The family of late veteran actress Malini Fonseka has issued a strongly worded statement accusing the makers of the upcoming biographical film “Rajiniye” of acting without informing or consulting the family, despite repeated assurances.

In a statement issued by actress Samanalee Fonseka on behalf of the family, it was alleged that filming for the movie commenced on Monday without the family having been provided with the screenplay they had repeatedly requested.

The statement said the family had initially remained silent as they did not wish to comment on a project without knowing its contents. However, they decided to respond after learning that production had begun without prior notice.

While expressing gratitude to producer Jayantha Dharmadasa for the care and support he had extended to Malini Fonseka during her illness and final years, the family stressed that the film was a separate professional matter requiring transparency and proper consultation.

According to the statement, the family first learned of the proposed film through a third party. It said discussions with Jayantha Dharmadasa in February this year resulted in assurances that the screenplay would be shared with the family before production proceeded.

The family further stated that screenwriter Suneth Malinga later contacted them by telephone, but they insisted that the project should be discussed at an official meeting with all family members rather than over the phone.

It said the screenplay was requested on several occasions, including through registered letters and WhatsApp messages, but despite promises that it would be delivered before May 20, the document was never provided. The family also claimed that none of their subsequent communications received a response.

Samanalee Fonseka said the family welcomes the idea of a film based on Malini Fonseka’s life but believes they have a legitimate right to know its storyline and how her life will be portrayed.

The statement accused the filmmakers of breaking their promises, using Malini Fonseka’s name for promotional purposes without proper consultation, and proceeding with filming in what the family described as an unethical and deceptive manner.

The family said it strongly condemns the decision to proceed without engaging Malini Fonseka’s siblings and other close relatives, arguing that using the life story of a celebrated artist for commercial purposes without transparency goes against the ethical standards of the arts sector. (Newswire)

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Matale District MP Rohini Kaviratne has strongly defended the late actress and former MP Malini Fonseka, denying claims that she misused funds from the President’s Fund and releasing official documents to support her claim.

In a statement issued today (May 28), Kaviratne said Fonseka was deeply distressed after her name was mentioned in Parliament as someone who had allegedly misused public funds. 

She said the allegations were baseless and had caused significant emotional pain to the veteran actress in her final months.

To counter the accusations, MP Kaviratne released a series of documents, including Fonseka’s official request letter for medical assistance, medical reports, an airline ticket, application forms, and the official approval from the President’s Fund. She stated that these confirm that the support was obtained legally and transparently.

“Malini Fonseka was not a thief. She made a formal request to the President of Sri Lanka for medical assistance, and the approval was granted through the proper procedure. These documents are evidence of that,” Kaviratne said.

She also clarified that the assistance granted to Fonseka, amounting to Rs. 5.5 million was approved in 2022 under the administration of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, not during her tenure in Parliament.

“She was not one of the so-called ‘225 thieves.’ What she endured was unfair and deeply painful. Let us remember her with dignity,” she added.

Malini Fonseka passed away earlier this week following a prolonged illness. In addition to her celebrated career in cinema, she also served as a national list MP from 2010 to 2015 under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration.

The controversy stems from a parliamentary statement made months ago by Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa, where he cited that Rs. 1.22 billion had been allocated from the President’s Fund to various Members of Parliament. Following Fonseka’s death, his comments resurfaced online, with some interpreting them as referring to the late actress.

However, Minister Jayatissa clarified on May 27 that his statement was being misinterpreted. He stated that his intention was never to single out Malini Fonseka but to highlight the broader use of the fund by politicians. He named MPs such as Keheliya Rambukwella, Rajitha Senaratne, D.M. Jayaratne, and Dayasiri Jayasekara as among the recipients.

“I merely presented the facts in Parliament on the funds received by MPs. This had nothing to do with Malini Fonseka,” he said at the Cabinet media briefing. (Newswire)

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Government Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has clarified that the statement, made in Parliament months ago, was not aimed at singling out the late actress Malini Fonseka, but was part of a broader disclosure on the Rs. 1.22 billion allocated from the President’s Fund to various politicians.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Jayatissa said he had only submitted a report on the funds that had been allocated to politicians, and not artists. 

“MPs such as Keheliya Rambukwella, Rajitha Senaratne, D.M. Jayaratne, and Dayasiri Jayasekara were among those who had received significant allocations. I merely presented the facts in Parliament on politicians who received funds,” he said.

However, following the death of the legendary actress, social media users began circulating the old remarks, implying it was a reference to Fonseka, who had reportedly received Rs. 5.5 million from the President’s Fund during her lifetime.

Responding to the criticism, Minister Jayatissa said his statement was misinterpreted and stressed that there was no reference to the late Malini Fonseka, who is widely respected for her contributions to Sri Lankan cinema.

The final rites of Veteran Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka, who also served as a national list MP from 2010 to 2015 under the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration, were held at the Independence Square under state honours. 

Commenting on the funeral, Minister Jayatissa added that the final decision was made in consultation with her family and reflected their wishes. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka national cricket team joined thousands of mourners at Independence Square today to pay their final respects to the late Malini Fonseka, the legendary actress revered as the “Queen of Sinhala Cinema.” 

The state funeral honoured her six-decade-long contribution to the arts and her profound impact on Sri Lankan culture.

Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya led the cricket delegation, symbolizing the unity between the nation’s sporting and artistic communities. 

Their presence underscored the late Malini Fonseka’s influence beyond cinema, resonating across various facets of Sri Lankan society.

Veteran actress Malini Fonseka passed away on May 24 at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo. (Newswire)

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Vehicular traffic will be restricted around the Independence Square in Colombo today, in view of the funeral of late veteran Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka. 

The funeral of the late actress will be held at Independence Square with state honours from 04.00 pm to 06.00 pm today. 

Her remains, which were placed at the National Film Corporation premises for public viewing yesterday, will be transported to Independence Square this morning. 

Malini Fonseka, the revered “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away at the age of 78 in Colombo on Saturday.  With a career spanning over 150 films and numerous accolades, her legacy in cinema is unparalleled. 

The Police state that the roads around the vicinity of the Independence Square will not be completely closed during the final rites of the late actress, but will be temporarily restricted. 

Motorists have been urged to use alternative roads during this period. (Newswire)

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The final rites of Sri Lankan veteran actress Malini Fonseka will be held at the Independence Square with State Honours, the Minister of Cultural Affairs announced today. 

The minister said the final rites of the late actress will be held on Monday, 26 May 2025.

Meanwhile, the remains of the late actress will lie in state for public respect on Sunday (25 May) from 10 am at the Tharangani Hall of the National Film Corporation premises.

Malini Fonseka, the revered “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away at the age of 78 in Colombo today. 

With a career spanning over 150 films and numerous accolades, her legacy in cinema is unparalleled. (Newswire)

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Family members of renowned Sri Lankan actress Malini Fonseka say the actress is recovering well after a brief illness.

According to Malini Fonseka’s sister, Damayanthi Fonseka, the actress was hospitalised due to a brief illness, but is now well and healthy.

Damayanthi Fonseka, also an actress, made the remarks after false information was found to be circulating on social media regarding Malini Fonseka’s illness. (Newswire)

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