Sri Lanka, July 10 -- Legendary Sri Lankan singer and musician Mariazelle Goonetilleke has passed away at the age of 68, family sources confirmed.

Goonetilleke, who had been receiving medical treatment for an ongoing illness at the Kalubowila Hospital, passed away this morning (10).

With an illustrious career spanning over six decades since the 1960s, she remained a powerful and energetic force on the Sri Lankan stage. Having initially stepped into the limelight performing Western music and cover versions, she later transitioned into Sinhala pop, seamlessly blending contemporary rhythms with Sri Lankan culture.

Goonetilleke excelled across a wide array of musical genres, ranging from Western pop to upbeat Sri Lankan Baila. She shot to ...