Legendary Playback Singer Kalasuri Latha Walpola Passes Away

Legendary Playback Singer Kalasuri Latha Walpola Passes Away at 91

Kalasuri Latha Walpola – Legendary Sinhala Playback Singer
Kalasuri Latha Walpola – Queen of Song in Sinhala Cinema

Sri Lanka mourns the loss of one of its most iconic musical voices, Kalasuri Latha Walpola, fondly revered as the “Queen of Song” in Sinhala cinema, who passed away on December 27 at the age of 91.

Born in 1934 in Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia, Latha Walpola began her extraordinary musical journey at a remarkably young age. At just 12 years old, she made her first radio performance on Radio Ceylon in 1946,marking the beginning of a career that would span more than seven decades and leave an indelible mark on Sri Lankan music and cinema.

Throughout her lifetime, Latha Walpola recorded over 10,000 songs, including performances in foreign languages, demonstrating her exceptional versatility and vocal range. In Sinhala cinema, she earned the enduring title “Gī Rājiniya” (Queen of Melody) for her unmatched contribution as a playback singer.

She entered the film industry in 1953 with the film “Eda Rä” and went on to lend her voice to more than 600 Sinhala films, shaping the emotional and musical identity of Sri Lankan cinema across multiple generations.

State Funeral Arrangements

In recognition of her immense contribution to national culture, the Government of Sri Lanka has decided to conduct her final rites with full state patronage.

  • Her remains will lie in state at Jayaratne Respect Hall, Borella, from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. on December 29 and 30 ,allowing the public to pay their final respects.
  • On December 31, her body will be placed at Independence Square until 2.00 p.m., followed by religious observances.
  • The final rites will thereafter take place at the Borella Public Cemetery.

Awards and Honors

Latha Walpola’s contribution to cinema and music has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including:

Sarasaviya Awards

  • Best Female Singer – Getawarayo (1965)
  • Best Female Singer – Naarilatha (1970)
  • Ranathisara Award for Contribution to Cinema (1992)
  • Best Female Singer – Okkoma Kanapita (1993)
  • Best Female Singer – Chitti (1996)

Deepashika Awards

  • Female Singer with the Most Number of Films – Naarilatha (1974)

Swarna Sanka Cinema Awards

  • Best Female Singer – Chitti (1996)

Presidential Awards

  • Swarna Jayanthi Award for Contribution to Cinema (1997)

Other National and International Honors

  • Golden Swan Award (1992)
  • Golden Conch Award (1995)
  • Kala Suri Award (2005)
  • Deshamanya Award (2007)
  • Lifetime Achievement Awards (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)
  • U.W. Sumathipala Award – Sumathi Awards (2004)
  • OCIC Signis Appreciation Award (2006)

A Lasting Legacy

Kalasuri Latha Walpola’s voice defined eras, emotions, and memories for millions of Sri Lankans. Her legacy lives on through the timeless songs she gifted to the nation and her unparalleled contribution to the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

She will be remembered not only as a legendary singer, but as a cultural icon whose influence will resonate for generations to come.