fernando was an active member of Hela Hawula and had a close connection with Kumaratunga Munidasa.

He knew about Amaradeva's talent and introduced him to Kumaratunga.

Amaradeva was lucky to be appreciated by Kumaratunga for his singing talent.

Since he had a chance to accompany all these scholars during his childhood, he had an interest in national identity and language.

When he was studying in grade five at Koralawella School, a music teacher called Mr. W. J. Fernando was transferred to his school from Kalutara.

Hence, W.J. Fernando was the first school music teacher of Amaradeva.

He realized Amaradeva's talent and directed him on singing and playing.

Under his guidance, Amaradeva won all the school singing competitions.

Even the teacher let him conduct the classroom when he was not there.

While attending the school, he won a poetry contest held at the Moratuwa Vidyalaya.

Amaradeva also led the school choir to a triumphant showing at a contest held by the Colombo Arts Society.

His poetry win prompted school teachers to get him a showcase to recite poetry on Radio Ceylon.