Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has mourned the passing of veteran singer Nanda Malini in Parliament, lauding her principled stance on democratic values and humanitarian causes throughout her career.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa addressed Parliament today to express condolences following the death of renowned singer Nanda Malini, characterizing her as an artist whose commitment to democratic principles and human welfare remained unwavering throughout her life. Premadasa highlighted Malini's dedication to humanitarian values and her willingness to act according to her conscience, even when doing so contradicted prevailing political currents.
Premadasa recalled significant moments in Malini's career that demonstrated her principled approach to art and activism. During the 1977 electoral campaign, when many musicians publicly supported the United National Party, Malini chose an independent path rather than compromise her values. He noted that during tumultuous periods in Sri Lankan history—specifically citing 1971, 1988, and 1989—Malini advocated for youth welfare, fundamental rights, and humanitarian concerns despite facing government opposition and restrictions on state media access.
The Opposition Leader positioned Malini among Sri Lanka's most distinguished musical talents, comparing her artistry and resilience to contemporaries including Latha Walpola and Angeline Gunathilaka. Premadasa emphasized that her refusal to yield to external pressures and her consistent moral integrity set an example for all Sri Lankans. He concluded by characterizing her death as a significant loss to the nation, removing from public discourse one of its most principled and compassionate artistic voices.
