The final rites of the renowned songstress Kalashuri Latha Walpola, affectionately known as the Nightingale of Sri Lanka, will be conducted with full state honours on 31 December 2025.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government confirmed that the government has decided to hold the funeral under state patronage in recognition of her peerless contribution to the nation’s arts.
The remains will be placed at a private funeral parlour today, 28 December 2025, from 3.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. for the public to pay their respects. On 31 December 2025, the body will be taken to the Independence Square premises before the final rites are performed at the Borella General Cemetery.
Walpola passed away yesterday afternoon at the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital while receiving treatment for an illness. She was 91 years old at the time of her demise. Born in 1934 as Rita Genevieve Fernando, she eventually gained nationwide fame under the name Latha Walpola. Her illustrious career began at the age of 12 when she performed her first song for the then Radio Ceylon in 1946.
Throughout a career spanning several decades, she recorded more than 6,000 songs, including tracks in several foreign languages. Regarded as the eternal Queen of Song in local cinema, she entered film playback singing in 1953 with the movie Eda Re and contributed her voice to over 600 films. Her immense talent was recognised with numerous accolades, including five Sarasavi Awards, two Presidential Awards, and the Kalashuri title.
