Dr. Nanda Malini, the veteran singer honored with the title "Yashorawayas of the Nation" (The Resounding Echo of the Nation), passed away.
Leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lanka's music literature for nearly seven decades, she passed away just three days before her 83rd birthday.
Born on August 23, 1943, in Levanduwa, Aluthgama, Nanda Malini demonstrated her singing talents from early childhood. During her adolescence, while studying at Sri Gunanananda Vidyalaya in Kotahena, under the guidance of teacher T.N. Margaret Perera, she entered the music industry by singing the song "Budu Sadu" on Karunaratne Abeysekera's Lama Mandapaya program broadcast on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
In 1961, she entered film playback singing by duet-singing "Galana Gangaki Jeevithe" alongside Narada Disasekara for Ranmuthu Duwa, Sri Lanka's first color film. She later obtained her Visharada degree from the Bhatkhande Music Institute in India. She gifted immortal creations to the nation, including concerts such as Sathyaye Geethaya, Pawana, Hemanthayedhi, and Pembara Lanka, as well as Sindhu Hodiya for young children.
Her vocal prowess was recognized with numerous local and international awards, including 12 Sarasaviya Awards and 10 Presidential Awards for Best Female Vocalist.
Due to her songs speaking out against social injustice, her music was banned from the radio at one time. During the 1988–89 period, her Sathyaye Geethaya and Pawana musical concerts caused great controversy in society and gained immense popularity among the oppressed. Singing these songs even led to death threats against her from the regime at the time.
Her remains will lie at the Nanda Malini Music Ashram, located at No. 30, Vijayaba Mawatha, from 10:30 AM today (21st, Friday) until 3:30 PM tomorrow (22nd, Saturday). At 3:30 PM, the funeral procession carrying her remains will proceed to the Borella Crematorium, where the final rites will be performed at 5:00 PM. It is reported that no funeral ceremony or speeches will be held in her honor.
