Age, Biography, and Wiki
Malini Fonseka was born on April 30, 1947, in Sri Lanka. She rose to fame early in her career when she won the Best Actress Award at the 1969 National State Drama Festival, marking the beginning of a storied career in cinema and theatre. She was a pioneer in the Sri Lankan film industry, known for her versatility and talent in various roles. Fonseka was also recognized for her contributions to politics and was often referred to as a cultural icon in Sri Lanka.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 30 April 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, British Ceylon |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Date of death | 24 May, 2025 |
| Died Place | Colombo, Sri Lanka |
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific details about Malini Fonseka's height and weight are not widely documented, her stature as a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema and theatre is undeniable. Her physical presence was always complemented by her extraordinary talent and expressive performances on screen.
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Dating & Relationship Status
Malini Fonseka's personal life was marked by privacy, but she was widely respected for her dedication to her family and cultural roots. Details about her romantic relationships are not extensively documented, as she preferred to keep her personal life out of the spotlight.
In January 2008, Sri Lankans living in the United States gathered in large numbers at Los Angeles to honour her, alongside a special dinner hosted by the Consular General of Sri Lanka to the Consulate in Los Angeles, Jaliya Wickramasuriya and his wife, followed by an honouring ceremony where she was awarded an Appreciative Plaque by the Consulate General. In 2019, she was honoured with Janabhimani Honorary Award at the BMICH.
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| Husband | Upali Senanayake (m. 1965-1973) Lucky Dias (m. 1986-2011) |
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Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, the exact net worth of Malini Fonseka is not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that she earned a significant income from her extensive filmography, political endeavors, and cultural contributions. Her wealth can be attributed to her successful acting career, where she featured in over 150 films, alongside her influence as a director and politician.
On 24 May 2025, Fonseka died at the age of 78 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, while receiving treatment at a local hospital. 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.
Career, Business, and Investments
Malini Fonseka's career was a testament to her multifaceted talents:
- Acting Career: She debuted in cinema with Punchi Baba in 1968 and went on to act in numerous films, winning several awards, including the Slim Nielsen Peoples' Award for Most Popular Actress twelve times consecutively.
- Direction and Production: Fonseka was also a pioneering female director in the Sri Lankan film industry, contributing to the development of local cinema.
- Politics: In addition to her work in the arts, Fonseka was involved in politics, further solidifying her influence in Sri Lankan society.
- Cultural Impact: Her contributions to theatre and cinema have inspired generations, making her a cultural icon in Sri Lanka.
Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka, (30 April 1947 – 24 May 2025) was a Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, director and politician. Often dubbed the "Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema", A career spanned seven decades, Fonseka made her debut in Sri Lankan cinema with Tissa Liyansooriya's Punchi Baba in 1968, and later she was named by CNN as one of Asia's 25 greatest film actors of all time in 2010,.
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.
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.
In 2024, Malini Fonseka took on an incredible role in the music video for Eya Wasanthaya Nowe (එය වසන්තය නොවේ) by the promising young vocalist Chapa Jayaruk. Her performance in the video was widely praised, showcasing her superb acting skills and adding another remarkable achievement to her illustrious career. The music video, which highlights Fonseka's emotional depth and versatility, became popular for both its storyline and her captivating presence.
Winning more than 40 awards in her career, Fonseka is also the most awarded Sri Lankan film actress ever. She was the first Sri Lankan actress to reach international heights and earn international recognition, winning a special Jury award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1975; a first of her many international awards. She also won an award at the New Delhi Film Festival in 1977. She also won an honorary doctorate from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Apart from the many Sarasaviya Awards, Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards and others for her cinematic miles, she has also received awards including the "Best Actress Award" for the teledrama "Kemmura" at the Sumathi Tele Awards Ceremony, 2000 and Wishva Prasadhini Award as appreciation of her service to the cinema industry from the President of Sri Lanka in 1996.
Social Network
Malini Fonseka was not particularly active on social media platforms, but her legacy and influence continue to be celebrated by fans and the film fraternity on various platforms. Her family members, including nieces like Samanalee and Senali Fonseka, continue her artistic legacy and maintain a strong connection with her admirers.
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 – Shivanya, Ruwani, Tharindi, Manori and Sanduni – are also in the drama industry.
Education
Specific details about Malini Fonseka's formal education are not widely documented. However, her artistic prowess and dedication to her craft suggest a strong foundation in the performing arts, which she cultivated through her extensive career in theatre and cinema.
In summary, Malini Fonseka's net worth and career are a testament to her enduring impact on Sri Lankan cinema and culture. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.
After her birth, her family moved to Jambugasmulle, Nugegoda. In 1952, she started her education at St. John's College, 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".
