Funeral of Malini Fonseka with state honours on Monday

The funeral of arguably the Queen of the Sinhala cinema Malini Fonseka, will be held with state honours on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Independence Square. 

As the funeral arrangements were being finalized tributes poured in for the veteran actress who has been in the cinema field for over six decades.

The funeral arrangements were finalized at a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. H. M. Sunil Senevi, and the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumara Kumanayake, along with members of Ms  Fonseka’s family, fellow artistes, and other dignitaries.

Accordingly, the remains of the actress will be placed at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation tomorrow (May 25), and the final rites will take place on Monday evening (May 26) at Independence Square with full state honours.

The remains were brought to her residence in Madiwela last evening and a large number had gathered to pay their last respects. 

Among the thousands who mourn her passing, those closest to the beloved veteran actress, her fellow artistes shared their heartfelt tributes with Times Online as follows:

Ravindra Randeniya; “This is an irrevocable loss to the film industry, because there has never been an artist of the caliber and shining qualities of Malani Fonseka. The service she rendered over her sixty year career is incomparable. 

Anoja Weerasinghe; She was my first teacher. Her loss is immeasurable. I respected her deeply. Though I never called her ‘Akka’ in front of her, I always addressed her as ‘Nona.’ She was my Nona. She was our Queen.”

Wasanthi Chathurani; "She was truly the Queen of Sinhala Cinema," Wasanthi said. "Working with her was always a beautiful experience. She was friendly, humble, and never carried herself as a ‘senior,’ even when acting alongside newcomers. She approached every role as if it were her first as something new, something to discover. That is what made her performances so powerful and fresh."

Kamal Addararachchi; "I had the honour of acting alongside Malini in my very first film, Hithawathiye. I was fortunate enough to act with her again in my second and third films as well. From the very beginning, she was incredibly warm, friendly, and understanding. You could talk to her about anything, and she would truly listen. She rarely spoke about her own troubles, she was always more concerned about others."

Channa Wijewardana; “ From the beginning until now, she remained at the top. She had a very powerful personality. It's extremely rare to see such individuals, even internationally, who shine from beginning to end. In India, there were actresses like Vyjayanthimala, Jaya Bhaduri, and Nutan, but they faded away halfway. None of them can be compared with Malani Fonseka.Her beauty never faded, and her place in the industry can never be replaced. She was like Marlon Brando irreplaceable.

Rohana Weerasinghe; “It was a touching moment when she once told me that among the thousands of songs she had been part of, ‘Seetha Arane’ was one of her all time favorites. Hearing that from her was truly special, and this loss is deeply felt by all of us.”

Nawarathna Gamage; Malini Fonseka didn’t only support actors and actresses, she also helped musicians like us to find our place in the industry. After Rukmani Devi, it was Malani Fonseka who truly touched the hearts of the public. 

Meanwhile condolence Messages also flowed in. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Malini Fonseka, a true icon of Sri Lankan cinema whose grace and talent inspired generations. 

Her legacy will forever shine in our hearts and on our screens. My heartfelt condolences to her loved ones."

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya: 

I was deeply moved by the passing of the queen of Sri Lankan cinema, Ms. Malini Fonseka.

She made her stage debut in 1963 with the play ‘ Noratha Ratha’ and won the National Award for Best Stage Drama Actress in 1968 for her performance in the play "Akal Wessa".

She made her film debut in 1968 with Thissa Liyanasuriya's "Punchi Baba" and in the same year, she also acted in the films "Abuddassa Kale’,  ‘ Dahasak Sithuvili " and "Adarawanthayo".

Malani Fonseka, who has acted in over 140 films, became a standout in films such as "Nidhanaya", "Siripala Saha RanMenika", "Bambaru Avith", "Kasthuri Suwanda". "Thushara", "Awa Soya Adare", "Wekande Walauwa".

She won the Best Actress Award at the 1969 National State Drama Festival, the 1980 Sarasaviya Best Actress Award for "Higana Kolla", the 1982 Sarasaviya Samammana for "Aradhana" and the 1983 Sarasaviya Samammana for "Yasa Isuru". 

She won a Special Jury Prize at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975. She became the first Sri Lankan actress to win an international award.

My generation grew up watching her films and we learn to love cinema through her performances.

The passing of actress Malini Fonseka will undoubtedly create an irreplaceable void in the local film industry.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksha

I was deeply moved to hear of the passing of the esteemed actress Malini Senehelatha Fonseka, the queen of Sinhala cinema.

She has shaped the stage and teledrama fields, especially the silver screen, with her unique acting skills, and has won many awards in these three fields.

In the film industry, the great actress Malini Fonseka, who has won many local and international awards, has been fortunate to win the love and affection of the people for decades. She has shown her talents in various fields of cinema and has also contributed to directing and producing. She entered politics and represented Parliament as a Member of Parliament.

I think that Sinhala cinema and Malaniya are inseparable.She has shown her true acting skills in many forms of cinema. Sri Lankan cinema has been a blessing to her and to Sri Lankan cinema. In 2010, she was named one of the 25 greatest actors ever born in Asia by the American CNN television.

I express my deepest condolences to the entire family of Malini Fonseka, to the artists who mourn her passing, and to the fan community.

Although Malani Senehelatha Fonseka has passed away, she will forever remain in the world of Sinhala cinema. I wish the beloved actress a peaceful rest in peace.