Mendis revolutionised the local music industry and composed several songs for popular Sri Lankan films including Ganga Addara, Beddegama, Suseema, Gehenu Lamayi, Ahasin Polawata, Kolamba Sanniya , God King and Duwata Mawaka Misa., which are still popular over the generations.

The creator of the popular song "Master Sir",Nimal Mendis, is a lyricist as well.

He was also one of a handful of Sri Lankan musicians to appear on the BBC Television programme Top of the Pops.