Malini Fonseka Biography: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Movies, Death, Legacy

Malini Fonseka was a legendary Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, director, and politician, revered as the “Queen of Sinhalese Cinema” for her unparalleled contributions to film, stage, and television over seven decades.

Her emotive portrayals and pioneering roles elevated Sri Lankan arts, earning her global recognition and a lasting influence on generations of performers.

Profile

• Full Name: Wanniarachchige Malini Senehelatha Fonseka
• Stage Name: Malini Fonseka
• Born: April 30, 1947
• Age: 78 years old (at passing)
• Birthplace: Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Actress, Theatre Artist, Director, Politician
• Height: 5′ 6″
• Parents: Gilbert Fonseka and Seelwathie Fonseka
• Siblings: Ten siblings (including Damayanthi Fonseka and Ananda Fonseka)
• Spouse: Upali Senanayake (m. 1965; div. 1980); Lucky Dias (m. 1986; div. 2011)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $3 million USD

Early Life and Education

Malini Fonseka was a legendary Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, director, and politician. She was born on April 30, 1947, in Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

As the third of eleven children to Gilbert Fonseka, a government press worker, and Seelwathie Fonseka, she grew up in a vibrant household that later relocated to Jambugasmulla, Nugegoda.

Her early years sparked a passion for performance, nurtured through school plays and poetry recitals.

She attended Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya in Nugegoda until grade five, then completed secondary education at Gurukula Maha Vidyalaya in Kelaniya.

Her ethnicity was Sinhalese, and her religion was Buddhism.

Career

Malini Fonseka launched her career on stage with the 1963 drama Noratha Ratha, securing the Best Actress Award at the 1969 National State Drama Festival for Akal Wessa.

Her film debut came in Punchi Baba (1968), followed by over 150 features, including blockbusters like Nidhanaya (1972) and Bambaru Avith (1978).

She directed acclaimed works such as Sasara Chethana (1984), Sri Lanka’s first major action film led by a woman, and ventured into television as the pioneering female teledrama director with Nirupa Mala.

Internationally, she starred opposite Sivaji Ganesan in Pilot Premnath (1978) and was named by CNN among Asia’s 25 greatest film actors in 2010.

Elected to Parliament in 2010 via the United People’s Freedom Alliance, she blended artistry with public service until her passing on May 24, 2025.

Social Media

Malini Fonseka does not have any social media accounts

Personal Life

Malini Fonseka, a legendary Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, director, and politician, navigated a private yet family-centric existence at 78.

She wed Upali Senanayake in 1965, divorcing in 1980, and later married Lucky Dias in 1986, ending in divorce in 2011; the unions produced no children.

Standing at 5’6″, she drew strength from her artistic kin—nieces like Samanalee and Senali Fonseka carried the family legacy in cinema.

Her life reflected quiet resilience, marked by losses including brothers Dayananda (2012) and Ananda (2020), until her death on May 24, 2025, in Colombo.

Filmography

• Punchi Baba (1968) – Actress
• Nidhanaya (1972) – Actress
• Bambaru Avith (1978) – Actress
• Aradhana (1981) – Actress
• Sasara Chethana (1984) – Actress, Director, Producer
• Akasa Kusum (2009) – Actress

Net Worth

Malini Fonseka, a legendary Sri Lankan actress, theatre artist, director, and politician, amassed an estimated net worth of $3 million USD.

This fortune stemmed from her extensive film and television roles, directorial ventures, parliamentary service, and enduring industry honors across seven decades.