Lanka’s nightingale is no more but her music and legacy will continue to inspire View(s):Veteran playback singer and cultural icon Deshamanya Latha Walpola, widely known as the “Helaye Geetha Kokilaviya” (Nightingale ofSri Lanka), passed away last night while receiving treatment at the Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital. Born Matharage Rita Genevieve Fernando on November 11, 1934, in Mount Lavinia, she later became known by her stage name Latha Walpola. Over the years, she recorded thousands of songs and provided playback singing for more than 600 Sinhala films.”Her death marks the end of an era in Sri Lanka’s music and cinema history, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Sinhala song and film music. Dharmadasa and Latha Walpola had four sons and two daughters. Latha Walpola’s music and legacy will continue to inspire generations ofSri Lankans.

Source: Sunday Times December 27, 2025 20:05 UTC