She was 78 years old.

In 1962, Kotelawala won the Best Actress Award for her outstanding performance in the play ‘Mehew Lokaya’, becoming the first Sri Lankan stage actress to win the award.

She acted in several tele dramas including Kumarihamy, Charitha Thunak, Naedaeyo, Vajira, Thara Devi and Hiruta Muwawen as well as infilms such as Vajira, Pipena Kumudu and Chandali.