Mr V. Hemapala Perera is one of the most renowned, multi-talented classical musicians living in Sri Lanka. When I had a band in London in the 1990s, our lead guitarist, a superb player himself, now departed Mr Upali Abeygunawardena, was taught guitar by Mr Hemapala in the Badulla district decades ago. In 1997 I was fortunate enough to involve Mr Hemapala in five of my songs composed by the late Mr Stanley Peris, who conducted the orchestra. I remember Mr Hemapala being very kindly helped around with movements by young musician Mr Suresh Maliyadde inside the Neco Studios, Nugegoda. There was one song, "මල් රොනට බඹරු වඩිනා" in which at the end of it, there is a flute solo by Mr Hemapala, which I thought was out of this world!. I wished the whole of it remained in the recording, as it was so beautiful and melodic, but unfortunately, it was cut short in the CD due to time constraints. I wish Mr Hemapala long life and happiness and hope the people of Sri Lanka would take the maximum benefit of this great musician.
