Sri Lanka bids farewell to ‘Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema’ Malani Fonseka with full State Honours

By  Firstdespatch Desk   May 26, 2025

Sri Lanka today bids farewell to legendary actress Malani Fonseka with full state honours at Independence Square in the Capital Colombo. Dubbed the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” Ms. Fonseka passed away on Friday at the age of 78 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Sri Lanka.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid his respects yesterday evening, offering floral tributes and speaking with fellow artists. He extended condolences to the bereaved family and acknowledged Fonseka’s immense contribution to Sri Lankan cinema.

Her remains were moved to Independence Square today morning, where several hundred paid their respects. A special Buddhist ceremony by artists and students of her alma mater, Gurukula College, will follow. The funeral pyre will be lit later today evening.

Fonseka, who starred in nearly 150 films, gained international acclaim with awards in Moscow and New Delhi. In 2010, CNN named her among Asia’s 25 Greatest Film Actors of All Time.