September 14, Colombo (LNW): Daya Nellampitiya, a respected figure in Sri Lanka’s traditional performing arts and a veteran Virindu vocalist and dance instructor, has passed away at the age of 91.
Family members said Nellampitiya passed away at her home in Kalubowila.
For decades, she played an influential role in arts education, teaching dance at several prominent schools around the country. She was particularly admired for her commitment to Kandyan dance, helping introduce generations of young students to one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive cultural traditions.
Nellampitiya was also the wife of renowned Virindu performer Sena Fonseka. Over the years, she became an important mentor to many artists who later established themselves in Sri Lanka’s cultural and performing arts circles.
Her career extended well beyond classroom teaching. Through her work in traditional dance, folk music and other forms of indigenous artistic expression, she helped keep longstanding cultural practices alive and encouraged younger generations to continue those traditions.
Those who knew her have remembered her not only as a skilled performer and instructor, but also as a dedicated cultural educator whose influence reached thousands of students.
According to family sources, her final rites will be conducted tomorrow (15).
