Malini Fonseka

Fonseka first became widely known when she won the Best Actress Award at the 1969 National State Drama Festival, followed by a Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 and Yasa Isuru in 1983. She also broke records by winning the Slim Nielsen Peoples' Award for the Most Popular Actress twelve times in a row.

• Honorific Prefix — Hon. • Name — Malini Fonseka • Constituency Mp2 — National List • Parliament2 — Sri Lanka • Term Start2 — 22 April 2010 • Term End2 — 26 June 2015 • Birth Name — Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka • Born — 30 April 1947 • Birthplace — Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, British Ceylon • Died — 24 May 2025 • Place of death — Colombo, Sri Lanka • Occupation — Actress • Father — Gilbert Fonseka • Mother — Seelwathie Fonseka • Relatives — Damayanthi Fonseka (sister) Prasanna Vithanage (brother-in-law) Samanalee Fonseka (niece) Senali Fonseka (niece) • Awards — Sarasaviya Best Actress Award Sarasaviya Most Popular Actress Award • Party — United People's Freedom Alliance

Malini was born as the third of eleven siblings to Bandu Arachchige Gilbert Fonseka, a Government Press worker and Seelwathie Fonseka at Peliyagoda, Kelaniya. After her birth, her family moved to Jambugasmulle, Nugegoda. In 1952, she started her education at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda until grade 5 and continued at Kelaniya Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya until the end of her secondary education. While studiying at Gurukula, she started to sing poetry under the guidance of teacher Thilakaratne and drama under the teacher S. Malal. At a very young age, she played the role of a fifty-year-old woman in the short drama "Hiru Awara Giyado".

Three of her sisters – Sriyani, Rasadari, Damayanthi – and two of her brothers – Dayananda and Ananda – are a part in the cinema industry. Like her siblings, Malini's several relatives are in the Sinhala film industry. Actor Karunarathna Hangawaththa and Director Prasanna Vithanage are her brothers-in-law, Actresses Samanalee Fonseka and Senali Fonseka are her nieces, Actor Ashan is her nephew and Actress Kushenya Sayumi of Rookada Panchi fame is her grandniece. Apart from her popular nieces, Samanalee and Senali, five of her other nieces – Ruwini, Tharidi, Shivanya, Manori and Sanduni – are also in the drama industry. Her older brother Dayananda died in 2012 and her other brothers Ananda and Upali, father of Senali, died in 2020.

In April 2010, she was appointed to the Parliament of Sri Lanka as a National List MP from the United People's Freedom Alliance, due to her support of then-incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

• Illustration — Malini Fonseka lying in state On 24 May 2025, Fonseka died in Colombo, Sri Lanka, while receiving treatment at a local hospital. She was 78. Her remains were placed for public viewing and to pay respects at her residence and later transferred to the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka on 25 May. The funeral ceremony, conducted with full state honours, took place on 26 May 2025 at Independence Square in Colombo.

