Dr. D.B. Nihalsinghe was noted for his versatility: as a film cameraman, a film director, a pioneering television director, an administrator, a teacher. He was a pioneer to introduce professional television production to Sri Lanka in 1979, commencing with Sri Lanka's and South Asia's first color tele-drama, "Dimuthu Muthu".

The President issuing a Message of Condolence said: “Dr. Nihalsinghe’s service for the development of the local cinema would be remembered by the nation with gratitude”.

The message further said that the loss of a person like Dr. D.B. Nihalsinghe is an irreparable loss to the Sri Lankan cinema industry.