Nihal Nelson

Nihal Nelson (; 9 January 1946 – 13 December 2022) was a Sri Lankan vocalist, songwriter and composer. One of the most influential singers in Sri Lanka, and considered 'undefeated on the concert stage', Nelson holds the record for the most albums recorded by a Sri Lankan artist, at a total of 113.

Personal life Nelson was born in Moratuwa on 9 January 1946 as the only child in the family. His father, D.C. Hendrick was a businessman and his mother, D.P Weerawardena was an English teacher.

He started primary education at Innocent Maria Mixed School (now known as Rawathawaththa Roman Catholic College). The couple have one son, Kanchana Tharanga, who was born on 10 January 1978 and works as a radio sound administrator.

Career Nelson was popular on the school stage as well as in Moratuwa as a singer. However, he had to polish his musical ability to enter the music world. During this period, he met Sarath Munasinghe (now a monk, Meegahawela Sumanashantha Thero) who had written many songs. In 1962 during a wedding, he met popular musician A. J. Kareem, who introduced him to composer R. A. Chandrasena. Nelson's first recording Lassanata Pipunu Wanamal, written by Munasinghe, was released in SLBC as an EP on 31 March 1963 under the guidance of Chandrasena. Later, he joined Kandy Lake Club with Chandrasena.

Nelson's 110th album Nihal 110 Dot Com was released in 2000. It was recorded at Sunflowers Studios in Mahawewa, Chilaw, with Neil Warnakulasooriya conducting and music by the Sunflowers.

He also worked as a playback singer for many films. His maiden playback singing came through the film Pem Kurullo with the song "Kasii Basili Na". In 2015, Nelson was awarded the 'Moratupura Ratnavibhushana' award.

Death On 13 December 2022, Nelson died in his residence after suffering a heart attack, at age 76.

Legacy In January 2021, it was announced that the third lane of his hometown, Rawathawatte, Moratuwa, would be named after the veteran singer.