Veteran artist Daya Nellampitiya passes away at 91

Senior Sri Lankan artist, Virindu vocalist, and veteran dance instructor Daya Nellampitiya passed away at her residence in Kalubowila at the age of 91.

She served as a dance instructor at several leading schools across the island for many years, earning wide recognition for her dedication to preserving and transmitting the Kandyan dance tradition to thousands of children.

The wife of veteran Virindu artist Sena Fonseka, she served as the first teacher to numerous veteran artists active in Sri Lanka’s arts sector today.

Her contribution to preserving, promoting, and passing down Sri Lanka’s traditional folk arts, folk music, and dance to future generations remains immeasurable.

Her final rites will take place tomorrow (15), according to family sources.