W.D. Amaradeva

Born 1927-12-05

Died 2016-11-03

Sri Lankabhimanya Wannakuwattawaduge Don Albert Perera (5 December 1927 – 3 November 2016), better known by his adopted name W. D. Amaradeva, was a prominent Sri Lankan vocalist, violinist, and composer. Widely cited as the "Maestro of Sri Lankan Music," he is celebrated for creating a uniquely Sinhalese musical style by blending Indian ragas with traditional Sri Lankan folk music. His innovative approach laid the foundation for the local classical song genre known as "Sarala Gee".