Sri Lanka's veteran musician, Pandit Amaradewa, passed away after a brief illness on Thursday morning, at the age of 88.

Local media reports said that Amaradewa was hospitalized following a cardiac emergency.

The veteren singer, was the recipient of numerous awards including the Philippine Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2001, Indian Padma Sri Award in 2002 and Sri Lankan "President's Award of Kala Keerthi" (1986) and Deshamanya Award in 1998.

In 2003 the French government awarded him the prestigious honour Officier (officer).

Amaradeva also represented Sri Lanka in many forums including the UNESCO 1967. Amaradeva was a Sri Lankan vocalist, violinist and composer.

Primarily using traditional instruments like sitars, tablas and harmoniums, Amaradeva incorporated the local Sinhala folk music with Indian ragas in his work. Many considered Pandit Amaradeva's contribution to the development of Sinhala music as unmatched. Endit

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