Wannakuwatta Waduge Don Albert Perera (Sinhalese: වන්නකුවත්ත වඩුගේ දොන් ඇල්බට් පෙරෙරා; 25 December 1927 – 03 November 2016) better known by his adopted name Amaradeva, was a Sri Lankan vocalist, violinist and composer. Primarily using traditional instruments like sitars, tablas and harmoniums, Amaradeva incorporates Sinhala folk music with Indian ragas in his work. Many consider Pandit Amaradeva’s contribution to the development of Sinhala music as unmatched.[2][
Pandit Amaradeva had been the recipient of numerous awards including the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001), Indian Padma Sri Award (2002)[7] and Sri Lankan "President's Award of Kala Keerthi" (1986) and Deshamanya Award (1998). In 2003 the French government awarded him the prestigious honour; Officier (officer). Notably he still remains the most popular artist as confirmed by Nielsen Media Research findings[5][8] He has also represented Sri Lanka in many forums including the UNESCO 1967 Manila Symposium.
In 1972, Pandit Amaradeva composed the music for the Maldivian National Anthem (Gaumii salaam) at the request of Maldivian Government.
He found steady work as an artist on Radio Ceylon, where his unique vision and talent could be exhibited to an audience wider than he had ever before known – earning him a position at the Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow, India. After extensive training, Albert returned to Sri Lanka as Pandit Wannakuwatta waduge Don Amaradeva.The name Amaradeva which translates as Immortal god was given to him by Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra (Sri Lanka's foremost playwright and a close associate).
Honors
- Officier (officer) in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) from the French government (2003)
- Padma Sri Award from India (2002)[20]
- The Ramon Magsaysay Award of the Philippines (2001)
- Title of Deshamanya form the government of Sri Lanka (1998)
- Title of Kala Keerthi form the government of Sri Lanka (1986)
Music director
| Year | Film | Other notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Ran Muthu Duwa | debut as music director |
| 1963 | Adata Wadiya Heta Hondai | songs only |
| Sikuru Tharuwa | one song and background music | |
| Gamperaliya | ||
| Getawarayo | ||
| 1965 | Saama | background music |
| Laa Dalu | ||
| Saravita | ||
| Adarayai Karunawai | ||
| 1966 | Delovak Athara | |
| Westhuru Siritha | ||
| 1981 | Valampuri |
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