Malini Fonseka — the name alone evokes decades of artistry, elegance, and emotional depth. Revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” the beloved actress passed away this morning (24) at the age of 76, while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Her departure marks the end of an era. Over the course of a career that spanned more than 70 years, Fonseka transformed the very fabric of Sri Lankan cinema and theatre. From her earliest steps on the stage in 1963 with Noratha Ratha, to her cinematic debut in Punchi Baba (1968), she was a trailblazer whose presence shaped generations of performers.
She came into prominence with a powerful performance that earned her the Best Actress title at the 1969 National State Drama Festival. From there, the accolades kept coming — Sarasaviya Awards for standout roles in Hingana Kolla (1980), Aradhana (1982), and Yasa Isuru (1983) among them. Each role deepened her bond with audiences and further elevated her craft.
Malini’s versatility knew no boundaries. Whether acting opposite Indian cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan in Pilot Premnath (1978) or directing Sri Lanka’s first teledrama by a woman — Nirupamala — she repeatedly broke new ground. Her directorial works, including Sasara Chetana, Ahimsa, and Sthree, added yet another dimension to her already prolific legacy.
The small screen, too, bore witness to her brilliance. Teledramas such as Pitagamkarayo, Kemmura, Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, and Ambu Daruwo won her critical acclaim and household affection alike. Her performance earned her a Sumathi Award, among others.
Her fame was not confined to Sri Lanka. In 1975, she won the Special Jury Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival — a first for a Sri Lankan actress. Two years later, she was honoured in New Delhi. And in 2010, CNN recognised her as one of Asia’s 25 Greatest Film Actors of All Time.
Even in her later years, Fonseka remained a magnetic presence. Her appearance in Chapa Jayaruk’s poignant 2024 music video Eya Wasanthaya Nowe showcased her enduring emotional depth and introduced her to a new generation.
Beyond the screen and stage, she also served her country as a Member of Parliament, accepting the role to support then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa — a reflection of her national stature and sense of civic duty.
Recognition came in many forms: the Wishva Prasadhini Presidential Award in 1996, numerous OCIC and Slim Nielsen People’s Awards (which she claimed for twelve consecutive years), and international tributes, including a grand felicitation titled Maliniye at BMICH in 2003.
In 2019, she was bestowed with the Janabhimani Honorary Award — a fitting tribute to a life lived in service of art and audience.
Malini Fonseka leaves behind not just a catalogue of performances, but a cultural legacy that shaped the identity of Sri Lankan performance art.
