Malini Fonseka’s family condemns ‘Rajiniye’ film production, alleges lack of transparency

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)