Colombo, Sri Lanka — On May 26, thousands gathered in Colombo to say goodbye to Malini Fonseka, a beloved figure in Sri Lankan cinema who passed away on May 24 at the age of 78. Fans filled Independence Square, dressed in white, to pay their respects to the actress whose work had touched many lives over her five-decade career.
Fonseka was a cherished icon, known for her roles in over 140 films. As a young girl, Srimathi Mallika Kaluarachchi recalled crying during Fonseka’s performances, feeling a deep connection to her characters. “We used to scream at the screen, telling our father to save her,” Kaluarachchi remembered, highlighting the emotional impact Fonseka had on her audience.
The cremation ceremony was marked by full state honors. A montage of Fonseka’s film scenes was displayed on a projector drone, while her film songs played in the background. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake honored her legacy, stating that her grace and talent inspired generations.
Fonseka began her career on stage before making her film debut in 1968. She became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s, often portraying the struggles of women in a male-dominated society. Her notable roles included a wife murdered by her husband in "Nidhanaya" and a village girl in "Bambaru Avith." She also directed films, becoming Sri Lanka’s first female television drama director in the 1980s.
Her influence extended beyond cinema. Fans described her as a bridge across generations, appealing to both older and younger audiences. She won multiple awards, including five Best Actress titles at Sri Lanka’s Presidential Film Awards, and gained international recognition at film festivals.
Many attendees at the funeral shared personal stories about Fonseka, reflecting on her role as a role model. “She wasn’t arrogant. We loved her when we were young,” said Pushpa Hemalatha, a jam factory worker. Ivanka Peiris, an actress who worked with Fonseka, emphasized her empowering presence in the industry, saying, “There will be no other queens in Sri Lanka. She will be the first and the last.”
Fonseka’s final performance was in a 2024 music video, where she played an elderly woman reminiscing about her deceased husband. Her passing leaves a significant void in Sri Lankan cinema, but her legacy will continue to resonate with fans and future generations.