Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya delivered a parliamentary condolence message following the death of veteran musician Dr. Nanda Malini, honouring her nearly eight-decade contribution to Sri Lankan music and culture.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed Parliament on the passing of Visharad Dr. Nanda Malini, the renowned musician whose career spanned nearly eight decades. In her condolence message, the Prime Minister described Dr. Nanda Malini as the "golden voice of Sri Lankan music" and reflected on how her vocal artistry had become deeply embedded in the lives of generations of Sri Lankans across moments of both celebration and sorrow.
Tracing Dr. Nanda Malini's musical journey, the Prime Minister noted that she began performing in childhood with the song "Budu Saadu Mama Sandun Gasak Wennam" before transitioning to cinema music through the film "Ran Muthu Doova" under the mentorship of the late Dr. W. D. Amaradeva. Over the following decades, her voice accompanied Sri Lankans through daily life, school years and national occasions, with her songs becoming inseparable from collective memory and experience.
Beyond her artistic achievements, the Prime Minister highlighted Dr. Nanda Malini's commitment to social causes. She emphasised how the musician had used her platform to advocate for peace, coexistence, humanity and social justice through works such as "Pawana" and "Sathyaye Geethaya," demonstrating that artistic expression could serve society and inspire hope for positive change.
The Prime Minister shared personal reflections on Dr. Nanda Malini's impact, recalling that her songs had accompanied her through various life stages and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the musician's 82nd birthday exactly one year prior. She concluded by stating that although Dr. Nanda Malini's voice had fallen silent, her artistic legacy, the songs she created and her example of artistic responsibility would continue guiding future generations. The Prime Minister extended condolences to Dr. Nanda Malini's two daughters and family members.
