The remains of Malini Fonseka, Sri Lanka’s beloved “Queen of Sinhala Cinema,” will lie in state at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation today (25), offering the public a final opportunity to pay their respects. Her body will be moved to Independence Square tomorrow, where tributes will continue.

Malini Fonseka, who passed away at 78 on 24 May while receiving treatment in Colombo, will be laid to rest with full state honours on 26 May. Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi confirmed that the state funeral will be held Monday evening at Independence Square.

Spanning a career of over 6 decades, Malini Fonseka’s contribution to cinema, theatre, and television reshaped Sri Lankan arts. She remains the first female teledrama director in the country and a recipient of numerous national and international accolades.