Fonseka first became widely known when she won the ‘Best Actress Award’ at the 1969 National State Drama Festival, followed by Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 andYasa Isuru in 1983.
A veteran actress acting for a span of seven decades, she began her career in Sri Lankan cinema with Tissa Liyansooriya’s Punchi Baba in 1968.
She had also made a record by winning the Slim Nielsen Peoples’ Award for the Most Popular Actress twelve times in a row.
In 2010, she was named by CNN as one of Asia’s 25 greatest film actors of all time.
She was a former Minister of the Sri Lankan Parliament, a position offered in appreciation of her strong support for Mahinda Rajapaksha.
Three of her sisters – Sriyani, Rasadari, Damayanthi – and two of her brothers – Dayananda and Ananda – are a part in the cinema industry.
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.