MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka’s Parliament on Friday paid tribute to legendary singer Nanda Malini, who died just three days short of her 83rd birthday. The legislature also observed a minute’s silence in her honour.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya delivered an eulogy, followed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, who admitted that a former United National Party (UNP) government led by his father had moved to ban her songs on state radio.
"We must point a finger at ourselves for that wrong action," Premadasa said.
Nanda Malini was known for her highly popular “Pawana” concerts, which inspired many young men and women to join the JVP-led insurrection in the late 1980s.
Her songs addressed the abuse of political power and torture by the police and security forces.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was the first to publicly pay tribute to her, describing her as a “true musical legend of our time”.
“Her timeless music inspired generations of Sri Lankans, young and old alike,” the President said. “Her remarkable legacy will live on in the hearts of millions. My deepest condolences to her family, loved ones and admirers.”
The government declared three days of mourning until Sunday, the legend’s 83rd birth anniversary. All state institutions will fly the national flag at half-mast.
The family had told the authorities that Nanda Malini wished to have her final rites conducted without state patronage and wanted a simple send-off.
The funeral will be held on Saturday at 5.00 p.m. at the General Cemetery in Borella. (COLOMBO/Aug 21/2026)