LNP – Malini Fonseka’s remains to lie in state today for public to pay respect

The remains of late veteran actress Malini Fonseka, known as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema”, is scheduled to be brought to the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka today (25) for the public to pay their last respects.

The body will be placed at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation from 10:00 a.m. today, and the public will also be given an opportunity to pay their respects tomorrow at the Independence Square, according to family members.

Samanalee Fonseka, a niece of the late actress, stated that those wishing to pay their final respects to Malini Fonseka should visit the National Film Corporation today.

Her sister, veteran actress Damayanthi Fonseka, said that Malini was a loving sister to the rest of the family and that her loss is an unbearable one not only for the family but for the entire country as well.

Veteran actress Geetha Kumarasinghe, who paid her last respects yesterday, said Malini Fonseka’s passing is an irreparable loss to the Sinhala cinema industry.

Veteran singer Dr. Nanda Malini also expressed that the country has lost a true national treasure, and it is a loss that is difficult to bear.

The final rites of veteran actress Malini Fonseka will be held with full state honours on 26 May (Monday) at Independence Square, according to the Minister of Cultural Affairs.

Accordingly, the state funeral ceremony will take place on Monday evening at Independence Square in Colombo.

Malini Fonseka passed away in the early hours of yesterday (24) at the age of 78, while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

Known as the “Queen of Sinhala Cinema,” Malini Fonseka (1947–2025) was a legendary Sri Lankan actress, director, and former parliamentarian.

With a career spanning over 60 years, she acted in more than 140 films and earned numerous national and international awards.

She was the first female teledrama director in Sri Lanka and made significant contributions to stage, television, and film industries in the country.

Honoured both locally and globally, she was a cultural icon whose legacy continues to inspire generations in Sri Lankan arts and cinema.