Lionel Edirisinghe (17 January 1913 – 22 May 1988) was a renowned Sri Lankan musicologist and the inaugural principal at the University of the Visual & Performing Arts.
Edirisinghe was born on 17 January 1913 at Baddegama in the Galle District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
[2] Edirisinghe then studied at Bhatkhande College of Music in Lucknow, where he was the first Sinhalese to graduate with a Visharada degree, a few months ahead of compatriot, Sunil Santha.
[3] In 1948 Edrisinghe was selected to be a part of Lanka Gandharva Sabha's judging panel to determine the country's national anthem.
[4] The winning entry, Sri Lanka Matha Pala Yasa Mahima, was a controversial selection as it was written by P. B. Elangasinha and the music was by Edrisinghe, both of whom were on the judging panel.