The government has declared a week of National Mourning over the demise of Pandit W.D. Amaradewa, Government Information Department said. The remains of Pandit Amaradewa will be brought to the Independent Square this morning.
According to the Minster of Home Affairs ministry, the final rites will take place tomorrow under full state honors. All the necessary facilities for the public coming to the funeral have been prepared with the assistance of tri forces, Police, public and private sector, and the civil society organizations.
Meanwhile President Maithripala Sirisena said that the country is indebted to Maestro Amaradewa for his exceptional service rendered by exploring the roots of local music to enrich it to an unprecedented high.
Issuing a Message of Condolence over the demise of Maestro Amaradewa, the President added that Maestro Amaradewa was the embodiment of simplicity and the contentment in life.
A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter belonging to the No. 72 squadron has crashed into the Madhuru Oya reservoir this morning, Air FOrce Media Spokesman Eranda Geeganage said.
Update: Five of the twelve passengers on board the bell 212 aircraft that crashed into the Maduru Oya today, have succumbed to their injuries, the SLAF said.
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