Background
Caldera was born on 19 August 1937.
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Henry Caldera
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Education
Completely blind at the age of 14, he attended the Seeduwa Deaf and Blind School. There, Caldera studied under maestro Sunil Shantha, who conducted classes for blind students.
Career
After leaving school, Caldera continued to learn from Shantha at his house in Dehiyagatha, Ja-Ela. Caldera became a radio artist in 1968 and recorded his first hit song Thara Petia in 1972. He subsequently released a four song album in 1977.
During his lifetime he released three audio cassettes and two compact discs.
Caldera firmly believed that art is art and nothing could buy an artist. He held on to this belief until he died.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2004 and died on 11 October 2006. Caldera"s second son, Chaminda, sings in his memory.
Achievements
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In 1979, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe Premadasa, donated a house for Caldera to live. In 1993, Caldera received a Kala Bhushana award (the second highest award granted by the state to performing artists). Student bodies at several universities and non-governmental organizations honored him in appreciation of his service to folk music
