Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka, popularly known as Malini Fonseka, was born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Widely celebrated as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” Fonseka’s illustrious career spans over seven decades, making her a beloved icon in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry.
Early Life
Malini Fonseka was the third of eleven children born to Gilbert Fonseka, a Government Press worker, and Seelwathie Fonseka. After her birth in Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, her family relocated to Jambugasmulle, Nugegoda. She began her education at St. John’s College, Nugegoda, continuing at Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya until the completion of her secondary education.
Family Background
The Fonseka family is deeply embedded in the Sri Lankan cinema industry. Among her siblings, three sisters—Sriyani, Rasadari, and Damayanthi—and two brothers—Dayananda and Ananda—have also pursued careers in cinema. Malini’s extended family includes notable figures such as actor Karunarathna Hangawaththa and director Prasanna Vithanage, her brothers-in-law. Her nieces, Samanalee Fonseka and Senali Fonseka, along with nephew Ashan and grandniece Kushenya Sayumi, are also recognized talents in the industry.
Career
Malini Fonseka’s acting journey began with stage dramas, earning her first national award for Best Stage Drama Actress in 1968 for her role in “Akal Wessa.” She transitioned to cinema through her brother, Ananda Fonseka, and made her film debut in 1968 with Tissa Liyansooriya’s “Punchi Baba.” This marked the start of a prolific career, featuring in over 140 films, including notable works like “Nidhanaya,” “Siripala Saha Ranmenika,” “Eya Den Loku Lamayek,” and “Bambaru Ewith.”
Her collaboration with prominent actors like Gamini Fonseka, whom she deeply respected, significantly shaped her career. Her international endeavors included starring alongside Indian Tamil actor Sivaji Ganeshan in “Pilot Premnath” (1978).
Directorial Ventures
In addition to her acting career, Fonseka ventured into directing, with “Sasara Chetana” (1984) as her first film as both director and producer. She directed two other films, “Ahimsa” (1987) and “Sthree” (1991), further showcasing her versatility and talent in the industry.
Television Contributions
Fonseka also left a significant mark on television, earning acclaim for her performances in teledramas such as “Manalada Puthe Kiri Dunne,” “Pitagamkarayo,” “Kemmura,” and “Ambu Daruwo.” She became the first female teledrama director in Sri Lankan history with “Nirupamala” and continued to direct successful series like “Sanasili Suwanda.”
Political Life
In April 2010, Malini Fonseka transitioned into politics, being appointed to the Sri Lankan Parliament as a member of the United People’s Freedom Alliance, in recognition of her support for Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Awards and Honors
Malini Fonseka’s contributions to cinema have earned her numerous accolades, including the Slim Nielsen People’s Award for the Most Popular Actress twelve times consecutively. Internationally, she received a special Jury award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975, an award at the New Delhi Film Festival in 1977, and a Special Jury Award for “Akasa Kusum” (2008) at the International Film Festival of India. Domestically, she has been honored with Sarasaviya Awards, Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards, and the Sumathi Best Teledrama Actress Awards.
In 2003, a grand felicitation ceremony titled “Maliniye” was held to honor her four-decade-long contribution to Sri Lankan cinema. In 2010, CNN named her one of Asia’s 25 greatest film actors of all time, cementing her legacy as an icon of the silver screen. Further recognition came in 2019 with the Janabhimani Honorary Award at BMICH.
Legacy
Malini Fonseka’s enduring legacy in Sri Lankan cinema is unparalleled. Her versatility as an actress, director, and theatre artist, coupled with her commitment to her craft and her significant contributions to the arts, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Her journey from a young girl in Kelaniya to the revered Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema is a testament to her talent, dedication, and passion for the arts.
