Premasiri Khemadasa passes away [October 24 2008]

Internationally renowned music maestro Premasiri Khemadasa (71) passed away at a private hospital in Colombo. ‘Khemadasa Master’ who has left his mark in the local and international music scene during the past five decades was born on January 25, 1937 in Talpitiya, Wadduwa.

He was educated at Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya and St.John’s College, Panadura. He started his musical career with the Radio Ceylon orchestra. He had the opportunity of providing music to Roddie Kella a film by Sirisena Wimalaweera and the musical contribution he made to Lester James Piries’ Golu Hadawatha was a turning point in cinematic music. He also composed music for the landmark film Nidhanaya. Later, he contributed to films such as Agnidahaya and Ammavarune.