Beloved Sri Lankan singer, musician and cultural icon, the late Visharad Dr. Nanda Malini, was laid to rest this evening (22) in a cremation ceremony attended by relatives and loved ones at the Borella General Cemetery.
One of the country’s most celebrated musical figures, Nanda Malini passed away on August 20 at the age of 82 at her home in Nawala.
Her remains were placed at the Nanda Malini Sangeetha Ashramaya (Music Academy), located at No. 30, Vijayaba Mawatha, Nawala Road, Nugegoda, where hundreds of thousands of people including political leaders, artists and fans gathered to pay their final respects.
The Pansukula rites were performed by the Maha Sangha at around 10.00 a.m. today, after which the public was given an opportunity to pay their respects until 3.30 p.m.
The funeral procession subsequently proceeded to the General Cemetery in Borella, where her cremation took place at 5.00 p.m.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya had earlier paid their final respects to the late singer. President Dissanayake visited her residence in Nawala yesterday (21), where her remains lied in state.
Meanwhile, the Government declared August 21, 22 and 23 as days of national mourning in honour of the legendary artiste.
The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government also instructed all state institutions to fly the national flag at half-mast during the three-day period of national mourning declared following the passing of Dr. Nanda Malini.
Sri Lanka's Parliament also observed a minute of silence yesterday (21) in her memory.
Born on August 23, 1943, in Lewanduwa, Aluthgama, Nanda Malini demonstrated her singing abilities from a young age.
She moved to Kotahena in Colombo during her adolescence and studied at Sri Gunananda Vidyalaya, where she came under the guidance of teacher T.N. Margaret Perera.
Following her success in a poetry competition, she was introduced to Radio Ceylon by Perera and performed the song “Budu Sadu” on Karunaratne Abeysekera’s popular programme Lama Mandapaya.
She subsequently continued her musical training under B. Victor Perera, studied at the Heywood Institute and later pursued further studies at the Bhatkhande Music Institute in Lucknow, India, in 1963. She returned to Sri Lanka and later obtained a Visharada degree in 1984.
Nanda Malini went on to establish herself as one of the most influential voices in Sri Lankan music, collaborating with renowned artistes including Dr. W.D. Amaradeva.
Her extensive repertoire included songs such as “Sannaliyane,” “Ran Dahadiya Bindu Bindu,” “Pipunu Male Ruwa,” “Sudu Hamine,” “Kada Mandiye,” “Manda Nawa Karanawa,” “Kinduriyakage Vilapaya,” “Madhu Bandun,” and “Malmada Bisau”.
Her songs, known for their meaningful lyrics and emotional depth, explored themes including love, human relationships, social realities and women’s experiences. Through her distinctive voice and artistic expression, she made an enduring contribution to Sri Lankan music.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Nanda Malini received 11 Sarasaviya Awards and eight Presidential Awards for Best Singer, cementing her place among the most revered artistes in the country’s musical history. She was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 9th Derana Film Awards 2024.
Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary musical era, while her voice, songs and artistic legacy are expected to continue to resonate with generations of Sri Lankans.
