Sri Lanka has declared a week of mourning from for the nation to pay respect to the late W D Amaradeva.
The legendary musician passed away Thursday at age 88 after he was suddenly taken ill and taken to the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital.
Born Wannakuwatta Waduge Don Albert Perera, he later changed his name to Amaradeva and in 1972 composed the melody for the Maldivian national anthem, Qaumii Salaam, or national salute.
He has been recognised for his contribution to music by the governments of India, France and Sri Lanka as well as by several international organisations.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has recommended the funeral of Amaradeva to be held under full state honor.
President Sirisena condoled his death on Twitter, saying “Maestro Amaradeva, it has been an honour to have you in our lives. May you attain Nibbana.”
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is in Hong Kong attending the 15th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business said, “Maithree (Mrs Wickremesinghe) and I are deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of W D Amaradeva.”
“The past several decades of Sri Lankan music was marked by Pundit Amaradeva’s creativity. He was also renowned for the great tradition of taking Eastern and Western classical music and giving them a unique local flair,” the PM said.
Amaradeva’s mortal remains will lie at the Independence Square till 3pm today, for the public to pay their last respects.
Final rites will be conducted with full state honours today.