Veteran singer Priya Suriyasena has passed away while receiving treatment at the National Hospital Colombo.

Madawala Liyanage Don Sarathchandra Priyadarshi Suriyasena Liyanage, better known as Priya Suriyasena, was born on 27 October 1944. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

The remains will be placed at his residence on School Mawatha, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, for the public to pay their respects from tomorrow (25 December) morning.

Priya Suriyasena first emerged as a talented singer under the guidance of his father, a poet. His career soared to fame overnight when his first four songs were broadcast on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) in the 1970s. Over five decades, he retained his popularity, producing some of Sri Lanka’s most beloved songs, including Atha Ranviman, Mata Wasana, Adaraneeya Neranjana, Ratakin Eha, and Sudu Paravi Rena.