Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today expressed sorrow in Parliament over the demise of veteran singer Nanda Malini, describing her as a “democratic artist” who stood with the people throughout her career.
Premadasa said Malini embodied human kindness, compassion, and sympathy, and was a rare artist who consistently acted according to her conscience and humanitarian values.
He recalled her courage and skill in music, noting that during the 1977 election campaign, when most musicians aligned with the United National Party stage, Malini chose not to, instead remaining true to her principles.
Highlighting her role in Sri Lanka’s democratic history, Premadasa said Malini stood firmly for youth, human resources, humanitarianism, and fundamental rights during difficult periods such as 1971, 1988, and 1989, even when governments of the time opposed her and restricted her access to state media.
He further described Malini as a distinguished artist, whose talent and strength placed her among the finest of her contemporaries, including Latha Walpola and Angeline Gunathilaka.
Her pure character and refusal to bow to external pressures, he said, made her an example to all Sri Lankans.
Premadasa concluded that her passing is a profound loss, leaving the nation without one of its most principled and compassionate voices in music. (Newswire)