Fonseka started her acting career with stage dramas with Noratha Ratha produced by H. V. Weerasiri in 1963. In 1968, Fonseka won a national award for Best Stage Drama Actress for her performance in Akal Wessa produced by Dharmadasa Jayaweera. From 1963 to 1969, Fonseka played the lead role in 14 stage dramas including; B. Ratnayake's Amal Biso, Sam Perera's Iwa Bawa Nathi Lowa, S. Karunaratne's Guththila, Erabudu Mal Pottu Pipila, Hiru Awarata Giyado, Sunanda Mahendra's Sayuren Aa Landa, Prema Kumara Epitawela's Nuwana Podiya, Sathischandra Edirisinghe's Baka Thapas, Sumana Aloka Bandara's Nidhi Kumba, and Gunasena Galappatty's Liyathambara. While acting in the play Akal Wessa in Lumbini Theatre, her acting credentials were observed by Sugathadasa Marasinghe, Tissa Liyanasuriya, Joe Abeywickrama, Sisira Senaratne, Anton Alwis, who were looking for an actress for a lead role in their upcoming film. She entered the cinema industry through one of her brothers, Ananda Fonseka, who was both a film director and producer, and was introduced as a cinema actress by Tissa Liyansuriya and Joe Abeywickrama. At the age of 18, she made her film debut with Tissa Liyansuriya's Punchi Baba (Little Baby) in 1968 with the role "Maali", where she won the Swarna Sankha Award for Best Supporting Actress. The she acted in the films Abudasse kale, Dahasak Sithuwili and Adarawanthayo in the same year. The success of these movies led her to be cast as the lead role by several movie directors of the time. Fonseka acted in over 140 movies thereafter, some of which were international movies. She paired up with popular Indian Tamil actor, Sivaji Ganeshan in Pilot Premnath in 1978. Her career was enhanced by her work alongside Gamini Fonseka who had a long journey in the history of the silver screen in Sri Lanka. At his funeral in 2004, Fonseka stated "His performance had appeal across the board and I had the good fortune of being associated with Gamini. The cinema of that era is slowly fading away and the passing away of Gamini is another step towards that direction". Her popularity peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, as she collaborated with renowned directors, including Lester James Peries and Dharmasena Pathiraja. She successfully made her mark in both Imitative popular cinema (with the films: Mē Dǣsa Kumaṭada (1972), Suhada Pæthuma (1973) Sangeethā (1975) and Næwatha Hamuvemu (1982) as well as Cinematic popular cinema (with the films: Dæn Mathakada (1970) Hathara Denāma Sūrayō (1971), Edath Sūrayā Adath Sūrayā (1972), Adarē Hithenava Dækkama (1972) and Thuṣhārā (1973) at the same time. In the meantime, she became a trendsetter by fashion designs (Mini Frocks, Bell Bottoms, Swimming kit, Cabare kits) and hair cuts for the fans island wide. As a bridge between two immortal eras in Sri Lankan cinema: Vijaya-Malini and Gamini-Malini made huge impact on Sri Lankan cinema with several blockbuster films. The Gamini-Malini era was polished with the romantic action films such as Nidhānaya, Sahanaya, Edath Surayā Adath Surayā, Hondaṭa Hondayi, Hondayi Narakayi, Avā Soyā Adarē, Kawuda Rājā, and Surayā Surayāmayi. Meanwhile, Vijaya-Malini era powered with romantic thriller films such as Thuṣārā, Susee, Sangīthā, Pradīpē Mā Wēvā, Unnath Dāhayi Maḷath Dāhayi, Diyamanthi, Eyā Dæn Loku Lamayek, Pembara Madhu, Bæddēgama and Madhusamaya. With these blockbuster movies, she became the only actress to win the Most Popular Actress award multiple times where Gamini and Vijaya won the Most Popular Actor award five times in a row respectively. Her milestones in cinema came through several artistic cinematic films such as Nidhanaya (role "Irene") by Lester James Peiris, Siripala Saha Ranmenika (role "Ranmenika") by Amaranath Jayathilake, Eya Den Loku Lamayek (role "Susila"), Bambaru Ewith (role "Helen") by Dharmasena Pathiraja, Soldādu Unnæhē (role "Prēmakkā"), Induṭa Malmiṭak (role "Nisansalā") and Stree (role "Mæggī Hāmi"). Apart from them, her other notable roles came through the films: Wasanthayē Davasak, Pembara Madhu, Deviyani Oba Koheda, Hingana Kollā, Danḍu Monara, Bambara Geethaya, Sandakaḍa Pahaṇa, Madhusamaya, Umayanganā, Sanda manḍala and Anthima Ræya. During her 63 year cinema career, she acted minor roles in the films: Akkara Paha, Ahas Gavva, Punchi Suranganāvi, Uppalawanna; acted elderly roles in youth age in the films Anūpamā, Hingana Kollā; as well as complex roles in the films Soldādu Unnæhē, Sirimædura and Madhusamaya. In the film Sally, Fonseka played the same role with five different guises: a maid, a married woman, a prostitute, a woman addicted to smoking and drinking, and a crazy woman. Fonseka is also credited to play the first action packed heroine character in Sri Lankan cinema, with the film Raktha. Then she achieved a significant milestone with Sasara Chetana in 1984 as both the director and the producer. The film won the Sarasaviya Award for the Best Action film in that year and was a economically successful film. Her directorial venture saw three other films: Ahimsa in 1987, Sthree in 1991 and Sanda Madala in 1994. She entered television with the teledrama Nirupa Mala, where she became the first female teledrama director in the history of Sri Lankan teledramas when she both directed and acted. Her notable performances in the teledramas came through Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne, Pitagamkarayo, Kemmura, Ambu Daruwo, Pin Mada Puthunē, Mahamera Pāmula, Mahagiridamba, Maha Naḍuva and Depæthi Dahara. She later won the Sumathi Best Teledrama Actress Awards for her roles in Pitagamkarayo and Kemmura. She further solidified her mark as a teledrama director with successful creations such as Sanasili Suwanda.

