Musicians

Pandith Amaradeva

Pandit Amaradeva's contribution to the music scene in Sri Lanka is more than a period of five decades has been an incomparable one. His music has been the most influential force in forging what could be called a truly Sri Lankan music with a unique national character and identity. At a time in the past when Sinhala music was at a downfall, his music provided the necessary direction and infused it with a fresh vigour. From that time onwards his musical creations have captured the hearts of several generations of music lovers, both young and old. Perhaps his greatness lies in his ability to create a range of emotions in the listener with that richly expressive voice of his which immediately 'transports' the listener to a world of his own. Pandit Amaradeva's repertoire of musical compositions displays an astonishing variety. This son of the soil is truly a gift of the gods to the nation and there would not be another in his category of music.

Nanda Malini

Nanda Malani the most acclaimed lady singer of Sri Lanka and by critical assessment, the one who represents best the genius of the Sinhalese. 
The rich timbre of her voice, it’s poignancy and expressiveness, and it’s characteristically Sinhala intonation all combine to make her singing an unique experience to the listener. Trained at "Bhatkande Sangeetha Vidyapita", Lucknow, and grounded in the theory and practice of classical Indian music, she is equally at home in the sophisticated melodic and rhythmic patterns of Raga music as in the simple compositions of the Sinhala tradition from which she first drew her inspiration.
Numerous prestigious awards have brought Nanda Malani in to National recognition. 

In 1963 she was adjudged the best singer at the Sarasavi film festival. Since then she has won awards almost every year. She was invited to Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Germany, The Soviet Union, United kingdom, Italy, and France, Middle-east countries and Maldives countries where she gave very successful concerts.
In her personal life Nanda Malani embodies the ideals of Sinhalese womanhood. Very simply dressed but elegantly mostly in white Nanda Malani is modest while being dignified.