Sri Lanka bid a final farewell to renowned actress Malini Fonseka, widely regarded as the queen of Sri Lankan cinema, after her death on May 24, 2025, at the age of 78. Thousands of fans gathered at Colombo’s Independence Square to pay their respects, dressed in white mourning attire, as Fonseka’s coffin was carried to a specially erected cremation tower.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake described Fonseka as “a true icon of Sri Lankan cinema whose grace and talent inspired generations,” adding that “her legacy will forever shine in our hearts and on our screens.” Fonseka’s impact on Sri Lankan cinema spanned over five decades, with starring roles in more than 140 films. Her portrayal of working-class women on screen earned her widespread acclaim, and she became a beauty icon for many Sri Lankan women.
Srimathi Mallika Kaluarachchi, a long-time fan, recalled the emotional impact of Fonseka’s performances: “Whenever we saw her, we’d forget all the pain we had in our hearts… She represented how everyday people experienced love and, often, the violence that comes with it for women in patriarchal societies.” Fonseka’s collaborations with renowned directors, including Lester James Peries and Dharmasena Pathiraja, showcased her versatility as an actress.
Fonseka’s contributions extended beyond acting. She was Sri Lanka’s first female television drama director in the 1980s and also ventured into politics, serving as a member of parliament from 2010 to 2015. Film critic Anuradha Kodagoda praised Fonseka’s ability to portray characters “very organically and authentically,” calling her “rare and unique in Sri Lankan cinema.”
As news of her passing spread, fans and fellow actors alike mourned the loss of a cinematic legend. “She’s the queen. That’s it,” said Ivanka Peiris, an actress who worked with Fonseka. “There will be no other queens in Sri Lanka. She will be the first and the last.”