Malini Fonseka was an artist whose grace and brilliance stretched far beyond the silver screen, weaving her way into the very fabric of Sri Lankan life. She wasn’t just a legend; she was part of every Sri Lankan family. Her smile lit up more than just cinema halls; it lit up our childhoods, our mothers’ and grandmothers’ memories, and the dreams of young artists daring to follow her.
Today, it feels almost impossible to imagine our world without her. Yet, in every frame she graced, in every role she made her own, she left behind a piece of herself, a gift that will continue to shine through generations.
On 24 May, Sri Lanka bid farewell to its most luminous star, Malini Fonseka, the indomitable ‘Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema’, who passed away at the age of 78. Her departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations, genres, and borders.
A star is born
Born Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka on 30 April 1947 in Kelaniya, she was the third of 11 siblings in a modest, close-knit family. Her early education at St. John’s College, Nugegoda, and later at Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya, laid the foundation for a life steeped in the arts. It was here that she forged lifelong friendships with future collaborators like Wimal Kumara de Costa and H.D. Premaratne.
Fonseka’s artistic journey commenced on the stage in 1963 with the play ‘Noratha Ratha’. Her transition to cinema was marked by her debut in Tissa Liyanasuriya’s ‘Punchi Baba’ in 1968, a performance that heralded the arrival of a formidable talent.
A trailblazer and icon
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Fonseka graced over 150 films, embodying a spectrum of characters that showcased her unparalleled versatility. From the romantic allure in ‘Thushara’ to the poignant depth in ‘Akasa Kusum’, her performances resonated with authenticity and grace.
Her role as Sandhya Rani in Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Akasa Kusum’ was particularly lauded, earning her the Special Jury Award at the International Film Festival of India. This portrayal of a faded film star confronting the shadows of her past was both haunting and deeply human.
Fonseka’s contributions extended beyond the screen. She was a trailblazer, becoming the first Sri Lankan actress to gain international recognition with a Special Jury Award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975. Her accolades include eight Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards, the most by any Sri Lankan actress.
Remembering Malini: Voices of admiration
Kamal Addararachchi, a fellow actor, reflected: “This is an immeasurable loss. We’ve lost not only an artist but a family. She has always been very humble and down to earth. We’ve always very romantically and passionately admired her from childhood. She was such a beauty; her enigmatic smile and charm attributed to her character. She was outstanding amongst any crowd and was a very special person. She always had the best instincts when it came to the film industry.”
He added: “When it comes to being an artist, you must have feelings of compassion and empathy, and she had that. She never utilised her talent for her own benefit; rather, she built a good life for everyone around her as well. Through a wide spectrum of characters, she demonstrated a range of acting. It was remarkable. An artist must be able to portray their image through the characters, and she did just that. It was special to watch. She more than did her job; she established her presence in Sri Lankan cinema and will remain an artist of the highest calibre in Sri Lanka. I only have the memories to cherish, and I feel so sorry for her loss.”
Film writer and critic Boopathy Nalin noted: “Malini acted in both mainstream cinema and art house cinema. She was also in in-between cinema, where it’s not mainstream but not arthouse either, like the blockbuster film ‘Thushara’ and Pathiraja’s work, which was commercial. She’s won so many awards, both locally and internationally. She has taken many controversial and brave roles, especially in Prasanna Vithanage’s film ‘Akasa Kusum’. I remember once, someone asked her if the role was her real character, and she replied, ‘How could I say no?’ So she was very brave and ahead of her time.”
He added: “Unlike today, there were many mainstream stars back then when she was getting into cinema. Today, unfortunately there aren’t many stars. The way she broke into the industry was amazing; anybody can be an actor, but not many can be a star. Many people tried to imitate her, but she is and will remain the queen of Sri Lankan cinema.”
Meanwhile, film director Somaratne Dissanayake shared: “Malini Fonseka is an irreparable character in our country. When we talk about actresses, I don’t think there is anybody else that is able to replace her; beauty, creativity, talent, skills – she tops the charts on all these aspects. This is a huge loss to the art field.”
Fonseka starred in Somaratne’s ‘Punchi Suranganavi’ and ‘Sarigama’, with the filmmaker saying: “She’s been in two films of mine, and when I was a newcomer, she acted in my second film to encourage me and didn’t charge one cent. That’s how she was. She is a huge pride to our country from the 60s until now, playing various characters from various genres, winning awards here and internationally, setting an example for everyone after. It is an immeasurable loss.”
Actor Roshan Ranawana expressed: “She’s a legend; I don’t know anyone who could fill that gap. She’s an incredibly talented actress and could portray any character really well. She’s a legend, and she will be missed.”
A legacy eternal
Today (26), a public viewing will take place at Independence Square, followed by the final rites with state honours this evening. As we say goodbye to Malini Fonseka, it isn’t just the end of an era, it’s the closing of a chapter that shaped who we are. Her legacy isn’t confined to a filmography or a list of awards; it lives in the laughter and tears she brought us, the inspiration she sparked in young hearts, the quiet dignity with which she carried herself.
She was, and always will be, more than an actress. She was, and forever remains, our Malini, the queen whose light will never fade.