Since her first film in 1968, she had acted in 161 films through 7 decades. • No. denotes the Number of Sri Lankan film in the Sri Lankan cinema. • Year — No. — Film — Role — Notes • 1968 — 182 — Punchi Baba — Mala — Film debut • 1968 — 184 — Abudasse kale • 1968 — 196 — Adarawanthayo — Sumana • 1968 — 194 — Dahasak Sithuvili — Lalith's sister • 1969 — 204 — Kawda Hari — Subha • 1969 — 214 — Prawesam Wanna — Geetha Basnayake • 1969 — 215 — Parawalalu • 1970 — 223 — Dan Mathakada — Sandya Amunugama • 1970 — 224 — Akkara Paha — Kumari • 1971 — 241 — Hathara Denama Surayo — Nilmini • 1971 — 249 — Maahene Ririyaka — Leela Livera • 1971 — 242 — Abirahasa — Lover • 1971 — 247 — Samanala Kumariyo • 1972 — 250 — Nidhanaya — Irene Abeynayake • 1972 — 251 — Sahanaya — Rupa • 1972 — 266 — Adare Hithenawa Dakkama — Deepa • 1972 — 254 — Edath Sooraya Adath Sooraya — Kanthi • 1972 — 263 — Me Dasa Kumatada — Mala • 1973 — 269 — Matara Achchi — Cyril's city co-worker • 1973 — 271 — Suhada Pathuma — Chamila • 1973 — 272 — Thushara — Thushara • 1973 — 273 — Sadahatama Oba Mage • 1973 — 275 — Hathdinnath Tharu — Pearli • 1973 — 276 — Hondama Welawa • 1973 — 277 — Sinawai Inawai • 1973 — 279 — Hondai Narakai • 1973 — 280 — Daahakin Ekek — Shyama Abeykoon • 1973 — 281 — Hondata Hondai — Chammi • 1974 — 282 — Ahas Gauwa — Post office co-worker • 1974 — 285 — Kasthuri Suwanda — Kanchana • 1974 — 294 — Susee — Susee • 1974 — 299 — Senakeliya — Tharangani • 1975 — 311 — Awa Soya Adare — Nilanthi • 1975 — 313 — Kohoma Kiyannada — Samanthi • 1975 — Sooraya Soorayamai — Nilanthi / Mango 'Nanda' • 1975 — 327 — Sadhana • 1975 — 330 — Sangeetha — Sangeetha / Geetha (two births) • 1975 — Nayana • 1976 — 332 — Pradeepaya Maa Wewa • 1976 — 335 — Kawuda Raja — Chintha • 1976 — Yar Aval — Tamil dubbed Sinhala Film • 1976 — 336 — Wasana — Sudarshi Rajadasa • 1976 — 337 — Ganga • 1976 — 342 — Diyamanthi — Chitra Saparamandu • 1976 — 348 — Unnath Dahai Malath Dahai • 1976 — 351 — Onna Mame Kella Panapi • 1976 — 252 — Saradiyelge Putha — Subha • 1976 — 356 — Adarei Man Adarei • 1976 — 383 — Zashis (Rahas Kumanthranaya) • 1977 — 359 — Neela — 50th film • 1977 — 360 — Sakunthala • 1977 — 365 — Hithuwoth Hithuwamai — Apsara • 1977 — 367 — Pembara Madhu — Madhu • 1977 — 368 — Deviyani Oba Kohida — Elizabeth • 1977 — 369 — Eya Dan Loku Lamayek — Katuwalagedera 'Susila' Susilawathie 'Susee' • 1977 — 376 — Siripala Saha Ranmenika — Ranmanika • 1978 — Pilot Premanath — Premnath's wife. — Indian Tamil Film • 1978 — 388 — Vishmaya — Nita 'Manike' • 1978 — 395 — Selinage Walawwa — Wimalaa • 1978 — 397 — Kundala Keshi — Badhra Kumari 'Kundala Keshi' • 1978 — 399 — Weera Puran Appu — Bandara Menike • 1978 — 400 — Bambaru Avith — Helen • 1978 — 401 — Salee — Salee • 1978 — 406 — Sandawata Ran Tharu • 1978 — 407 — Apeksha — Niranjala • 1978 — 409 — Anupama — Marthaa • 1979 — 416 — Hingana Kolla — Lamahami / Nanda • 1979 — 418 — Divi Thibena Thuru — Sumana • 1979 — 420 — Muwan Palessa — Namali • 1979 — 422 — Wasanthaye Dawasak — Mala • 1979 — 421 — Malligai Mohini — Tamil film • 1979 — 421 — Raan Kurullo — Sujatha 'Kumara Hami' • 1979 — 423 — Monarathenna — Sandha • 1979 — 435 — Nuwan Renu — Renuka 'Renu' • 1980 — 443 — Silva — Kumari • 1980 — 444 — Ektam Ge — Mala Pushpalatha • 1980 — 450 — Raktha — Raktha • 1980 — 454 — Dandu Monara — Anulawathi • 1980 — 358 — Raja Dawasak — Ran Manika • 1981 — 474 — Beddegama — Punchi Menika • 1981 — 475 — Sathweni Dawasa — Agadanna • 1981 — 476 — Sayuru Thera — Jocelin • 1981 — 478 — Bamba Ketu Hati — Dhammi • 1981 — 479 — Soldadu Unnehe — Prema 'Akka' • 1981 — 481 — Situ Kumariyo • 1981 — 483 — Ek Dawasak Re — Asha 'Aashi' Ranaweera • 1981 — 493 — Geethika — Samanthi • 1981 — 496 — Induta Mal Mitak — Nisansala • 1981 — 499 — Aradhana — Jinadari • 1981 — Pani Malargal — Tamil Film • 1982 — 531 — Mihidum Sihina — Veena • 1982 — 508 — Bambara Geethaya — Mali • 1982 — 511 — Yasa Isuru — Sarojini Wickramasinghe • 1982 — 520 — Anuradha — Anuradha • 1982 — 539 — Newatha Hamuwemu — Madhuka 'Madhu' Damayanthi • 1982 — Piya Saha Daruwo • 1983 — 552 — Samuganimi Ma Semiyani • 1983 — 557 — Thuththiri Mal • 1983 — 563 — Loku Thaththa • 1983 — 567 — Samanala Sihina — 100th film • 1983 — 569 — Muwan Palessa 3 • 1983 — Peter of the Elephant — Sri Lankan English Film • 1984 — 577 — Welle Thanu Maliga — Isabella 'Isa' • 1984 — 589 — Bambara Patikki • 1984 — 591 — Kokila — Kokila • 1984 — 590 — Hithawathiya — Mahesi Jayasekara • 1984 — 593 — Sasara Chethana — also as producer. • 1984 — 594 — Wadula — Ranmali • 1984 — 603 — Sahodariyakage Kathawa • 1986 — 636 — Mal Warusa — Sarojini • 1986 — 644 — Dewduwa • 1986 — 647 — Puja • 1986 — 650 — Awurudu Da — Nirupama • 1987 — 662 — Kele Kella — Uma 'Kala Kella' • 1987 — 670 — Ahinsa — Saroja Madugalla • 1988 — 675 — Sandakada Pahana — Malathi 'Mali' Wijebandara • 1988 — 677 — Angulimala — Aduruthumiya • 1988 — 678 — Newa Gilunath Ban Choon — Deepa / Chapa • 1989 — 690 — Shakthiya Obai Amme — Nirmala 'Nimmie' Randeniya • 1989 — 693 — Waradata Danduwama • 1989 — 696 — Siri Medura — Nirmala Samarawickrama • 1990 — 699 — Jaya Shakthi • 1990 — 702 — Weera Udara • 1990 — 713 — Honda Honda Sellam — Sub Inspector Geeta Randeniya / Neeta • 1991 — 718 — Paradeese • 1991 — 724 — Hithata Dukak Nathi Miniha — Nirmala • 1991 — 726 — Raja Kello — Police officer • 1991 — 728 — Madusamaya — Sarojani • 1991 — 737 — Sthree — Magihami • 1991 — 738 — Suwadena Suwandak • 1991 — Sihina Ahase Wasanthaya — Madhu • 1992 — 751 — Ahimi Dadaman — Rathi • 1992 — 756 — Umayangana — Elizabeth • 1992 — 759 — Ruamathiyay Neethiyay — Kanchana • 1992 — 763 — Sathya — Sathya • 1994 — 803 — Sanda Madala — Ekanayake Mudiyanselage Sandalatha 'Sanda' • 1994 — 811 — 150 Mulleriyawa — Doctor Sujatha / Juliet 'Julie' Fonseka • 1997 — 881 — Apaye Thathpara 84000k • 1998 — 901 — Anthima Reya — Luxmi • 2000 — Saroja • 2002 — 984 — Punchi Suranganavi — Sinhala teacher • 2003 — 1020 — Vekande Walauwa — Sujatha • 2004 — 1032 — Aadaraneeya Wassanaya • 2004 — Udu Sulanga • 2006 — 1064 — Dedunu Wessa • 2006 — 1081 — Ammawarune — Sumanawathi • 2007 — 1090 — Uppalawanna — Nayaka Meheniya • 2008 — 1111 — Aba — Bhadra Kachchayana • 2008 — 1114 — Machan — Manoj's mother • 2008 — 1128 — Akasa Kusum — Sandhya Rani — 150th film • 2009 — 1120 — Dancing Star — herself. cameo appearance • 2010 — Saraa • 2011 — 1166 — Selvam — Madhuvani • 2012 — 1180 — Prathiroo — Leelawathi • 2016 — 1265 — Sarigama — Matron • 2020 — Rookada Panchi — School principal • 2021 — Bhavatharana • 2023 — Sihina Ananthe • 2025 — Aayu — Nishmi's mother — Released Posthumously • 2026 — Malaki Duwe Nuba — Chanuli's grandmother — Released Posthumously • 2026 — Monara Vilak — Vandana — Released Posthumously, Final Film