🌹 Tribute to Mariazell Gunatilleke 🌹
Today I pause to honour the memory of the late Mariazell Gunatilleke, a beloved Sinhala pop artist of our generation. Her unforgettable hit “Kandy Lamissi” was always on our lips, a song that carried joy and rhythm into everyday life.
My first personal encounter with her was
about twelve years ago at a Sri Lanka Air Force Anniversary Christian
Service, where she sang with grace and power. From that day, I discovered
that Mariazell was not only a voice for lively baila songs, but also a soul who
poured herself into spiritual and devotional music. Those songs touched
hearts deeply and inspired many.
She was even invited as a guest artist
at the Christmas Programme of the President’s House, a testimony to her
wide recognition and the respect she commanded.
The last time I met her was in December
2025 at the Winsetha Hospital Christmas event in Punchi Borella, where I
shared a Christmas message and she entertained the staff with her sensational
hit songs. The audience, who had been listening to the carols and message with
devotion, were suddenly lifted into a different experience of singing and
dancing. That joyful evening was the last time we met.
✨ Yet Mariazell’s life was not only
about music. She was an outgoing and compassionate friend, quietly
supporting others in worthy causes. I recall how she connected me with her
close friend Avanthi Dematagoda, at one time the Principal of St.
Joseph’s Convent—Mariazell’s own alma mater. As a devoted member of the
OGA, Mariazell had developed a close acquaintance with Avanthi, a friendship
that proved to be a mutual blessing.
When Avanthi was later appointed as the
new Principal of Methodist College, Rawatawatte, Mariazell urged me with
heartfelt sincerity: “Please do everything possible for my friend who is
desirous of reconnecting the school with the Methodist Church.” Her plea
was acceded to, and today a dynamic relationship has blossomed between the
school and the church—a lasting legacy of her concern for others and her quiet
influence in strengthening bonds of faith and community.
The last communication I had from
Mariazell was her warm birthday wish to me on January 11th this year.
Just days later, she fell ill. True to her nature, she chose to go through her
illness quietly, even though many of us longed to visit and be with her. We had
to honour her wish, though reluctantly, and some of us may feel the ache of not
being able to “do our part for her.” Yet in one of her testimonies she had
said: “All my problems are not solved, but I can face them with God who is
with me.” I believe that her faith was honoured during her time of illness
and in her passing.
Mariazell’s artistry was more than
entertainment—it was a gift of spirit, joy, compassion, and devotion. Her
music, her friendships, and her faith will continue to echo in our memories,
reminding us of the beauty she shared with the world.
May she rest in peace, and may her
melodies live on in the hearts of all who loved her. 🎶✨
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