The final rites of veteran and senior songstress Kala Suri Latha Walpola, fondly revered as the “Kokilavi of Sinhala Music,” will be held today (31) with full state honours at the Borella General Cemetery.
Religious observances will first take place at the Independence Square premises in Colombo, after which the funeral procession will proceed to Borella.
A large number of people continue to gather to pay their last respects to the late artiste, including fans, fellow artists, politicians, and members of the public, reflecting the immense love and respect she earned over decades.
Latha Walpola, who passed away at the age of 91, was one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive and unparalleled vocalists, whose powerful and graceful voice shaped the nation’s music scene for generations.
Over a remarkable career spanning nearly eight decades, she lent her golden voice to more than 6,750 songs, firmly establishing herself as Sri Lanka’s iconic songbird.
She entered cinema music in 1953 with the film “Eda Ra” and went on to become an indispensable figure in Sinhala cinema, providing background vocals for over 600 films. Her ability to sing in multiple languages further highlighted her extraordinary talent.
Songs such as “Namo Mariyani,” “Sihina Hathak Meda,” “Ron Soya Piyabana Samanaliyak Se,” “Ammala Duk Ganne,” “Raena Gira,” and “Nelum Manel Made Pipila” remain etched forever in the hearts of Sri Lankan music lovers.
In recognition of her immense contribution to the arts, she was conferred the title Kala Suri in 2005 and Deshamanya in 2017, along with numerous local and international awards.
With her passing, Sri Lanka bids farewell to a timeless voice whose legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
