Premier pays last respects :

Death of N N Sedaraman Gurunnanse

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayaka paid his last respects to veteran dancer N. N. Sedaraman Gurunnanse at his Handapangoda residence yesterday. Sedaraman Gurunnanse died on February 13 while participating in a traditional 'Gammaduwa' ceremony at Polgasowita.

Sedaraman had the honour of performing before Queen Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh when he represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Arts Festival

in England in 1965. Later he honed his dancing skills at the feet of veterans in the field such as late Chitrasena and Panibharatha.

Thereafter he joined the Army National Service Regiment to form the Army Cultural Troupe which performed in 80 countries including Mexico, France, Germany, England and India.

Sedaraman who played a pioneering role in developing the Thelme dance form as a performing Art also served in the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation. Later in his life he launched his own dancing school to propagate his art among children in this native area.

He has also acted in dramas such as Sri Wickrama, Sirisanghabo and Samudradevi and served as dancing consultant to several films including the 'Bavaduka' and 'Bavakarma.'

He had won many awards including the Duke of Edinburgh award, Kala Mandala award in 1964, 1965 and 1966, Kalabhooshana award and Kalutara district Sahityasuri and Kala Keerthi awards.

He leaves his wife Mrs. W. N. M. Fernando, two daughters Vasantha and Yamuna and son Manoj.

Funeral took place at the Kirigala Cemetery, Handapangoda yesterday. (February 17)