Sanath Nandasiri
Band:University of Kelaniya
Genres:Pop, Classical
Born:02/15/1942
Died:03/28/2023
From: Gothatuwa, Sri Lanka
Musician Speciality:Singer/Music Director
Biography:
Prof. Sangeeth Nipun Herath Mudiyanselage Sanath Nandasiri (15 February 1942 – 28 March 2023) was a Sri Lankan singer, musician, music director, composer and playback singer.[1] He was the Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Sri Lanka.[2][3] One of the iconic singers in Sri Lankan music, Nandasiri received several awards for his compositions in a career spanning more than six decades.[4] He also composed the music to Sandamalige Kathawa, the first TV serial on Rupavahini.
Personal life and family background
Nandasiri was born on 15 February 1942 in Gothatuwa, Sri Lanka as the third child to businessman and building contractor, H. M. William Perera and Dona Amalin Katugampola, a housewife.[5] He completed his primary education from Gothatuwa Maha Vidyalaya and St. Matthew’s College, Dematagoda for O/Ls.[6] Then he attended Mahabodhi Maha Vidyalaya for Advanced Level and finally Stafford College to study English.[7] During school times, he excelled as an athlete as well as a Elle player. He was a good short distance runner and won trophies in the 100 meters.[8] Nandasiri has one elder sister, one elder brother, one younger sister and one younger brother, Nimal Chandrasiri.[9]
Nandasiri married singer Malkanthi Nandasiri née Peiris on 18 December 1971.[10] He met Malkanthi during a vesak drama called ‘Mara Parajaya’ in 1967.[6] They collaborated on songs before and after their marriage. When their son was born in 1971, he was a normal overweight child and put the name, Sanjaya Madhava. But the son died after three days.[11] Their second child was a daughter, Nishamani Anuradha who was born February 14, 1974.[7] Anuradha, also a musician,[12] is currently back in Sri Lanka with her husband.[7]
Born as the eldest daughter, Malkanthi has three sisters: Nirmala, Niranjala, Sakunthala and two brothers: Kumar, and Manoj.[13] Nirmala Ranatunga is also a singer who was married to a prominent tabla player Wijeratne Ranatunga.[14] Nirmala’s daughter Sewwandi Ranathunga is also a singer.[15][16] Nirajala Sarojani is also a singer who was married to late musician Abeywardena Balasuriya who died on 26 March 2010 at the age of 63.[17][18] With the demise of Abeywardena, Niranjala has also retired from singing.[19] Sakunthala worked at Veritas Radio in Manila. Manoj Peiris is a renowned tabla player and musician of Sri Lanka.[20][21]