Renowned writer and translator Leelananda Gamaachchi passed away today at a private hospital at the age of 79.

Born on October 3, 1936, Gamaachchi was a former Principal and started his writing career after retirement. His first book was the "Nava Yovun Asiriya" published in 1998.

He was most famous for his translation of "Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window" by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi.

Gamaachchi's funeral will be held on October 18 in Eldeniya, Kadawatha.