Sri Lanka, Aug. 21 -- Ven. Rambukkana Siddhartha, an acclaimed lyricist who rendered an invaluable service to Sri Lankan music literature, Buddhist culture and society, passed away on August 18. He was 76 years old at the time of his death and had been receiving medical treatment for illness.

The immense literary contribution he made through language and the writing lyrics is truly outstanding. It is worth reflecting on whether we, as Sri Lankans, have accorded due respect to him. The mink wielded his pen to guide the nation and society on to the right path.

Born on May 22, 1950, in the village of Rambukkana near Deniyaya in the Matara District, he entered the monastic life on July 22, 1963, at the Weliwa Gangathilaka Viharaya. This de...