A veteran musician in Sri Lanka with over seven decades of experience, Shelton Premaratne passed away today (30).
Premaratne entered the Sri Lankan film industry as a music director at the age of 17. He was a unique figure in the music industry, and he was able to revolutionize local cinema.
Jothiratnege Shelton Premaratne was born on April 29, 1931, in Kotahena, Colombo. First, he attended Kotahena Sekku Street Christian College. Later, he studied at Hill Street Central College (now known as Kotahena Central College).
Premaratne’s father, Sadris Master, was known as a talented singer, musician, and actor in 1910. Premaratne was a teacher at Homagama Central College.
“Heena Kulaya” was Premaratne’s first drama for which he directed music, and he later contributed to many dramas such as Sasara Dukha, Sura Sudu Anthaya, Samadara, Mantri Hamudurwo, Guththila Moosila, Sarabhumi Thitta Bata, and Paraveya.
He was the first Sri Lankan to compose an English song for a Sinhala film. His service to the Sri Lankan music industry is immense.
