The remains of veteran lyricist Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thero, who enriched Sri Lankan music with a vast collection of meaningful songs, including Buddhist devotional compositions, will be placed at the Sri Sudharmaramaya Temple in Wellawatte this afternoon (19), according to family members.
Ven. Siddhartha Thero passed away yesterday (18) at the age of 76 while receiving treatment at the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital following a prolonged illness.
Born on 22 May 1950 in Rambukana village in Deniyaya, he received his education at the Buddhist Mixed School in Weliwa, Morawaka, and later at the Sunethra Devi Maha Pirivena in Pepiliyana.
He went on to leave a distinctive mark on Sri Lankan music, penning songs that explored Buddhism, spirituality, love, humanity and social realities.
Among his best-known works are “Pihitak Nethi – Saranak Nethi” and “Saddharma Makaranda,” sung by Gunadasa Kapuge, as well as “Budu Hamuduruwo Apith Dakinnethi” and “Kasivalata Gannath Be,” performed by Victor Ratnayake.
His lyrics were also brought to life by some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated vocalists. Malini Bulathsinghala performed songs including “Himi Sanaramara,” “Pipena Malakata,” “Senehasa Puda” and “Budu Bana Asuwa,” while Karunarathna Divulgane sang “La Dalu Bopath” and “Veherak Wage.”
Ven. Siddhartha Thero’s work was not confined to a single genre or theme. His extensive body of lyrics also includes “Pansale – Palliye,” “Bana Kiyana Ratak,” “Me Prema Katha Nawatha Mohothak,” “Me Ira Handa Yata,” “Siyak Ayu Leba,” “Awwata Wessata Huru Minisunne,” “Anuradhapure Anurawa Negu” and “Sanda Tharu Mal Mata Dan Dun.”
Family members said details of the funeral and cremation ceremony will be announced later.
