The final rites of actress Malini Fonseka will be held with state honours on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Independence Square in Colombo.

Her remains will be brought to the Tarangani Hall of the National Film Corporation today where the public can pay their last respects.

The decision to hold the state funeral was made at a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. H. M. Sunil Senevi and Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Tributes poured in for the Queen of the Sinhala Cinema Malini Fonseka who passed away early Saturday at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

The Sunday Times spoke with fellow artists and longtime colleagues, to hear their recollections of the legendary actress.

Ravindra Randeniya, who co-starred with Malini in many unforgettable roles said:  “This is an irrevocable loss to the film industry, because there has never been an artist of the calibre and shining qualities of Malini Fonseka. The service she rendered over her sixty year career is incomparable.

“If you look at the history of Sri Lankan cinema, there has never been an artist who was capable of being so popular while also delivering outstanding performances in both commercially appealing films and deeply artistic, character driven roles. She had a range that is rarely seen, even on the international screen. I have performed with her in many of my best films, and I know her capacity, the whole world knows. It’s a national loss. I believe her passing should be honoured with a state funeral. That’s how I feel, and I hope it will be done.”

Veteran actress Anoja Weerasinghe, speaking to the Sunday Times recalled her earliest memory with Malini: “My very first film was ‘Monarathenna’, and I acted alongside Malini Fonseka. We played friends in that movie. One memory from that time has stayed with me forever. During my first scene with Malini Akka, I completely messed it up. I overreacted and delivered it awkwardly. Since I was a newcomer, no one knew me, and the entire crew laughed at my performance. But Malini Akka didn’t laugh. She looked at me kindly and asked, ‘Have you acted in stage dramas?’ I said yes. Then she gently explained, ‘In theatre, you act for the audience at the back. But in film, it’s different. The camera is subtle; it captures even the smallest gestures. So in the cinema, less is more.’ From that moment on, I have carried that lesson in every film. 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.”

Another longtime co-star, actress Wasanthi Chathurani, described Malini Fonseka’s passing as one of the greatest losses to Sri Lankan cinema. “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.”

“She gave life to some of the most unforgettable characters in cinema roles that even reached international audiences. As far as I can recall, films like ‘Nidhanaya’, ‘Siripala Saha Ranmenika’, and ‘Akasa Kusum’ brought her international recognition. I especially remember her incredible performances in ‘Soldadu Unnahe’ and ‘Eya Dan Loku Lamayek’. Her acting in those films was simply extraordinary.”

Kamal Addararachchi, another veteran actor said: “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.”

“She acted with grace, wisdom, and deep emotional intelligence. What made her truly remarkable was her ability to bring life to a wide range of characters without ever being confined to a single category. Her versatility was unmatched. One of my most cherished memories with her was while working on the teledrama ‘A9’, where I had the opportunity to play her husband. That experience was incredibly special to me; it gave me a deep sense of excitement and connection. Even though there was a considerable age gap between us, she offered immense support and made the experience unforgettable.”

He further added: “ From the moment she began her acting journey with Punchi Baba, performing alongside Joe Abeywickrama, she shone like a rising star. Looking back now, I believe she must have felt fulfilled, having contributed so much to the industry over decades. She truly left her mark on the screen as a legendary figure. She also had the potential to work in international cinema. If more opportunities had come her way abroad, she would have excelled there too. Her talent was of a world class standard.

The Sunday Times also spoke with well known dancer Channa Wijewardana. “Malini Fonseka is a person who always lives in the present, she never dwells in the past, and she can see the future as well. We have been with Malini Akka, worked with her, and we know who the real Malini Fonseka is. Many viewers only know the characters she portrayed; they don’t know the person behind them.

“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 Malini Fonseka. She was a wonderful person, and her entire life was dedicated to cinema. She lived and breathed cinema. Her beauty never faded, and her place in the industry can never be replaced. She was like Marlon Brando, irreplaceable.

The talented music producer of one of her most beloved songs, “Seetha Arane Supul Namal” from the film ‘Aradhana’, Rohana Weerasinghe, shared his memories of Malini Fonseka. “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 favourites. Hearing that from her was truly special and this loss is deeply felt by all of us.”

He revealed that Malini had a desire to sing a song, for which the lyrics and music had already been completed by him. It was planned to be a duet with Keerthi Pasquel, but sadly, her illness became a barrier, and she was unable to fulfill that wish before her passing.

Another talented musician Nawarathna Gamage, also shared his heartfelt memories of Malini Fonseka. “Malini Fonseka didn’t only support actors and actresses, she also helped musicians like us to find our place in the industry. Sometimes, she introduced my name to influential figures like Lester James Peries, even though I hadn’t met her personally at that point. That speaks volumes about her humility and generous character. One such moment was for the ballet ‘Viharamahadevi’, where she gave my name without even letting me know. Such silent support is something I’ll always be grateful for. After Rukmani Devi, it was Malini Fonseka who truly touched the hearts of the public. She gave me the opportunity to compose music for two of her teledramas, which was a great honour for me,” he said.