Anton Jones

Anton Jones (Sinhala: ඇන්ටන් ජෝන්ස්; 3 June 1937 – 21 February 2016) was a Sri Lankan singer and songwriter. Considered as a prominent Baila singer in Sri Lanka, Jones had several hits, including Mini Gawuma and Uyala Pihala. His songs are composed about special events that took place in this country, thus becoming the only singer who sang based on real events.

Personal life He was born on 3 June 1937 in Colombo to a Burgher family in Hulftsdorp. He has one elder sister. He retired in 1997 completing 35 years of service.

Jones was married to longtime partner Iris Jones. Jones first met Iris at the Talawila Church in 1978. Iris had his education from St. Mary's Convent in Chilaw. They got married on August 31, 1960, at St. Lucia Church, Kotahena. The couple has two sons – Tyrone, Roshan; and two daughters – Roshini and Priyanka. His remains were laid to rest at his residence at Kawdana, Dehiwala Road and later moved to National Art Gallery.

Career He entered music under the guidance of his friend Wally Bastiansz in the early 1950s. He had sung only a single duet in his career, with Angeline Gunathilake.

His most recent album Sebe Siddhi discussed the effects of the tsunami that hit Sri Lanka.