Malini Fonseka, revered as the ‘Queen of Sinhala Cinema,’ passed away early this morning (24) ,she was 78 years old at the time of her death. It is reported that she had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo for an illness.
Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka, she rose to prominence as a talented actress, notably after winning the ‘Best Actress Award’ at the National Drama Festival in 1969. She transcended Sinhala cinema and was later honored with the title ‘Queen of Cinema.’
“Veteran actress Malini Fonseka has passes away”
Malini Fonseka began her acting career in 1963 through stage dramas and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with Tissa Liyanasuriya’s film ‘Punchi Baba.’ Her talent was recognized after winning the ‘Best Actress Award’ at the National Drama Festival in 1969.
In 1973, Malini Fonseka received the ‘Most Popular Actress Award.’ She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Presidential, Sarasavi, OCIC, and Sumathi Awards, notably for Best Actress.
She won the Sarasavi Best Actress Award multiple times for her outstanding performances in films such as ‘Higana Kolla’ in 1980, ‘Aaradana’ in 1982, and ‘Yasa Isuru’ in 1983. In 2010, CNN (American television) named Malini Fonseka as one of the 25 greatest Asian actors of all time.
Films like ‘Nidhanaya,’ ‘Bambaru Avith,’ ‘Wekande Walawwa,’ ‘Aaradana,’ and ‘Ammawarune’ stand as testaments to Malini Fonseka’s exceptional acting prowess.
In 2010, she entered politics as a Member of Parliament and represented the Parliament as a National List MP until 2015.
The final rites for the late Malini Fonseka will be conducted with state honors on the 26th at Independence Square, Colombo.
