W D Ariyasinghe

Widanelage Dharmaratna Ariyasinghe, (16 March 1956 – 9 November 2020, ඩබ්. ඩී. ආරියසිංහ), popularly as W. D. Ariyasinghe, was a Sri Lankan singer, musician and a composer.

Personal life

He was born on 16 March 1956 in Kandy, Sri Lanka as the fifth child in the family with eight. He completed education from Pilimathalawa Central College. Later, he graduated with Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of the Visual and Performing Arts.

He was married to fellow musician Darshani Chandrasena after a long-standing relationship since university period. Darshani is the youngest daughter of the musician late R. A. Chandrasena. She was graduated with Fine Arts degree in 1983 before Ariyasinghe and worked as visiting lecturer at the university for three years. The couple has two sons; Harshadewa and Pulasthi. His son Harshadewa is also a singer.

After undergoing a hip surgery due to an accident some time ago, his health was improving and he was advised by the doctor to rest for about three months However, he died on 9 November 2020 at the age of 64 after a prolonged illness.