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The Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema, Passes Away at 76
A timeless icon of stage and screen, Malini Fonseka’s seven-decade legacy defined an era of Sri Lankan arts — her brilliance, grace, and influence will echo for generations to come.
Colombo, May 24 – Sri Lanka is in mourning following the passing of its most cherished cinematic treasure, Malini Fonseka, affectionately known as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema.” The beloved actress passed away this morning at the age of 76 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
A towering figure in Sri Lankan arts, Fonseka’s career spanned over seven decades, during which she left an indelible mark across cinema, theatre, and television. Her journey began on stage in 1963 with the play Noratha Ratha, quickly blossoming into a prolific film and television career that shaped generations of viewers and performers.
She first gained national attention in 1969, winning the Best Actress Award at the National State Drama Festival. That same year, she cemented her place in cinema history with acclaimed performances in Punchi Baba, Abudasse Kale, Dahasak Sithuwili, and Adarawanthayo.
Fonseka’s filmography includes over 140 titles, among them iconic roles in Hingana Kolla (1980), Aradhana (1982), and Yasa Isuru (1983), for which she earned multiple Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards. Her talent transcended borders when she starred alongside Indian film legend Sivaji Ganesan in Pilot Premnath (1978), one of several international collaborations.
A pioneer in every sense, Fonseka became Sri Lanka’s first female teledrama director with Nirupamala. She directed notable films such as Sasara Chetana (1984), Ahimsa (1987), and Sthree (1991), and continued to excel as an actress in beloved teledramas like Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, Ambu Daruwo, and Sanasili Suwanda. She was recognized with the prestigious Sumathi Award for Best Teledrama Actress for her roles in Pitagamkarayo and Kemmura.
Her international acclaim included a Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival (1975) and recognition at the New Delhi Film Festival (1977)—the first such global honors for a Sri Lankan actress. In 2010, CNN listed her among “Asia’s 25 Greatest Film Actors of All Time.”
Most recently, in 2024, her poignant performance in the music video Eya Wasanthaya Nowe introduced her to a new generation of fans, proving her timeless appeal and emotional depth.
Beyond the arts, Fonseka also served her country as a Member of Parliament, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to public service and cultural advocacy.
Her contributions were celebrated in grand tributes, including the Maliniye felicitation ceremony in 2003 and special recognitions from both local and international institutions. Among her many honors were the Wishva Prasadhini Award, multiple Presidential and OCIC Awards, and twelve consecutive Slim Nielsen People’s Awards.
Malini Fonseka leaves behind a rich legacy of artistic excellence, resilience, and innovation. She was not only a performer of immense talent but a symbol of Sri Lankan cultural identity.
As tributes pour in from across the nation and the world, one truth remains clear: Malini Fonseka’s light will never fade from the Sri Lankan artistic soul.
