Dr. Shelton Premaratne, a celebrated Sri Lankan music composer and instrumentalist, passed away this morning in Australia at the age of 94. The news was confirmed by fellow Sri Lankan musician Keerthi Pasquel in a Facebook post.

Dr. Premaratne was renowned for his pioneering contributions to Sinhala music, developing a distinctive style that diverged from the prevalent Indian influences. His expertise spanned both Eastern and Western musical instruments, and he made significant impacts across Sinhala cinema, theatre, and classical music.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Premaratne composed and directed music for over 30 stage productions, including Henry Jayasena’s acclaimed "Hunuwataye Kathawa" (The Caucasian Chalk Circle), and scored 21 Sinhala films, such as "Daskon," "Romeo Juliet Kathawak," and "Hithaka Pipunu Mal."

Dr. Premaratne was residing in Sydney with his son at the time of his passing. His legacy in Sri Lankan music remains indelible.