President Pays Final Tribute to Legendary Singer Mariazelle Goonetilleke

COLOMBO  (News 1st) - The remains of veteran Sri Lankan singer Mariazelle Goonetilleke have been placed at a private funeral parlour in Borella for the public to pay their final respects.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the funeral parlour this morning and paid his last respects to the late artiste.

According to our correspondent, a large number of people, including fellow artistes, academics, politicians, and admirers, have been arriving to pay their final respects and bid farewell to the celebrated singer whose contributions left an enduring mark on Sri Lanka’s music industry.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to pay their respects until this afternoon.

Thereafter, the final rites will be conducted at the Borella Cemetery at 5.00 p.m. today.

Mariazelle Goonetilleke, a veteran singer who gifted Sri Lankan music lovers with numerous memorable songs over a distinguished career, passed away last Friday while receiving treatment at the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital. She was 68 years old at the time of her passing.

Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from across the country, with many remembering her as one of Sri Lanka’s most admired musical voices whose songs resonated with generations of listeners and enriched the nation’s cultural heritage.