Malini Fonseka, widely hailed as the Queen of Sinhala Cinema, passed away yesterday morning at a private hospital following a brief illness. She was 78.
Silver screen sensation Fonseka starred in over 150 Sinhala movies and also the Tamil movie Pilot Premnath. She was also an accomplished actress on the stage as well as the small screen.
She has won nearly 100 local and international awards including the coveted Sarasaviya Awards during her stellar career. She was also a Member of Parliament for a few years.
Malini Fonseka’s final rites will be conducted with full State honours at the Independence Square tomorrow (May 26), Government officials said. This will be telecast live on all channels.
A committee has been set up under the leadership of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi to coordinate the funeral arrangements.
Her body will lie in state at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation, Torrington, from 10 a.m. today (May 25), for the public to pay their last respects to the screen legend.
Renowned for her stellar performances and a career spanning more than five decades, Fonseka was a beloved figure in Sri Lankan cinema and cultural life. She is survived by her sisters and nieces, who are also artistes. (See tribute on page 4 and editorial on page 8)
