Nation bids farewell to “Queen of Sinhala Cinema,” Malini Fonseka

Tuesday, 27 May 2025 02:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The final rites of Sri Lankan cinema icon and veteran actress Malini Fonseka, widely known as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” were performed with full State honours yesterday at Independence Square in Colombo.

The funeral was conducted with full State honours and was attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Government Ministers, political leaders, artists, and members of the public.

The general public was given the opportunity to pay their final respects to the late actress at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation yesterday, while her mortal remains were brought to Independence Square, Colombo 7.

Mourners paid their final respects to the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. while at 3:30 p.m., the body was moved to a special platform prepared for Buddhist religious rites.

Religious rites were conducted by the clergy while family members, artists, and politicians, including Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya, addressed the gathering before the body was then taken to the funeral pyre.

Malini Fonseka passed away on 24 May at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

- Pix by Shehan Gunasekara