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Fans bid adieu to the queen of Sinhala cinema
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
Lankan fans gathered to bid their final farewell to veteran actress Malini Fonseka, arguably the queen of Sinhala cinema, in a heartfelt tribute. Songs from her films were played on a screen projected by a drone that flew above the crowd, adding an emotional touch to the farewell.
The funeral of the country’s most beloved actress was given state patronage and held at Independence Square on May 26.
The veteran actress died on May 24, at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. Her remains were initially placed at her residence in Madiwela and later transferred to the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation on May 25.
The following day, her body was taken to Independence Square at 8 am, where fans could pay their final respects until 3 pm. Afterwards, the body was taken to a special platform where Buddhist rituals were performed by fellow artistes and students of Gurukula College in Kelaniya, the school where she had studied.
Venerable Assaji Nayaka Thero of Gangaramaya Temple, Venerable Kaburugamuwe Wajira Nayaka Thero, Uduwe Dammaloka Thero, and a number of members of the Buddhist clergy, as well as other religious leaders, performed rites at the funeral.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senavi and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa were present.
Co-actors Anoja Weerasinghe and Ravindra Randeniya, and Professor Saumya Liyanage, also an actor, paid tribute at the funeral.
President Anura Dissanayake’s speech was delivered by Prime Minister Amarasuriya.
“The vacuum left behind by her can never be filled by anyone else,” the President said in his message.
“We promise to fulfill her dreams and work towards enhancing the film industry she was deeply connected with. She was born on a special day the same year, 1947, when Sri Lanka’s first film ‘Kadauna Poronduwa’ was screened. Her talents never faded over the decades. May she attain the highest place according to her religious beliefs.”
Samanali Fonseka, a niece of the late actress, spoke on behalf of the family and expressed their gratitude.
She thanked the doctors who supported her, the Cinesta Foundation, the Nawaloka Group chairman, the president, prime minister, minister, and all officials of the government.
She acknowledged everyone who contributed to making the event a dignified one and extended her thanks to all the fans for their support.
Fans, friends and family at the funeral Pix by Indika Handuwela
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